We Are ETH

ETH Zurich
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
We Are ETH

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.

  1. From Architecture to Sustainable Vertical Farming – Mark Essam Zahran

    5 DAYS AGO

    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 creates sustainable local food systems. The discussion delves into the challenges and market acceptance of vertical farming, the industry’s future potential. Mark also shares his entrepreneurial journey, the power of collaboration, and his personal inspirations. Books mentioned in this episode: Playground by Richard Powers Overstory by Richard Powers Feeding the world in the 21st century by Dickson Despommier Podcasts mentioned in this episode: Joe Rogan Experience with Michio Kaku Lex Friedman Chapters: (00:43) Introduction to Chagaccino (02:08) From Architecture to Vertical Farming (04:52) The Concept of Vertical Farming (07:25) Market Acceptance and Global Demand (13:04) Entrepreneurial Journey and Inspirations (17:05) Reflections and Future Aspirations (24:04) Rapid Fire Questions (26:32) Closing Remarks

    27 min
  2. The Host Takes the Spotlight: Susan Kish's Journey and Insights

    12/19/2024 · BONUS

    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 about her fascinating career journey—from her beginnings in investment banking to thriving as an entrepreneur and executive consultant. Susan reflects on her Nordic heritage, her strong connection to ETH, and the transformative power of storytelling. She also shares memorable moments from behind the scenes of We Are ETH, insights into the diversity of guests, and her favorite book recommendations for the holiday season. Books mentioned in the episode: Wind and Truth - Brandon Sanderson Chapters: (02:18) Susan's Multifaceted Career Journey (04:02) Connecting with ETH Zurich (07:59) The We Are ETH Podcast Experience (16:13) Behind the Scenes and Favorite Moments (19:01) The Essence of a Great Podcast (26:23) Holiday Traditions and Book Recommendations (30:08) Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

    31 min
  3. How Can AI and the Community Drive Climate Action? – David Dao

    12/12/2024

    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 climate activism, his experiences at the COP climate conferences to winning the XPRIZE. From AI innovation, valuable support for indigenous communities to mapping Brazilian nut trees, Dao reflects on his personal story as the son of Vietnamese refugees and how it has influenced his pursuit of meaningful impact. From preserving cultural heritage with AI to redefining climate finance, Dao offers a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and community-led action.   This is his story. books mentioned in this episode: Matilda - Roald Dahl Chapters: (00:43) David Dao's Recent Experience at COP (02:19) Climate Finance Negotiations (03:53) Role of Youth Activists at COP (04:36) GainForest and the XPRIZE Journey (07:08) AI and Indigenous Communities (18:39) David Dao's Personal Journey (23:35) Final Thoughts and Reflections (26:13) Closing Questions

    29 min
  4. From Doodle to Decarbonization – Myke Naef

    12/05/2024

    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 a game-changing startup to leading investments in climate tech? Myke Naef, founder of Doodle and Übermorgen Ventures, shares his journey of innovation, reveals the surprising origin of Doodle, and explains how his unique mix of computer science and didactics shaped his path to champion sustainable innovation in climate tech. This is his story. books mentioned in this episode: Good Strategy, Bad Strategy - Richard Rumelt Fahrenheit 451 (01:01) Educational Background: Didactics and Computer Science (03:03) Early Career: From Commodore 64 to Cybersecurity (09:16) The Doodle Journey: From Hobby to Success (14:28) Life After Doodle: Business Angel and Übermorgen Ventures (16:57) Focus on Climate Tech: The Mission of Übermorgen (21:51) Reflections and Personal Insights (25:05) Closing Thoughts

    29 min
  5. Embracing Innovation - Robotics and Hugs - Alexis E. Block

    11/21/2024

    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 HuggieBot, a robot crafted to deliver meaningful hugs based on eleven guiding principles. She shares the profound emotional and physical benefits of hugging, emphasizing its role in enhancing social support and reducing stress.Through her personal experiences, Alexis illustrates the power of interdisciplinary research in creating emotionally intelligent robots. Tune in to hear how her time at ETH Zurich shaped her path and her secret tip about her favorite spot on campus, plus enjoy the unforgettable musical serenade with Susan! This is her story. Books mentioned in this episode: The Nightingale by Kristen Hanna The Dutch House by Anne Patchett Chapters: (00:18) Meet Alexis Block: Robotics Expert and Hugging Enthusiast (00:42) The Science of Hugging Robots (02:18) Experimenting with Hugging Robots (05:05) Changing Perceptions of Robotics (07:30) The Journey to HuggieBot (08:09) The Importance of Hugs (08:59) Personal Motivation and Academic Journey (18:18) From ETH to Case Western: A Career in Robotics (19:49) Reflections and Future Directions (22:27) Closing Thoughts and Personal Insights

    28 min
  6. A Journey Beyond Time – Stephan Sigrist

    11/07/2024

    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, founder of W.I.R.E., as he shares his story about owning that iconic car and W.I.R.E.'s mission: to provide a foundation for business decision-making, rather than just predictions about the future. Discover Stephan's unexpected journey from studying biochemistry at ETH Zurich to becoming a thought leader, along with insights on long-term thinking amid societal changes.  This is his story. Authors or magazine's mentioned in the podcast: Wired Magazine Harvard Business Review Friedrich Dürrenmatt Chapters: (01:23) The Evolution of W.I.R.E. (03:34) Geographical Journey: Zurich to London and Back (06:30) The DeLorean Story (11:15) Curating the Future: Methodologies and Challenges (13:46) Understanding W.I.R.E.'s Role and Services (17:32) Stephan's Academic and Professional Background (23:08) Final Thoughts and Reflections (27:13) Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

    28 min
  7. Combating «Forever Chemicals» – Fajer Mushtaq

    10/24/2024

    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 talks about her personal journey, how she left her home country at the age of 17 to study mechanical engineering in England, her motivation in the fight against water pollution through her experience and why she wanted to come to ETH for her PhD.   This is her story. Chapters: (00:15) Meet Fajer Mushtaq: CEO of Oxyle (00:37) Cultural Differences: From Kashmir to Zurich (01:08) Educational Journey: From India to the UK (02:09) Discovering Microanalysis Systems (04:43) The Birth of Oxyle (05:01) How Oxyle's Technology Works (09:44) Scaling the Solution (15:54) Personal Reflections and Future Goals (21:20) Closing Thoughts and Reflections

    24 min
  8. Tackling Drug Resistance in Cancer Treatment – Stefanie Flückiger

    10/03/2024

    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 entrepreneurship, the impact of diversity in driving innovation, and the intriguing science behind cancer cells' resistance to drugs. This is her story. Chapters: (01:06) The Role of Awards and Female Leadership (03:52) Diversity in Leadership and Innovation (06:21) The Catalyst for Starting Tolremo (10:30) Understanding Cancer Cell Resistance (15:30) From Academia to Biotech: The Journey of Tolremo (19:47) Stephanie's Academic Background and ETH Experience (22:34) Closing Thoughts and Personal Insights Books mentioned: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker Podcast mentioned: Huberman Lab Podcast

    27 min
See All (53)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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, and a way of life.

Information

  • Creator
    ETH Zurich
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 ETH Zurich
  • Show Website
    We Are ETH

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada