EPFL CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY Fifty Alumni Who Contribute to EPFL’S Success Half a Century of Technological and Scientific Adventures a Look Back at Key Events

The magazine for EPFL graduates

Winter 2019-2020 No 10

EPFL CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY Fifty alumni who contribute to EPFL’s success Half a century of technological and scientific adventures A look back at key events

EPFL science takes on the Alumni careers environmental challenge || p.40 at Pictet || p.46

Alumnist Intro Contents IMPACTFUL TECHNOLOGIES

NETWORK NEWS

05 In a city near you 40 Maoz Fine

EPFL CELEBRATES ITS 40 EPFL science takes on the 50TH ANNIVERSARY environmental challenge

BUSINESS

06 Catherine Leutenegger 46 06 President’s message Parel Thierry

07 Exciting events mark 46 How alumni contribute EPFL’s jubilee to the impact of Pictet and its innovation 08 Reuniting at the Alumni 50th

10 Five decades of science CAREER and innovation 50 Coming out on top at your next performance review

STARTUPS 32

16 Fifty alumni who showcase EPFL’s excellence 52 30 A photographic book to celebrate Astrocast EPFL’s 50th anniversary 52 Astrocast: nanosatellite 32 EPFL history through its archives made in EPFL 53 34 The associations that are the Startup news lifeline of EPFL

5 Alumnist Intro Edito

Dear alumni,

The year 2019 saw EPFL and our network Behind the four beautiful red letters shine brightly on its 50th anniversary of our new logo stand more than 36,000 to which we dedicate this special issue alumni who carry EPFL’s DNA and are of the “Alumnist”. ready to mobilize for their school to meet the challenges ahead. In 50 years, everything has changed and nothing has changed... the more than So 50 years is really just the very beginning. 1,400 graduates who joined us for the 50th Alumni homecoming celebration The entire EPFL Alumni team joins me on November 9th could witness it. in wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a lot of success, health and happiness They were able to (re)discover their for 50 years to come! Leïla Ojjeh (CGC’94), favorite campus and its “cult” sites with Head of EPFL Alumni the help of sections, students and management. A reunion filled with sharing and good humor across generations, nations and faculties, which ended early morning with a great party at the SwissTech Convention Center – just like the old days.

But beyond the fun, our alumni left with great pride. Proud of the science of our school, its education at the forefront, its innovation through the MAKE projects and startups, and its vision for the next 50 years shared by our President Martin Vetterli. Proud to belong to this gold mine of 36,000 talents, illustrated at the confer- ence and through a selection of 50 inspir- ing and diverse portraits in this magazine.

Our community lives thanks to alumni who engage and we had some amazing examples in 2019 for this 50th anniversary. The China chapter has particularly distinguished itself by offering a magnificent electro-magnetic EPFL logo to the School. Some alumni supported the 50 Fifty fund- raising campaign for Education. Our 27 chapters’ presidents and their committees have been more active than ever with more than 100 events. And 180 alumni enrolled in the Forum mentoring program, helping Master students in their first career steps. And the A3 Foundation has granted 4 interest-free loans to alumni for their con- tinuous learning. Finally yet importantly, your contributions have been instrumental to making this all happen and beyond.

6 Alumnist Network

IN A CITY NEAR YOU Christian Brun Alain Herzog

THE ALUMNI COMMUNITY WELCOMES ALUMNI BASED IN CHINA GIFT US WITH ITS 1,028 NEW GRADUATES A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF LOGO

A total of 1,028 people, many of them surrounded by friends and EPFL’s 50th anniversary is uniting alumni the world over. To mark loved ones, came to celebrate the end of their studies and the start the occasion, alumni living in China have designed a unique gift – to a new life, as alumni. The graduation ceremony was held on a spinning EPFL logo. The school’s symbol spins using innovative October 5, 2019 at the SwissTech Convention Center. It was a beauti- magnetic field technology developed by DeepMag, a company ful ceremony, featuring the attendance of Swiss Federal Councillor founded by two alumni, Peng Chuyao and Dr Cui Qingwen. The gift Alain Berset. Two Alumni Awards were also handed out – one to was presented to EPFL President Martin Vetterli on November 9, Florence Schnydrig Moser (MA’97), CEO of Swisscard, and the other to 2019 at the Alumni 50th event. Now it has found its home on Nicolas Cudré-Mauroux (MX’85, PhD MX’88), CTO of Solvay (profiles campus in one of the school’s management staff meeting rooms. on p. 17). Additionally, 13 alumni took the time to attend as sponsors, share their stories and offer valuable advice to the young graduates from their respective sections. We would like to thank them for their dedication, and congratulations to all the new alumni!

GRADUATING CLASSES VISIT TO THE EUROPEAN RETURN TO CAMPUS SPACE AGENCY IN THE NETHERLANDS Alumni from the very first Mechanical Engineering graduating class, of 1969, In June 2019, alumni based in the met on campus in April to celebrate their Netherlands had the privilege of taking a 50th class reunion. To honour this anniver- behind-the-scenes look at the European sary, they came with their loved ones and Space Agency. Of the ESA’s several sites had the opportunity to meet Martin Vetterli, in Europe, the European Space Research President of EPFL (see photo). A few and Technology Centre in Noordwijk is the weeks later, the Materials Science class DR biggest. This facility acts as an incubator of 1989 was also back, to celebrate its for European space programmes. In other 30th class reunion. In September, the MORE EVENTS IN words, it is the agency’s technical hub, school had the pleasure of welcoming LAUSANNE AND THE where most of its projects are launched a delegation of alumni who work at SURROUNDING REGION and are guided through their various deve Richemont group. Each occasion provided lopment phases. The tour was organised former students with the opportunity to Events organised by EPFL Alumni and its by EPFL’s Netherlands chapter, and alumni learn more about research projects and Vaud-Valais chapter have primarily been held from ETHZ were also invited. rediscover the campus. on campus. But now they are beginning to move further afield. In 2019, alumni had the opportunity to participate in several company visits and learn about major urban planning projects, such as the Lausanne–Echallens– Bercher tunnel and the new Riviera-Chablais hospital worksites. More networking events will also be organised, with monthly after-work get-togethers and family-oriented activities, such as visits to the Ferpècle and Mont Miné glaciers in the Val d’Hérens. These types of events will continue to develop in 2020, including visits to the Vaud Parliament building, the new Pôle Muséal museum centre in Arnaud Aubelle Lausanne, and many companies. DR

7 Alumnist

EPFL celebrates its 50th anniversary

Dear Alumni,

During 2019, the celebrations of the Until this year, we have always been 50th anniversary of the federalisation highly ranked and have sometimes even of EPFL have played an important role led the annual rankings of the world’s in our daily lives. Numerous events best universities under 50 years old. throughout the year have celebrated We now cross this age barrier with our research, innovation and education. our ambition still going strong, not More than 1,400 of you attended the of “always more” but instead “always Alumni 50th on November 9 and more better”. Rather than trying to increase than 40,000 people came to find out numbers, we want most of all to continue more about us during our Open House attracting great talent and contribute to event in September. creating, through science, the world of tomorrow. Sustainability is one of the Of course, there are many things for us most crucial challenges we face. The to be proud of. The campus has changed subject is everywhere: at the heart of significantly over the past 50 years, and current affairs, one of our key concerns the older ones among you will surely in our everyday life as citizens, but also consider this as putting it mildly. The in EPFL’s laboratories, as you will see number of students and departments in this edition of the magazine. has considerably increased, and EPFL’s reputation has crossed the border beyond As the year comes to an end, I would the Vaud region, Switzerland, and even like to wish you a very happy 2020. Europe. We can take pride in saying that And, as it’s not quite too late, let’s we train top-level entrepreneurs and continue to enjoy this year of celebrations researchers, and more broadly, talented and continue to immerse ourselves in the individuals with profiles sought after 50-year history of EPFL, which is also and valued by companies. your history.

There has been a lot of buzz about our anniversary, from us in our communication and in the media, but please do not think we are being pretentious. These celebrations are also, and above all, a way to thank the Confederation and to thank you, because, in addition to being our alumni, you are also often the ones who help us fund this Martin Vetterli remarkable adventure. President of EPFL Nick Hunger

8 Alumnist A 50th anniversary full of highlights

EPFL’s 50th anniversary featured several events to celebrate the institution’s research, innovations and education. Topping the list was EPFL’s Open House, which drew Text: EPFL 40,000 visitors on September 14 and 15, 2019.

n enticing programme attracted people in droves to EPFL’s 2019 Open House event. Driven by the beautiful weather, nearly A 40,000 people, including many children, came to learn more about the treasures that the school, which became a federal institution 50 years ago, has to offer. No less than 300 activities were available throughout the weekend. Many spectacular events took place, such as shows on physics and chemistry, unique events featuring Fred Courant, the “wizard” host of the television show Esprit Sorcier (and previously of C’est pas sorcier), and Drone Days. And finally, visitors could feel the real heartbeat of the science at EPFL in the laboratories, experimental rooms and prototyping workshops. Murielle Gerber Several other events have been organised in 2019 Pierre Vandergheynst, EPFL Vice-President for Education, at to celebrate the school’s three missions with Education Day on May 17th, 2019. Education Day in May, Research Day in September, and Innovation Day in November. For each event, workshops or expert talks were open to the public, partners and the scientific community. Equality was also a key issue on March 8. For International Women’s Day, the school celebrated “50 years of EPFL women”, featuring many alumni.

Lastly, several exceptional conferences with renowned international researchers and speakers took place on campus. Guests included Professor Hiroshi Amano, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2014, mathematician Alessio Figalli, winner of the Fields Medal in 2018, and historian and successful author Yuval Noah Harari. || Alain Herzog Yuval Noah Harari at EPFL on July 10th, 2019. Murielle Gerber Caillet Jamani 50 Years of EPFL Women, on March 8th, 2019. EPFL Open House, on September 14th and 15th, 2019.

9 Alumnist

Magically reuniting at the Alumni 50th

On November 9th, 2019, more than 1,400 alumni and

Text: friends returned to their campus to celebrate EPFL the 50th anniversary of their alma mater.

The Alumni 50th event was the first of its kind. campaign, emphasised the importance of educa- Never had alums had the chance to come together tion in developing EPFL’s impact and influence in this way for a full day on campus. For more today and in the future. The evening event that recent graduates, the surroundings were familiar. followed, featuring a concert by the EPFL Big But for others, it was the opportunity to rediscover Band, wrapped up this unique 50th anniversary a campus that they had not seen for 10, 20 or celebration on a high note. || 30 years, sometimes more. Alumni from the classes of 1948 to 2019 made the trip from the four corners of the world, including China, India and the United States. Graduates from all sections attended the event, but an overwhelming number of former students from the School of Computer and Communication Sciences, and the sections With support from of Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering were present.

Emotion was high that morning, with everyone reunited with their section, fellow students, Professors and even their amphitheatres. Each section prepared a full programme of talks and demonstrations for its former students. The after- noon featured presentations and stands of EPFL startups, MAKE projects and associations to highlight the different facets of innovation at EPFL and student projects. More adventurous visitors could take part in a treasure hunt concocted by Agepoly, while others preferred to simply settle into their favourite sofa at Satellite.

The celebration closed with an evening event where alumni had the opportunity to see how science and education shine at their school. After a presentation by President Martin Vetterli, who discussed the past and future of EPFL, André Borschberg (profile on p.20), co-founder and pilot of Solar Impulse, and Professor Wendy Lee Queen from the Laboratory for Functional Inorganic Daburon Florent Materials offered examples of how science can Alumni return to their sections and amphitheatres. Here, the Materials Science have a direct impact on climate change. Jacques and Engineering section. Dubochet, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2017 and graduate of EPUL (profile on p.21), was not available to attend the event in person but took the time to speak to graduates in a video and offer his view of how EPFL alumni and, more broadly, the scientific community can take action in dealing with these environmental issues.

Marc Bürki and Paolo Buzzi, co-founders of Swissquote (profiles on p.21), along with Anne Mellano (profile on p.20) and Nathalie Brandenberg, co-founders of Bestmile and Sun Bioscience respectively, demonstrated the key role that EPFL graduates can play in innovation and entrepreneurship. Finally, Pierre Vandergheynst, Vice-President for Education, the EPFLoop team (p.12) and Silvio Napoli (profile on p.28), Murielle Gerber Chairman of the Board of Directors of Schindler Class photos for all sections! Here, alumni from Civil Engineering pose in front of and ambassador of the 50 Fifty philanthropy EPFL’s new logo.

10 Alumnist Arnaud Aubelle Alumni settle right back in at Satellite. Arnaud Aubelle Florent Daburon Florent Student coaches greet alumni before taking them to their sections. EPFL MAKE projects, startups and associations were present at the Rolex Learning Center to meet alumni. Alain Herzog Martin Vetterli speaks about EPFL 50 years ago, today... and in 50 years. Alain Herzog Alain Herzog Alumni on the cutting edge of innovation with the founders of An exciting evening event to celebrate EPFL’s 50th anniversary. Swissquote, Bestmile and SUN Bioscience.

11 Alumnist

A look back on 50 years of science and innovation

EPFL’s 50 years of existence have been filled with innovations. Each one is a story worth being retold. Impressive, decisive and sometimes surprising, these achievements have made EPFL Text: the innovation leader that it is today... and will take us Arnaud Aubelle Emmanuel Barraud into the future. Here, we take a look back at these stories. 01 Moving towards the world’s digital transition Musée Bolo Smaky was such a success that it PFL has been a leading institution EPFL has also been a pioneer in the shift competed with in the area of digitisation since of education towards digital technology. Macintosh at schools 1974. That very year, Professor MOOCs (Mass Open Online Courses) are in French-speaking E Jean-Daniel Nicoud (profile on an excellent example. Since these courses Switzerland. p. 23) developed Smaky, one of the world’s were launched in 2012, EPFL has become 1974 first personal computers. The computer a higher-education leader in Europe, with Smaky, one of was so successful in the early 1980s that over 100 classes available and nearly 2.5 the first personal it was even competing with Macintosh at million students registered. Thymio, the computers, is schools in French-speaking Switzerland. robot developed in 2008 to teach children designed at EPFL Professor Nicoud’s laboratory also came about computers and digital technology, up with one of the very first mice used is now used in many classrooms. Lastly, with computers. Developed collaborative- since 2017, the EPFL Extension School has 1981 ly with Logitech, it was one of the first been offering online courses at a low cost, The Swiss mouse products launched by the company, which without requiring any previous degrees. is developed, now has over 9,000 employees worldwide. The courses focus on fields in demand on and Logitech the job market, such as programming, web is founded In 2001, the Programming Methods application development and data analysis. Laboratory led by Professor Martin Odersky worked on Scala, a new comput- Education. Research. Innovation. EPFL 2012 er programming language. Scala evolved remains and will continue to stay on the The first MOOCs into one of the most commonly used com- cutting edge of digitisation. at EPFL open puter languages, even by tech giants such as Apple, Twitter and Airbnb. Another major innovation came in 2018 when the 2017 international group led by EPFL Professor The EPFL Touradj Ebrahimi finalised JPEG XS, a Extension School new image compression standard. opens

12 Alumnist

Martin Vetterli announcing the creation of EPFL’s Center for Digital Trust in 2017. 02 01 Trust in the digital era Alain Herzog

igital security has become a key To enhance trust in digital systems, 1996 concern, but the technology, Laurent Balmelli, a graduate with a PhD Two alumni found Professors and students at EPFL in communication sciences, co-founded Swissquote, pioneer D have been focusing on the issue the startup strong.codes in 2016 and devel- in online banking for several years now. In 1996, Marc oped an innovative digital protection solu- Bürki and Paolo Buzzi, two EPFL alumni, tion. The startup was bought by Snapchat, founded Swissquote (profiles on page and Laurent Balmelli was appointed 2012 21 and Alumnist 9). This online banking director of Snap Switzerland, a division of An EPFL student pioneer became, in 2017, the first bank to the company focused on security issues. becomes a leader in offer cryptocurrency trading services. Similarly, the startup ID Quantique, cryptography specialised in quantum-safe cryptography, EPFL student Frédéric Jacobs began learn- was bought in 2018 by the South Korean ing about cryptography in 2012 and started telecoms operator SK Telekom for CHF 61 2012 working with Signal, the encrypted mes- million. Grégoire Ribordy, who graduated EPFL Professor Arjen saging service used by Edward Snowden. from EPFL with a Physics degree in 1995, Lenstra reveals Even before getting his degree, his skills founded the company in 2001. weaknesses in security landed him a job in digital security at systems used Apple in 2016. In late 2017, EPFL announced the open- for bank transactions ing of the Center for Digital Trust in In 2012, EPFL Professor Arjen Lenstra and collaboration with institutions such as his team proved that the RSA encryption Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and 2017 key, used to protect bank transactions and the International Committee of the Red The EPFL Center for reputed as inviolable, is not infallible. In Cross (ICRC). Companies such as Elca and Digital Trust opens 2014, he managed to generate the power of Swisscom have also joined the initiative. Its 8,000 computers by interconnecting more objective is to develop cybersecurity, digi- than 200 PlayStation 3 gaming consoles tal transparency and privacy protection. In and create a digital certificate that slipped 2019, EPFL and ETHZ announced the new past web browsers undetected. This joint Master’s programme in cybersecurity. experiment highlighted the need to change automatic data encryption protocols.

