Mathematical optimisation
Michiel Thalen · Product & Technology Leader
I build technologythat runs the real world.
Turning strategy into operating systems—from cloud-native finance and automated cell therapy to intelligent energy infrastructure.
ProductTechnologyDataAutomationEnergy
transformations↓
[ 00 / POSITIONING ]
Software stops being a support function when it starts running the business.
[ CODE & CONSEQUENCE ]
The distance between code and consequence kept shrinking.
From software that informs a decision to software that coordinates production and controls physical infrastructure in real time.
Financial operations
Data at scale
Automated cell therapy
Energy infrastructure
From software that recommends—to software that acts.
20+years building digital products
06years as fintech CTO
03regulated operating domains
[ 01 / FLAGSHIP TRANSFORMATIONS ]
Three systems.
Three transformations.
Finance. Cell therapy. Energy. Different worlds, united by one challenge: making complex technology operational.
Six years transforming technology from a supporting layer into the core of a digital financing company.
Mandate
Own product and technology strategy, architecture and software delivery for a platform operating at the intersection of finance, accounting and risk.
Transformation
Moved from early cloud adoption to AWS-based serverless architecture, real-time accounting, automated financial processing, machine-learning classification and secure partner integrations.
Defining outcome
From cloud adoption in 2015 to a fully cloud-native fintech platform in 2020.
2015Cloud foundation
BuildServerless core
AutomateReal-time accounting
LearnML classification
2020Fully cloud-native
Connecting enterprise, production, quality and scientific systems so breakthrough cell science could move towards controlled, automated manufacturing.
Mandate
Own data and automation capabilities across an international GxP environment, connecting science, IT, operational technology, quality and production stakeholders.
Transformation
Helped shape and implement the systems landscape spanning ERP, OT and production automation, quality control systems, scientific data, FAIR architecture, ontologies and governance.
Defining outcome
A connected, traceable digital foundation designed to enable increasingly automated cell therapy production.
EnterpriseERP & core processes
ProductionOT & automation
QualityControl systems
ScienceFAIR & semantic data
OperateTraceable manufacturing
Building digital energy solutions that make physical infrastructure intelligent, flexible and operational within a constrained electricity grid.
Mandate
Connect product strategy, architecture, software, industrial automation, delivery and operations across multidisciplinary teams and suppliers.
Transformation
Develop Energy Management Systems that coordinate batteries, solar, generators, EV charging and industrial loads—while building reusable standards, simulation capabilities and IT/OT foundations.
Defining outcome
From bespoke asset integrations towards a repeatable digital energy platform for complex customer sites and energy hubs.
ProveEnergy Hub Medel live
SimulatePython EMS suite
StandardiseAsset interfaces
SecureOT connectivity
ScaleDigital energy platform
[ 02 / THE WORK BEHIND THE TITLE ]
Built across
every level.
From mathematical models and source code to teams, platforms and enterprise roadmaps.
PostNL Data Solutions · 2021—2022
Leading Data & IT at logistics scale.
Director Data & ITLed software, data and cloud capabilities in a large operational organisation—connecting an AWS-based technology platform and AI roadmap to commercial and logistical priorities.
ORTEC · 2013—2015
Where complex models became usable products.
Full Stack EngineerWorked on the Media Budget Optimizer, translating advanced mathematical models into software people could use to make better investment decisions.
Entrepreneurship · From age 16
Built to build.
Founder · Builder · TechnologistSelf-taught programmer at fourteen. First company at sixteen. The starting point of a career spent turning technology into products, capabilities and operating systems.
[ 03 / OPERATING UNDER CONSTRAINT ]
Different stakes.
The same discipline.
Innovation counts only when it is secure, traceable and dependable in daily operation.
Joulz
What is at stakePhysical continuity
SystemsEMS · Assets · IT/OT
ControlFail-safe · IEC 62443 · NIS2
“Software is no longer support when it controls how infrastructure behaves in real time.”
[ 04 / HOW I OPERATE ]
Deep enough to understand.
Broad enough to lead.
Trained in electrical engineering, shaped by software and developed through CTO, data, automation, innovation and delivery leadership roles.
01DirectionProduct and technology strategy02DesignArchitecture, standards and roadmaps03MobiliseTeams, partners and stakeholders04OperationaliseFrom test to dependable operation
Best fit
A leadership role with real mandate across product, technology, architecture and execution—where technology is part of the product or primary process.