PODCAST · business
We Are ETH
by ETH Zurich
We Are ETH is a podcast series featuring stories from Alumni of ETH Zurich around the globe. Hosted by ETH Circle Member and Entrepreneur Susan Kish, We Are ETH brings you conversations with the people who have taken their ETH experience out into the world and turned it into a company, a career, and a way of life.
Episodes
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Building Tomorrow: ETH President Joël Mesot on Innovation, Partnerships, and Real-World Impact
In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish speaks with Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, a scientist and people-first leader who has guided ETH through rapid change with calm resolve and big ambition. With warmth and humility, Mesot explains how collective intelligence across departments...
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Redefining the Human: Tobias Rees on AI, Microbiomes, and the New Brain
In this episode of We Are ETH, Susan Kish speaks with Tobias Rees, philosopher, and anthropologist, about how science and technology are rewriting our idea of “human”. Tobias explains the shift from seeing the brain as fixed chemistry to a living system that renews and adapts. He explores how the...
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Smart Cities, Hot Climates: How Estefanía Tapias is turning research and experience into real cities
In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish talks with Dr. Estefanía Tapias, ETH Zurich alumna and smart-city expert, about building resilient, people-centered cities. Estefanía traces a path from Bogotá to Zurich, through the Future Cities Lab in Singapore, to her current work in Dubai,...
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Debugging AI Agents at Scale: Roman Engeler on Traces, Guardrails & Atla
Host Susan Kish talks with Roman Engeler, ETH Zurich alumnus and co-founder of Atla, about how modern AI agents make decisions and how to keep them safe, reliable, and fast. Roman explains traces – the step-by-step records of an agent’s reasoning – s and shows how Atla helps teams debug, evaluate...
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From Physics to Flavor: Sue Tobler & Remo Gisi’s Tastelab Revolution
In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish sits down with ETH alumni Sue Tobler (physics) and Remo Gisi (computer science). They are the cofounders of Tastelab, a culinary studio that turns algorithms and physics into unforgettable plant based dining. Sue and Remo share how they moved from...
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From ETH Zurich to ANYbotics: Péter Fankhauser on Building the Future of Robots
In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish talks with Péter Fankhauser, CEO and co-founder of ANYbotics, about his journey from an ETH Zurich spinoff to leading one of the world’s most exciting robotics companies. Péter shares how his fascination with robots turned into a global business, the...
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From Campus to Cosmos: ETH Zurich’s Space Vision with Marco Tempest and Nanja Strecker
ETH Zurich is reaching for the stars – literally. In this special episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish speaks with techno-magician Marco Tempest and innovation strategist Dr. Nanja Strecker, two visionary forces behind ETH Zurich’s rapidly growing space ecosystem. They explore how ETH is...
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Olympian, Engineer, Cookbook Author: Emma Pooley’s Impressive Life
Olympic medalist, world champion cyclist, engineer, and cookbook author – Dr. Emma Pooley has never fit into a single box. In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish sits down with the ETH Zurich PhD alumna to talk about her extraordinary path from Cambridge mathematics student to elite...
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Reinventing Haifa for the 21st Century: Einat Kalisch-Rotem’s Urban Vision
In this episode of We Are ETH, host Susan Kish speaks with Dr. Einat Kalisch-Rotem, the first woman mayor of Haifa and a visionary force in modern urban planning. Trained as an architect at ETH Zurich, Einat shares how her ETH experience shaped the bold strategies she’s using to reimagine Haifa’s...
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Capturing Carbon at Scale: Jan Wurzbacher on Engineering Climate Solutions
Dr. Jan Wurzbacher, ETH alumnus and co-founder of Climeworks, joins host Susan Kish to talk about the urgent need—and emerging science—behind removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Born out of a vision shared with fellow ETH engineer Christophe Gebald, Climeworks has grown from lab experiments at ETH...
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Where Architecture Meets Marine Biology: Ulrike Pfreundt on Coral Restoration
Marine biologist and ETH alumna Dr. Ulrike Pfreundt shares her journey from rainforest activism to coral reef regeneration. As co-founder and co-CEO of RRREEFS, she is pioneering a novel approach to rebuilding lost reef ecosystems—using 3D-printed clay structures inspired by architecture…
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Teaching Drones to See with Margarita Chli
In this episode, host Susan Kish speaks with Professor Margarita Chli, a leading figure in robotic vision and autonomous systems. As the head of the Vision for Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich and the University of Cyprus, Professor Chli discusses how her research enables drones to perceive and…
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From the Amazon to the World: Forging Global Climate Solutions – Benjamin Bollmann
In this follow-up episode, Benjamin Bollmann, CEO of Swissnex Brazil, delves into Brazil’s prominent role in global climate initiatives, particularly with the upcoming COP30 in the Amazon. He explains how Swissnex is working to foster international cooperation, focusing on the intersection of...