13 Alumnist EPFL

The EPFLoop team in front of its capsule in 03 the summer of 2019. Ever faster

PFL is a breeding ground for a landlocked country won the competi- 1970s visionary projects in the field of tion. Alinghi was reliable in ways that The Swissmetro mobility. In the 1970s, a group of its competitors were not. Both victories project is launched E EPFL Professors led by Marcel highlight EPFL’s expertise in a range of Jufer came up with a crazy idea for nation- areas, such as composite materials and wide high-speed transportation. Dubbed the mathematics used to simulate wind 2003 and 2007 Swissmetro, the futuristic train was meant resistance before the race. Alinghi wins to link Bern to Zurich in 12 minutes at a the America’s Cup speed of nearly 600 km/h. A company Advances in sailing continued in 2009 was created in 1992 to complete the proj- with the Hydroptère. This boat designed ect, but the programme was abandoned by EPFL researchers and students beat the 2009 five years later due to lack of support. world speed record, reaching an average The Hydroptère beats speed of 51.36 knots (95 km/h) for 500 the world sailing In 2003 and 2007, EPFL scientists col- metres and maxing out at 103 km/h. speed record laborating with Bertrand Cardis, who graduated from the School of Mechanical In 2018, the Swissmetro dream Engineering in 1981, were in charge of re-emerged in the form of the EPFLoop. 2018 and 2019 building Alinghi boats. With funding This pod propelled through a vacuum EPFLoop wins from businessman Ernesto Bertarelli, tube is expected to bring about a new third place in these boats were designed to race in means of transportation. Participating the Hyperloop the America’s Cup, one of the world’s in the challenge launched by Elon Pod Competition most prestigious sailing competitions. Musk, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, Alinghi won the race both years, a first the EPFL capsule took a top spot in for Switzerland. This was a feat in more both the 2018 and 2019 Hyperloop ways than one, as it was the first time Pod Competitions.

14 Alumnist

Engineering 04 and life science

PFL opened its School of Life Also in rehabilitation, Professor Grégoire Sciences in 2002 as a way to bring Courtine helped three paralysed patients 2002 together engineering, medicine to walk again in 2018. He achieved that by The School of Life Sciences E and biology. The first alumni cele- using electrical stimulation integrated by opens at EPFL brated their graduation in 2008. a wireless implant on the patient’s spinal cord. After a few months of training, these Building on this new fusion of fields, the people managed to control the muscles 2009 school launched the Human Brain Project in their legs, until then paralysed, even The Human Brain Project in 2009, which aimed to reconstruct and without the electrical stimulation. is launched simulate the human brain for research. The project was selected by the European Many other EPFL startups, often founded Commission and benefits from substantial by alumni, have been pioneers in fields 2016 financial support. such as genetic testing and diagnostics. The EPFL spin-off MindMaze Examples include Lunaphore, which becomes the first Swiss In 2013, the EPFL spin-off Nanolive began develops tissue diagnostics technology, startup valued at $1 billion developing a revolutionary microscope to and Sophia Genetics, which has designed see inside living cells. In 2016, the startup genomics testing to detect cancer and MindMaze, operating out of EPFL and hereditary diseases. In the past few years, 2018 founded by alumnus Tej Tadi (PhD SV’11), both companies have made the Top 10 list Professor Grégoire Courtine was valued at over $1 billion, making it at the Swiss Startup Awards. helps three paralysed people the first Swiss unicorn. The young compa- to walk again ny develops a neurorehabilitation tool that uses virtual reality to help victims with brain injury.

Professor Grégoire Courtine’s research has enabled paraplegics to walk. Jamani Caillet Jamani

15 Alumnist

Acting on Professor climate issues Michael Grätzel .

n 1988, Michael Grätzel co-invented the dye-sensitized solar cell. These Grätzel cells were hailed for their I many advantages, being transparent, low-cost and efficient, even in conditions of little sunlight. This innovation sparked

05extensive research in solar energy, Alain Herzog 1988 earning him the top spot in Stanford Grätzel solar cells University’s 2019 ranking of the 100,000 are invented scientific researchers based on accurate, standardised citation metrics. Solar Impulse on the first trip around the world using energy exclusively from the 2016 Meanwhile, Professor Lyesse Laloui has sun. EPFL students won the 2017 Solar Solar Impulse makes come up with an innovative, sustainable Decathlon, the prestigious international its first flight around the world way to use geothermal energy by recover- competition of sustainable construction in a solar-powered plane ing ground heat to supply new structures. projects based on renewable energy. In This technology was used to build the 2019, EPFL was recognised by the World SwissTech Convention Center. Wildlife Fund (WWF) as one of the most 2017 sustainable universities in Switzerland. The EPFL team wins In 2016, alumnus André Borschberg flew Today, more than ever, sustainability is a the Solar Decathlon the solar-powered plane designed by key issue at EPFL (see report on p. 40)

Professor Jamie Paik with an origami robot. Robots step outside the laboratory

EPFL 06

n 1985, Professor Reymond Clavel The Reconfigurable Robotics Lab led by 1985 set out to meet the needs of the Swiss Professor Jamie Paik develops “origami” Delta robots are chocolate industry and developed the robots that can fold and change their created, now an I Delta robot to assist with industrial shape. Meanwhile, soft robots are inspired international standard packaging. Over the years, different ver- by human muscles. These machines are sions were designed, and the technology used to handle fragile objects and protect eventually became a standard. Today, the user. In 2019, the lab is developing 2000 thousands of models are used in a wide 10-gram robots inspired by ants, which EPFL’s Laboratory variety of industries around the world. can also communicate with one another. of Intelligent Systems is founded Since its creation in 2000, the Laboratory Self-driving cars and exoskeletons used of Intelligent Systems (LIS) headed by Dario to support and guide the steps of people Floreano has played a role in the drone with a disability are some of the robotics 2017 revolution (see report in Alumnist 8). Many applications tackled by EPFL and which, First Drone Days startups have been founded by EPFL alumni in the decades to come, will be helping event is held and PhD students. SenseFly is the world humans in several ways. leader in mapping, while Flyability designs drones that can explore confined or dan- 2019 gerous spaces. Drones inspired by insects Reconfigurable deform to absorb shocks. The Lausanne ant-robots can region has notched up so much success in communicate the field that it has earned the nickname with one another “Drone Valley”. With all this expertise, EPFL organises the event Drone Days, held every year in September since 2017.

