Multiple award-winner of the SpaceX Hyperloop Competition, and founder of the EPFLoop team. He graduated as a Valedictorian in Electrical Engineering and is a current PhD candidate at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, EPFL, working on a thesis focused on Electrical Energy, Optimal Design and Operation Strategies of the Hyperloop Transportation System.
Multiple award winner of the SpaceX Hyperloop Competition with the EPFLoop team. He has extensive technical experience, ranging from medical device development to engine design of FA-18 fighter jets. He holds a degree with a focus on Mechanical Design and Materials Science and is the current Mechanical Engineering Lead of the Mechanical Metallurgy Laboratory at EPFL.
With a product design and entrepreneurial background, Vlad brings both technical and business strategy experience to the Swisspod team. He is the co-founder of both Oupio, a consumer electronics company, and Creative Pill Design Studio, a design & engineering consultancy. He holds a degree in Architecture with an area of expertise in Architectural and Product Design.
Gila joined Swisspod with more than 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, working at leading international regulatory agencies and airlines such as Swissair, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and DSV-Panalpina. Her expertise in Risk and Governance covers Safety, Supply Chain Security, Sustainability, Cross-Border Facilitation and Quality. She holds an MBA with concentration on Market Research as well as a BSc in Technology.
Dario is a specialist in Electromagnetic Systems Design, Construction and Operation, Magnetic Materials and Multiphysics Simulation. He has acquired over 20 years of experience in the field and is a Principal Investigator in multiple research projects funded by academia, industry partners and governments.
Teodor holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering at EPFL, focused on Nanoscale Device Engineering and Microfabrication. He has a background in Analog Integrated Circuit Design and also has great interest in hands-on mechanical engineering and prototyping.
Materials, Processes and Systems engineer with experience in design, manufacturing, inspection, and testing of AM parts combining strong hands-on experience with modeling, statistical analysis, and theory. Experienced in process method development, validation, control and optimization for innovative advanced and high-performance materials. He holds a PhD in Materials Science in conjunction with ESA and the Swiss Space Center.
With a scientific and entrepreneurial background, Maria understands the technological and business challenges that deep tech start-ups are facing. She is passionate about science and technology-based start-ups, game-changing innovations, and purpose-driven businesses that focus on creating value and impact. She holds a PhD in Physics, an MBA, and she brings more than 10 years of experience working with deep technology start-ups in business development and strategy.
Multiple award-winner of the SpaceX Hyperloop Competition, and founder of the EPFLoop team. He graduated as a Valedictorian in Electrical Engineering and is a current PhD candidate at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, EPFL, working on a thesis focused on Electrical Energy, Optimal Design and Operation Strategies of the Hyperloop Transportation System.
Multiple award winner of the SpaceX Hyperloop Competition with the EPFLoop team. He has extensive technical experience, ranging from medical device development to engine design of FA-18 fighter jets. He holds a degree with a focus on Mechanical Design and Materials Science and is the current Mechanical Engineering Lead of the Mechanical Metallurgy Laboratory at EPFL.
The Chair of Entrepreneurship and Technology Commercialization at EPFL, Academic Director of Executive Education at the College of Management of Technology, and former VP for Innovation. His research on Innovation and Strategy is published by prestigious journals such as the Journal of Business Venturing. He was ranked the #1 researcher worldwide in Entrepreneurship (2005-2015) and author of “Where to Play: 3 Steps for Discovering Your Most Valuable Market Opportunities”.
NYU Professor of Civil Engineering and Inaugural Chair of the IDC Innovation Hub, as well as former NYC Traffic Commissioner, President of MTA Capital Construction and Engineer-in-Chief. He has decades of experience in the transportation industry, managing complex mega-projects such as the East Side Access, Second Avenue Subway, No. 7 Line Extension, and the Fulton Transit Center. At Swisspod, he is involved in Strategic Planning, both operationally and strategically.
President of Keiretsu Forum Midwest, and renowned expert in dynamic industries, with extensive expertise in Smart City Development, Airport Cities, & Smart Transportation, particularly high-speed rail. Former PwC Principal & NYU-Poly Professor, with 35+ years of experience working with private enterprises and public sector agencies worldwide. His multifaceted perspective provides strategic guidance, enabling Swisspod to strengthen its position at the forefront of the transportation market.