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From ETH Zurich to São Paulo: Leading Innovation Ecosystems – Benjamin Bollmann
ETH alumnus Benjamin Bollmann, CEO of Swissnex Brazil, discusses his diverse path from ETH Zurich to his leadership role at Swissnex, connecting science, innovation, and education. With a background in neuroscience and technology from ETH Zurich and MIT, Benjamin reflects on the challenges and...
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Reimagining Architecture with Traditional Craft and Modern Design with Guillaume Othenin-Girard
ETH alumnus Guillaume Othenin-Girard, an assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong and co-founder of the Architectural Land Initiative, explores how architecture connects history, sustainability, and social impact. From a Dezeen Award-winning project in Peru, where he led ETH and…
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Unraveling Marine Mysteries of Walking Fish and Vanishing Sharks – Fabienne Ziadi Künzli
Fabienne Ziadi Künzli, a Swiss fish ecologist and ETH Zurich alumna, takes us from Zurich to Okinawa, where she studies the intricate world of fish behavior and marine ecosystems. From the astonishing adaptability of mudskippers—fish that can walk on land—to the urgent threats facing shark...
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How Does Quantum Computing Work? – Fabio Scafirimuto
Learn about quantum computing with ETH alum Fabio Scafirimuto, who shares quantum basics, career opportunities, and his inspiring journey from ETH Zurich to IBM Quantum. ETH alum Fabio Scafirimuto, Education & Workforce Lead for IBM Quantum in EMEA, breaks down quantum basics—qubits…
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Transforming Space Travel with Nutrient Recycling – Grace Crain-Wright
Grace Crain-Wright, a plant ecologist and STEM educator, takes us on an extraordinary journey from her academic roots in the US to her cutting-edge research at ETH Zurich. As a key figure in the European Space Agency’s MELiSSA project, Grace pioneers nutrient recycling technologies for…
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Transforming Waste into Resources – Christophe Gence
ETH alumnus Christophe Gence shares his journey from mechanical engineering to leading Paprec, exploring innovations in recycling and the importance of lifelong learning and networking. ETH alumnus Christophe Gence talks about his journey from mechanical engineering to leading Paprec Switzerland...
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From Architecture to Sustainable Vertical Farming – Mark Essam Zahran
Mark Essam Zahran, ETH alumnus, co-founder and CEO of Swiss vertical farming pioneer Yasai, shares how he transitioned from architecture to revolutionizing food production with innovative systems like hydroponics and aeroponics. Explore how vertical farming saves water, reduces imports, and…
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The Host Takes the Spotlight: Susan Kish's Journey and Insights
In this special We Are ETH episode, host Susan Kish shares her inspiring career journey, Nordic roots, and behind-the-scenes podcast insights. For this special episode, the tables turn as our regular host, Susan Kish, becomes the guest! Susan, an entrepreneur, strategist, and executive, opens up...
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How Can AI and the Community Drive Climate Action? – David Dao
David Dao, ETH alumnus and GainForest scientist, shares his journey from climate activism to XPRIZE-winning AI innovations, supporting indigenous communities, and driving impactful solutions. David Dao, ETH Zurich alumnus, co-founder and chief scientist of GainForest, talks about his journey from...
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From Doodle to Decarbonization – Myke Naef
ETH alumnus and computer scientist Myke Naef shares his journey from founding Doodle to pioneering investments in climate tech, blending innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. What sparked the idea for Doodle, the tool we all love for scheduling? How did an ETH alumnus go from building…
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Embracing Innovation - Robotics and Hugs - Alexis E. Block
ETH alumna Alexis E. Block and assistant professor at the Case Western Reserve University discusses her HuggieBot research, designed for high-quality hugs, highlighting its emotional benefits, design process, and her journey from grief to innovation. Discover Alexis' heartfelt journey with her...
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A Journey Beyond Time – Stephan Sigrist
With a background in biochemistry and former researcher at Collegium Helveticum, Stephan Sigrist, founder of the think tank W.I.R.E., is dedicated to the power of collaboration and creative thinking. Remember the DeLorean from Back to the Future? Listen to the conversation with Stephan Sigrist,...