16 Alumnist EPFL

07 An innovative and EPFL campus world-class campus in 2019.

n 1978, EPFL opened the first buildings With its gentle slopes and almost invisible on its new campus in Ecublens. beams supporting its curved roof, the 1978 architectural structure earned its designers EPFL opened I The first building in the EPFL the Pritzker Prize. its doors on Innovation Park opened its doors in 1993. its current campus The park was one of the first of its kind in The SwissTech Convention Center, inau- Switzerland, offering collaboration oppor- gurated in 2014, is frequently referred to tunities between the school and businesses, as one of the most modern, best equipped 1993 support for scientists in the transfer of convention centres in the world. One of First building opens technology and in the creation of startups. its façades is covered with 300 sq. m of at the Innovation Park Today, about 20 young companies are photovoltaic solar sensors, drawing on founded on the campus every year, and the technology developed by Professor 2,200 people work at the Innovation Park. Michael Grätzel. 2010 EPFL startups raise between CHF 200 and The Rolex CHF 400 million in funding every year. Year after year, the campus continues to Learning Center expand with new, cutting-edge buildings. is inaugurated In 2009, EPFL began expanding to new For example, the new ME building was sites with the opening of Microcity in designed by French architect Dominique Neuchâtel, followed by EPFL Valais Perrault, also known for the Bibliothèque 2014 Wallis in Sion and the Smart Living Lab Nationale de France in Paris. The building The SwissTech Convention in Fribourg (2014), and finally Campus is designed to optimise the management Center opens Biotech in Geneva (2015). Its various of the energy resources used to power it. sites are centres of excellence in their Another project is ArtLab, which unites the respective fields and promote the school world of science and humanities. The two throughout Switzerland. buildings opened in 2016. ||

The Rolex Learning Center, home to libraries, workspaces and food services, opened in 2010. Designed by the Japanese architecture firm SANAA and spanning a single 20,000 sq. m area, the building is now the campus emblem worldwide.

17 Alumnist Fifty alumni who contribute to EPFL’s success

There is no better testament to the quality of EPFL’s education than the careers of its 36,000 alumni. For this anniversary edition, we wanted to take a closer look and highlight 50 examples among the myriad of inspirational careers. Featuring entrepreneurs, researchers, and CEOs, all working in a multitude of industries all around the world, these 50 varied career profiles clearly demonstrate the multidisciplinary dimension of the school and the impact that its alumni are having on the world today.

Text: Arnaud Aubelle Carole Extermann Corinne Feuz Erik Freudenreich Robert Gloy Blandine Guignier Tiago Pires

18 Alumnist

GC’40 developed his vision of federalising the Maurice Cosandey school, similar to that of ETH Zürich. Under his leadership, EPUL finally Founding father became EPFL on January 1st, 1969, of EPFL changing its status from cantonal to federal. He was the first President Maurice Cosandey graduated in Civil of this new federal institution until 1978. Engineering in 1940 and died in October In May 2018, he looked back on certain 2018. He was the President of EPFL milestones, notably the first loan which from 1963 to 1978. Founding father of had been requested to build … sports the EPFL of today, it is thanks to him facilities. “It wasn’t easy. Politicians that the school gained its federal status. found it hard to understand why sports Alain Herzog In 2019, it celebrated its fiftieth anniver- equipment should come before teaching sary as a federal institute. and research. We told them that the stu- When asked by the State Councillor dents also needed to be physically active.” Pierre Oguey what his strategy would be There was no bragging in his remarks: Even well into his retirement, Maurice when he was appointed head of the EPUL the man was simply modest, generous Cosandey stayed loyal to the school and (École polytechnique de l’Université de and down-to-earth. It is also under his kept abreast of the latest developments. Lausanne), Maurice Cosandey replied: presidency that EPFL moved to its current In October 2018, a few months before “The only thing I can tell you is that I will site. It left the city centre of Lausanne his death, he came to the campus, as he do everything I can to make the École for Écublens in 1977 and gained several did every year, to attend the graduation polytechnique de Lausanne a federal new departments, such as mathematics, ceremony. He will forever be the founding institute of technology.” In 1963, he materials science and microtechnology. father of EPFL as we know it.

MA’97 Florence Schnydrig Moser It was during this period that she had she is successfully achieving every her children, proof that it is possible to day, while also showing an aptitude for Major figure combine great professional responsibili- innovation in a banking environment ties with family life. In 2015, she returned undergoing digital transformation. in Swiss finance to Europe and took over as head of the When Florence Schnydrig Moser joined Products, Investments and Marketing EPFL in 1992 she took on a doubly diffi- section for Credit Suisse in Switzerland, cult challenge. Originally from the Ger- simultaneously becoming a member of man-speaking part of Valais, she needed the bank’s national Executive Board. She to learn French in addition to studying also joined the Boards of Directors of for her courses. This was just the first Swisscard and Twint. step in a journey that would take this In 2018, Florence Schnydrig Moser was student with a passion for mathematics appointed CEO of Swisscard, managing to the highest ranks of Swiss finance. 700 people and more than 1.5 million After starting her career at UBS, credit cards. In 2019, she received Florence Schnydrig Moser joined Credit an Alumni Award. At the ceremony, Suisse in 2000. In 2007, she went on to she stressed the importance of “staying develop the bank’s product offering in curious, continuing to learn and not for-

Australia, then in Hong Kong from 2010. getting to have fun”. These are goals Alain Herzog

