Leon Lim is the CEO and Founder of Groundup.ai, a startup based in Singapore that uses industrial IoT and artificial intelligence to help companies avoid unexpected machine breakdowns. With a decade of experience in technology and AI, Leon has built and exited two ventures and managed one of Singapore’s largest blockchain data centers. His unique background includes a stint as principal French Horn player for the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, where his ear for sound inspired his later work in AI-powered machine health. Leon remains active in the local startup scene as a mentor and investor, blending a passion for tech innovation with a commitment to nurturing new entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Leon shares how his journey from music to deep tech led to the creation of a new approach called “cognitive maintenance,” which goes beyond traditional time-based methods by combining data from sensors, alarms, and workflows to give a clearer view of machine health. He talks about the challenges of convincing industries to embrace new technology, the importance of human roles alongside AI, and why he sees Industry 5.0 as a partnership where technology helps humans perform better rather than replace them. Drawing on real-world experience with clients like the Singapore Navy, Leon also highlights Groundup.ai’s focus on expanding in Southeast Asia and beyond, and offers practical advice for AI founders focused on solving real problems instead of chasing flashy solutions.