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Combating «Forever Chemicals» – Fajer Mushtaq
Did you know that toxic pollutants can even be found in some water bottles? Fajer Mushtaq, co-founder and CEO of Oxyle, an ETH spin-off, has developed a breakthrough technology that removes toxic PFAS from water through chemical oxidation, resulting in cleaner and safer drinking water. Fajer…
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Tackling Drug Resistance in Cancer Treatment – Stefanie Flückiger
Stefanie Flückiger, co-founder and CEO of Tolremo Therapeutics, is transforming cancer treatment with her innovative biotech company. Discover how Tolremo, an ETH spinoff, is tackling non-genetic drug resistance with cutting-edge technology. Hear about Stefanie's unique journey from academia to...
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How to Cultivate Meat – Nicole Kleger
Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, Nicole Kleger co-founded Sallea, a startup focused on pioneering sustainable solutions in the cultivated meat industry, driven by her passion for impactful science. Nicole Kleger transitioned from academic research to entrepreneurship, co-founding...
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Leadership, Innovation, and the Power of Education – Suzanne Thoma
Suzanne Thoma, Sulzer’s executive president and ETH Zurich alumna, discusses her career journey, the power of engineering education, and her role in transforming the Swiss industry. Dr. Suzanne Thoma, executive president of the Sulzer Group, is widely recognized as one of the most influential…
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Transforming the Chemical Industry – Remy Buser
Remy Buser's journey from studying at ETH to founding Bloom Biorenewables and how he emphasises the need to defossilise materials and find sustainable alternatives. Remy Buseris on a mission to replace fossil carbon with renewable carbon in the chemical industry! The CEO and co-founder of Bloom...
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From Research to Action: Combating Climate Extremes – Wim Thiery
Wim Thiery, a climate scientist and associate professor at the University of Brussels, revealed during his recent visit at ETH Zurich, that children born in 2020 will face significantly more extreme weather events than previous generations. Wim Thiery, climate scientist and Associate Professor at...
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Closing the Gender Data Gap: FemTech and Female-Centric Healthcare – Oriana Kraft
Oriana Kraft, entrepreneur and founder of the FemTechnology Summit explains the need for gender-specific care in medicine and the potential of FemTech to revolutionise healthcare. In this episode, Oriana Kraft, founder of Fem Technology, delves into the gender data health gap and the burgeoning...
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Revolutionising Stroke Treatment – Christophe Chautems
Meet Christophe Chautems, CTO of Nanoflex Robotics, bridging Mars rover expertise to medical robotics, revolutionising stroke treatment with magnetic technology. Christophe Chautems, CTO of Nanoflex Robotics, talks about the breakthrough medical robotics technology that uses magnets to navigate...
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Sustainability Through Collaboration - Etienne Jeoffroy
Join us on an inspiring journey with Etienne Jeoffroy, CEO of ETH spin-off FENX, as he shares insights into sustainable materials innovation and its potential impact on reducing carbon footprints. Etienne Jeoffroy, co-founder and CEO of FENX, talks to Susan Kish about his journey in sustainable...
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A Swiss AI Journey – Daniel Naeff
According to ETH Alumni Daniel Naeff, it is important to strike a balance between leveraging the positive aspects of AI and understanding the potential challenges. In this episode, Susan Kish interviews Daniel Naeff, an entrepreneur and one of the leads at the ETH AI Center. They discuss angel...
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Revolutionising the construction industry – Mariana Popescu
Here’s how to put the ‘fabric’ into fabricate, as ETH Zurich alumna and TU Delft Assistant Professor of Digital Fabrication Mariana Popescu explains. Could a knitting machine revolutionise construction? For her PhD, ETH Zurich alumna Mariana Popescu worked with the Block Research Group to show…
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Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone – Sandra Herrmann
ETH Alumna Sandra Herrmann is an oceanographer, a geologist, a paleontologist, a pilot… and member of NASA's Analog Astronauts. Sandra Herrmann studied geology and palaeontology at TU Bergakademie Freiberg and completed her doctorate in natural sciences at ETH Zurich. She subsequently emigrated…
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Becoming AI Literate – Anne Scherer
Anne Scherer, co-founder of Delta Labs AG and author of the book You and AI, explains why trust and comfort are crucial in human-machine interaction. The development of AI has sparked a lot of interest and enthusiasm, and Anne Scherer thinks its rate of development is expected to continue to...
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The Future of Human Civilisation – Olivier de Weck
Olivier de Weck is a leading systems engineering expert, which he describes as “the art and science of building, implementing, and operating complex systems.” Born in Switzerland, he holds degrees in industrial engineering from ETH Zurich (1993) and aerospace systems engineering from MIT (2001),...
