Professor Dr. Marc Gruber, who holds the Chair of Entrepreneurship and Technology Commercialization at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), acts as the Academic Director of Executive Education Programs at the College of Management of Technology, and was the former Vice-President for Innovation, has joined Swisspod’s Board. His technological innovation expertise ties in perfectly with his new role as Vice-Chairman for Innovation and Partnerships at Swisspod and will strengthen external relations, as the company is amplifying its research and business endeavors and capitalizing on growth opportunities.
An internationally acclaimed academic, Dr. Gruber has published notable research on innovation, strategy, and entrepreneurship in empirical journals such as the Journal of Business Venturing, and the Academy of Management Journal, where he served as Deputy Editor. In a research study on the most impactful scholars, Dr. Gruber was ranked as the #1 researcher worldwide in entrepreneurship between 2005 and 2015.
Prior to his current tenure at Europe’s leading technical institute, EPFL, he was the Vice-Director of the Institute of Innovation Research, Technology Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Munich (LMU), and established LMU’s Center for Entrepreneurship. He also held visiting scholar posts at the Business School of Imperial College London, and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. His extensive knowledge in Technology Commercialization and Entrepreneurship is highlighted in his book “Where to Play: 3 Steps for Discovering Your Most Valuable Market Opportunities”, introducing business tools used by thousands of firms.
What motivated you to join Swisspod and what excites you most about the company?
Dr. Gruber: Swisspod is a true technology innovator with a solid business case and highly promising commercial potential "down the road/loop". Yet, even more exciting is the strong team of engineering and business experts led by Denis and Cyril, the two co-founders whose entrepreneurial spirit is driving the venture forward at high speed.
How does your remarkable career trajectory align with Swisspod's mission?
Dr. Gruber: My research interests and background in Innovation & Commercialization of Technology map neatly onto Swisspod’s entrepreneurial journey. From the development and testing of the technology to the pre-sale efforts in preparation for a product launch, I will be guiding Swisspod through the necessary steps that need to be taken to successfully market their invention.
What is your vision for the evolution of Swisspod in the near future?
Dr. Gruber: Swisspod’s mission of building Hyperloop-enabling technology aligns with the urgent need of more energy-efficient transportation to alleviate the effects of climate change. Following its clear-cut strategy, Swisspod will reach key value creation milestones and leverage mid- to long-term growth opportunities, paving the way towards the bright future it envisions.