It was in reading an interview with Silvio a world leader in specialty chemicals. Giobellina, a bobsledder seeking to im- His mission is to align the structure of prove the performance of his equipment, Solvay’s R&D with the group’s priorities that Nicolas Cudré-Mauroux decided and, for example, to develop innovative to contact him. The result was a 10-year and sustainable solutions in areas collaboration, resulting in a bronze such as high-performance batter- medal at the 1984 Olympic Games for ies and composite materials. the athlete and a doctorate in 1988 for Nicolas Cudré-Mauroux is in charge of the student. more than 2,000 people worldwide and An experience that was testament to manages a budget of €350 million. He Nicolas Cudré-Mauroux’s expertise received an Alumni Award in 2019 and is Alain Herzog and passion. For 27 years, he put these a member of the Board of Directors of MX’85 PhD MX’88 two qualities to good use at the DuPont the French National Centre for Scientific Nicolas Cudré-Mauroux chemistry group, specialised in polymer Research (CNRS), an associate member materials. It was a career that, in addition of the Royal Academy of Belgium, and a At the forefront to Geneva, took him to the United States, member of the Board of Governors of Canada and Denmark, filling positions the Argonne Laboratory, one of the larg- of chemistry ranging from R&D to acquisitions and est research laboratories dedicated to Europe Regional Business Director energy in the US. and materials for Advanced Fibers and Nonwovens. What is the relationship between a His career took on a new dimension in bobsleigh world champion and an EPFL 2015 when he was appointed as Chief student? Answer: the study of materials. Technology Officer (CTO) of Solvay,

19 Alumnist

PH’01 Claudia de Rham Interstellar researcher She nearly became an astronaut, but in the end Claudia de Rham became an international expert in cosmology. She has received several international prizes for her research, as well as an Alumni Award. Claudia de Rham’s horizons have no limits. Having grown up in Peru and Madagascar, Claudia de Rham studied at EPFL before working in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. And our planet isn’t enough: she is always looking towards space. Following an internship at NASA in 2000, in 2008 she tried to become an astronaut Annen Hervé by taking the European Space Agency’s selection tests. She got to the final 40 theory challenges aspects of Einstein’s prestigious positions. In 2019, her work out of more than 8,000 applicants, but theories, according to which the graviton on gravitational waves was recognised finally lost out after the final medical does not have mass. by the journal Nature. She has been tests. However, it didn’t matter, as instead Today she is a full Professor at Imperial awarded many distinctions for her work, she went on to conquer space from Earth. College London where her research including the Adams Prize 2018 for her Her fundamental research has led to a inspires many other researchers. Since mathema-tical contributions in cosmolo- new theory to explain why the expansion 2017 she has also been the Principal gy, and of which she is one of only three of the universe is accelerating. Her work Investigator for the European Research female recipients in 150 years. In the shows that the graviton, the quantum of Council’s Massive Gravity and Cosmology same year, she was awarded the Blavatnik gravity, could have a mass, and therefore project, as well as for the Simons Award for Young Scientists in the UK. shows why gravity works in unexpected Foundation’s Origins of the Universe pro- ways at the cosmological scale. This gramme in the United States – two highly Christian Brun S.p.A.Ferrari Alain Herzog

PhD SV’11 IN’17 GM’94 Tej Tadi Hugo Sbai Mattia Binotto The entrepre- A record From EPFL to neur behind in intellectual the head of the first Swiss precocity Scuderia Ferrari unicorn After finishing secondary Mattia Binotto joined Ferrari school at the age of 12, Hugo as a trainee in 1995, immedi- Tej Tadi grew up in India and Sbai completed his master’s de- ately after finishing his studies entered EPFL in 2006 for gree at EPFL in 2017 at the age at EPFL. He was one of his PhD. In 2012, he founded of 16. Can anyone top that? The Michael Schumacher’s personal MindMaze, which aims to help answer is no. He is the youngest engineers in the early 2000s, in the neurological rehabilita- graduate in the history of the when the Formula 1 driver was tion of stroke patients through school. A year later, he obtained racking up World Champion a platform that decodes the a PhD at the University of Lille, titles. In 2016, he became brain. This technology is at the also a record. So, what’s his se- technical director of the Italian intersection of neuroscience, cret? He approaches the curricu- Formula 1 team. In early 2019, mixed reality and artificial lum in a global way, eliminating he was appointed as Managing intelligence. In 2016, the any duplicates it may contain. Director Gestione Sportiva and startup was valued at $1 billion, Now aged 19, he is pursuing a Team Principal, the highest making it the first Swiss uni- second PhD in cybersecurity at position in a Formula 1 team. corn. Leonardo DiCaprio Oxford University. He received an EPFL Alumni is one of its shareholders. Award in 2017.

20 Alumnist Thierry Parel Thierry Mirabaud Nicolas Schopfer

IN’05 SV’12 MA’01 Mark Kornfilt Déborah Heintze Camille Vial Major Revolutionising The master- competitor medicine mind of Geneva for YouTube through finance From Geneva, Mark Kornfilt diagnostics Following her studies in is a celebrity in the United mathematics, in 2001, Camille States. He graduated in Déborah Heintze founded Vial joined the Geneva-based computer science in 2005, Lunaphore in 2014 with Ata private bank Mirabaud, where then moved to New York (to Tuna Ciftlik (PhD MT’13) she represents the seventh work on his Master’s thesis) and Diego Dupouy (PhD generation of the founding where he founded the video MT’16), and is now COO. family. She climbed the career streaming service Livestream The startup’s machines, which ladder and became a managing in 2007. Without knowing came onto the market in 2019, partner in 2011, before becom- it, he would thrive in online reduce the time required to ing the first female President video services, much like analyse cancerous tissue from of the Executive Committee YouTube. His clients include several hours to several min- in 2019, the year of the bank’s major media names, includ- utes. This medical revolution bicentenary celebration. The ing Associated Press, and was recognised when the com- group has 700 employees production companies such pany won second place in the and is present in the world’s as Warner Bros, 20th Century Swiss Startup Awards 2019 for biggest financial centres, from Fox and HBO. The company the most promising startups. Geneva, London and Paris to was so successful that the Heintze was also one of Forbes’ Dubai, Montreal and São Paulo. young entrepreneur sold it to 30under 30 in Germany, Vimeo in 2017, and joined the Austria and Switzerland in operational structure of the 2018. She received an Alumni video viewing giant. Award the same year.