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Transportation for All — Georg Polzer
Georg Polzer went straight from completing his studies at ETH Zurich to co-founding Teralytics, an official Spin-Off company of ETH Zurich. An AI-powered platform providing mobility data solutions, Teralytics collects and analyzes large amounts of location data to improve transportation…
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Earth, Mars, and beyond – Mariko Burgin
ETH Zurich alumna and NASA JPL engineer Mariko Burgin discusses her passion for space exploration. Mariko transitioned from ETH Zurich to the University of Michigan before joining NASA, where she works on mission formulation: the journey from a mere idea, to a project for space exploration…
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Why Switzerland may host the next Silicon Valley – Pascal Mathis
Pascal Mathis, co-founder of Get Your Guide and Wingman Ventures, shares his journey as an entrepreneur and angel investor. Starting as an entrepreneur, Pascal Mathis co-founded Get Your Guide, ETH Zurich's first tech unicorn, and later transitioned to angel investing and co-founding Wingman...
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What does education mean to you? - Patricia Schramm
For Patricia Schramm, former president of the American Swiss Foundation, learning the classics at ETH’s neighbour, the University of Zurich, was invaluable. From using Latin to learn English, and now working as a consultant for the Alumni Association of ETH Zurich, education has been the core of...
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Do you know where your clothes really come from? – Michela Puddu
For Michela Puddu, ETH Zurich alumna and Co-Founder of Haelixa Ltd, giving fabrics their own DNA enhancestraceability for consumers and retailers. Moving from Rome to study at ETH Zurich, Michela Puddu’s PhD experience inspired her to become an entrepreneur. Her work has been recognized with...
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Where do you have the most impact? - Lian Pin Koh
Biodiversity expert and former ETH faculty Lian Pin Koh is a pioneer in the use of drones in conservation. As an ex-nominated MP in Singapore, and a professor at the National University of Singapore, Lian Pin’s impact extends to different areas of policy and education. We hear about the nexus of...
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Innovation can be everything, right? – Petra Ehmann
For Petra Ehmann, ETH Zurich alumna and Chief Innovation Officer of Ringier AG, innovation truly is everything. From product development to encouraging more people into STEM, Petra wants her work to have an impact in every possible area. She is passionate about driving innovation at every level,...
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Can you simplify sustainability? – Nicoletta Piccolrovazzi
For ETH Zurich alumna Nicoletta Piccolrovazzi, integrating small sustainability practices into our everyday lives can make the topic less complicated. Nicoletta is keen to highlight that, in spite of having a long career in a single company, she was able to seize the opportunities that came her...
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Women’s right to vote and swimming in rivers – Renata von Tscharner
Architect Renata von Tscharner discusses how women in Switzerland got the vote, the importance of swimming in rivers, and learning to play the accordion. Renata’s fascinating life was shaped by the events she witnessed in Paris in May 1968, when a student revolt became a general strike that…
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What do you really know about fungi? – Sonja Billerbeck
Synthetic biologist and ETH Alumna Sonja Billerbeck discusses microbiology, mushrooms, and metabolisms – as well as the threat and promise of AI in research. From discovering that microbes breathe oxygen and eat sugar, Sonja became enthralled in the world of microorganisms and understanding their...
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How much do you love your robot vacuum cleaner? – Vincent Bédat
Vincent Bédat thinks it’s time to take robotics to the next level. After successful applications in industrial and manufacturing settings, robots need to find a place in our homes. Vincent’s journey has taken him from Switzerland to Germany and now the US. He studied Mechanical Engineering at ETH...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
We Are ETH is a podcast series featuring stories from Alumni of ETH Zurich around the globe. Hosted by ETH Circle Member and Entrepreneur Susan Kish, We Are ETH brings you conversations with the people who have taken their ETH experience out into the world and turned it into a company, a career, and a way of life.
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ETH Zurich
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How many episodes does We Are ETH have?
We Are ETH currently has 72 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is We Are ETH about?
We Are ETH is a podcast series featuring stories from Alumni of ETH Zurich around the globe. Hosted by ETH Circle Member and Entrepreneur Susan Kish, We Are ETH brings you conversations with the people who have taken their ETH experience out into the world and turned it into a company, a career,...
How often does We Are ETH release new episodes?
We Are ETH has 72 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to We Are ETH on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts We Are ETH?
We Are ETH is created and hosted by ETH Zurich.
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