AR’93 Philippe Rahm in a humid and polluted environment. In 2017, he was chosen to design the Architecture and agora of Maison de la Radio (headquarters of Radio France) in Paris and its global warming 1,500-seater auditorium. In 2019, he Based in Paris, Philippe Rahm is an won the competition for his plan to architect and theorist in an era of global renovate the Farini and San Cristoforo warming. He is a pioneer in “meteoro- districts in Milan. logical architecture”, which incorporates His original approach has earned him climate concepts into the choice of many awards. In 2002, he was chosen materials and in the layout of rooms and to represent Switzerland at the Venice ventilation systems. There is an aesthetic Biennale. In 2009, he was among the dimension to his approach, with the finalists of the Ordos Prize. At the aim being to re-establish a strong link time, it was the only international prize between man and the space he occupies. in China for architecture. The artistic In Taichung, Taiwan’s second-largest dimension of his work has often been city, he put this theory into practice with a main feature in exhibitions, such as Jade Eco Park, a 70-hectare urban green the San Francisco Museum of Modern space. It reinforces natural microclimates Art in 2002, the Pompidou Centre in using shade, mist and a variety of tree Paris in 2003, and the Grand Palais in

Philippe Rahm architectes Philippe Rahm species. Its features make the park a haven Paris in 2009.

21 Alumnist DR DR DR

IN’01 GC’12 GM’81 Christoph Anne Mellano Bertrand Cardis Aeschlimann The future Sailing through In pursuit of transport the skies of a digital With Raphael Gindrat (GC’14), Bertrand Cardis is an exception- Switzerland Anne Mellano co-founded the al yachtsman who participated startup Bestmile, a pioneer in in the 1984 Summer Olympics The new head of the IT, the management of autono- in Los Angeles. In the same Network and Infrastructure mous vehicle fleets. Created year, he co-founded Decision division and CTO and CIO in 2014, the company has SA, specialised in manufactur- of Swisscom since February raised $30 million since 2016 ing structures using composite 2019, Christoph Aeschlimann and now employs around 60 materials. The company is working to digitise people based in Lausanne and collaborated with EPFL to build Switzerland. The development San Francisco. With clients in the Alinghi boats, which won of mobile telephony, installa- Europe, the United States and the America’s Cup in 2003 and tion of fibre optics and use Asia, Bestmile is becoming 2007, and the structures of the of artificial intelligence are a market leader. In 2018, the Solar Impulse, which, in 2016, the focus of this IT graduate company was ranked second became the first solar-pow- who is now responsible for among the most promising ered aircraft to successfully 3,500 employees. His tech- startups in the Top 100 Swiss complete a round-the-world nical knowledge primarily Startup Awards. flight. He received an Alumni comes from his experience Award from EPFL in 2007 and as CEO at the software engi- has been vice-president of the neering company ERNI. Alumni Council since 2014.

GM’77 André Borschberg The clean aviation visionary What is Solar Impulse’s legacy? In 2016, Solar Impulse made aviation It took us six years to train the team, find history by successfully completing our financial partners, develop the first the first solar-powered flight around the prototype, Solar Impulse 1 (with EPFL as world. Its co-founder and pilot, André our scientific advisor) and carry out test Borschberg, talks about the ground- flights. The flight around the world, which breaking journey which has paved the Bertrand and I took turns flying, allowed way for tomorrow’s aviation industry. us to demonstrate the potential that this technology has to offer. How did Solar Impulse come about? With this project we have created a My passion for aviation began when I new paradigm; it is the first step towards was just a child; I used to spend hours clean aviation. It is both an ecological reading about the adventures of great pio- and technical revolution because solar neers. I started flying when I was 15 years energy will enable us to provide unlimited old and received my pilot’s licence two duration flights. years later. Studying at EPFL allowed me to explore the world of technology. What are your goals for your new company, H55? Thanks to Patrick Aebischer, I met Bertrand Piccard in the early 2000s and I We are developing electric propulsion was very excited about his idea of flying solutions for clean and silent aircraft. Our around the world without fossil fuels. In first client is an aeroplane manufacturer 2003, Solar Impulse was born, with the goal for pilot training. The first prototype of promoting clean technology. completed its first flight in June 2019. The At the time, electric vehicles didn’t exist medium-term goal is to transform urban and we felt the need to develop a more effi- transport, using our technology to create

DR cient world in terms of energy consumption. the first flying taxis.

22 Alumnist

PH’67 Jacques Dubochet From the observation of water to a Nobel Prize The first Swiss Francophone to receive the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2017, Jacques Dubochet is also a scientist committed to the fight for the environment. As a child, Jacques Dubochet was fascinated by astronomy. “For me, understanding nature was a real necessity”, he recalls. “I was also inspired by my father who had trained as a civil engineer.” From Aigle, he was the first student officially diagnosed as dyslexic in the canton of Vaud. After obtaining

the Swiss high-school maturité cer- Felix Imhof tificate, he entered EPUL. “I particularly enjoyed the training I received. method: vitrification. The researcher an even lower temperature, the damage Engineering has a practical dimension, and his team developed this technique caused by electrons to delicate biologi- being based on construction, and this at the European Molecular Biology cal specimens is considerably reduced. helped me to understand the more Laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany, a It was wrong! Luckily, we realised that.” abstract aspects of physics.” Upon technique which would later become the Alongside his scientific research, graduating in 1967, he decided to spe- cornerstone of cryo-electron micros- Jacques Dubochet is actively involved in cialise in molecular biology by pursuing copy. His research resulted in a Nobel environmental protection efforts. He is further training in Geneva. Prize in Chemistry in 2017, becoming a member of the “Climate Grandparents the first Swiss Francophone to obtain Switzerland” association, has partici His research was centred around the prestigious distinction in chemistry. the observation of water. In order pated in multiple climate strikes, and “We made a few mistakes too” says spoken at the Lausanne climate summit to accurately analyse the molecules Jacques Dubochet. “Another research contained in this element, the bio- “Smile for Future” alongside the young project, different to the one that led to Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. physicist developed a rapid freezing vitrification, led us to believe that, at

Pioneers of online banking

EL’87 MT’88 Marc Bürki Paolo Buzzi Marc Bürki and Paolo Buzzi Paolo Buzzi co-founded first met at a party at EPFL. Swissquote with Marc Bürki Together, they went on to and is now the company’s launch Swissquote in 1996. CTO. He is also a member A pioneer in online banking, of the EPFL Strategic Council. the company now has 662 em- A real EPFL success story, ployees and in 2018 made a in 2017 Swissquote became DR net profit of CHF 44.6 million, the first bank in Europe to IN’01 the highest in the bank’s his- provide trading in crypto- Patrick Hertzog tory. The company also funds currencies. With 2 million the EPFL Chair in Quantitative visitors per year, their site is Employees at Finance. Marc Bürki, the com- one of the principal financial pany’s CEO, has been a mem- portals in Switzerland. Paolo the heart of IT ber of the Conseil des EPF, Buzzi received an Alumni In 2004, Patrick Hertzog the council of Switzerland’s Award in 2007. co-founded Nexthink that polytechnical schools, since helps IT support teams deliver 2017 and received an Alumni on the promise of the modern Award in 2007. digital workplace by offering a unique combination of real-time analytics, instant remediation, automation and employee feedback. With global headquarters in Lausanne and Boston, Nexthink has expanded into 10 countries, has over 1,000 customers such as BlackRock and Tiffany & Co. In 2018, Nexthink raised $85 million from investors, and will soon Swissquote Swissquote reach over 600 employees.

23 Alumnist

PH’73 mind,” he remembers. This open-minded- Daniel Borel ness led him to the University of Stanford where he obtained a master’s degree in The pioneer of IT information technology in 1977. for everybody Borel continued to maintain close ties with EPFL. As such, he was one of the Without Daniel Borel, our use of major sponsors contributing to the con- computers may not have evolved in the struction of the Rolex Learning Center same way. In 1981 on a family farm in in the late 2000s. Through his two foun- Apples (canton of Vaud) the co-founder dations, Defitech and SwissUp, he also of Logitech was part of the teams that financed the creation of three chairs at the developed the computer mouse and DR university. Today, following his retirement helped fuel its widespread use in the late in 2016, Borel is realising his dream of GM’91 1980s. That is when the company signed sailing around the world! Christophe Beck contracts with digital giants such as Hewlett-Packard and Apple. Guaranteeing Logitech went on to continuously innovate water quality and lead the way in developing information technology tools, including inventing In March 2019, Christophe the laser mouse in 2004. From 2013, the Beck became the new president firm successfully redirected its strategy and COO at Ecolab, a leader by branching out into areas such as video in water, hygiene and energy game accessories, earphones and portable technology and services speakers. Active in the United States that works to protect water since 1982, the company’s turnover is quality. The engineer began CHF 3 million per year. It employs 7,000 working with the US company people worldwide, including 300 at EPFL, in 2007 and has held various where it has maintained its international positions, including executive headquarters. vice-president and president of Ecolab’s Global Industrial But Daniel Borel did not plan for any of Group. Before joining Ecolab, this. He came to EPFL in 1968 to study Christophe Beck spent 16 years theoretical physics. “Studying physics gave me a solid base and a really open as a senior executive at Nestlé, DR including as head of European corporate sales.

MA’91 Igor Perisic Data master at LinkedIn A passionate graduate in mathematics, Igor Perisic is currently the Chief Data Officer and VP of Engineering at LinkedIn. He ensures the network runs smoothly for the 645 million users.

How does a Swiss native become a major figure of LinkedIn? It has always been my goal to put my passion for mathematics to good use in concrete applications. At the time, the term “data science” didn’t exist, but it is what I already had in mind. After a PhD at Harvard, two unsuccessful startup

experiences and a product manager expe- Blanc Olivier Le Marc rience at Microsoft, I joined LinkedIn in 2007. The company was still young. This data can suggest job offers, contacts legal dimension is playing a bigger role, When I took the lead of an engineering and content relevant to users. It is also with the entry into force of the California team, there were just two of us in the essential for identifying what is working Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the department. Today, my teams count 1,300 well and what could be improved, and General Data Protection Regulation people. therefore making strategic decisions. (GDPR). The main challenge is ensuring the system remains flexible and easy to What are your responsibilities? What are the future challenges for your use, without losing sight of the ethical Initially, the structuring elements of the profession? aspect. network were key: search engine, news- LinkedIn is a global digital network, feed and user connection graphs. Other which has evolved with the professional networks, like Friendster for example, world and increasingly mobile careers. did not survive inadequate technology. The challenges faced by data sciences Today, my job is centred around data and and artificial intelligence will increase the artificial intelligence that processes it. with the number of users. In addition, the

24 Musée Bolo doctorate by EPFLin2005. was alsoawarded anhonorary in American science, Chorin the mostprestigious award aviation. Aside from receiving incardiologynantly used and them. Hisresearch ispredomi so thatcomputerscanprocess translates themintoarithmetic Differential equations. Chorin Berkeley. Hisspeciality? ing University ofCalifornia, York University before attend- went ontodo aPhDatNew Physicsstudied atEPFL.He Chorin grew upinIsrael and achievements. inPoland, Born Alexandre Chorin’s memorable Obama, isjustoneof former USPresident, Barack ofScience byMedal the awardedBeing theNational States in theUnited winning awards T Alexandre Chorin PH’61 developed. inthe field)computer andpioneer were first mouseandtheSmaky(apersonal Microcomputer Laboratory, where the Jean-Daniel Nicoud managed EPFL’s miniaturisation of A Jean-Daniel Nicoud PH’63, PhDPH’70 he researcher n enthusiast n enthusiast

DR differed from models. mechanical Inthe model was theoptical encoder, which mouse, whatwas innovative aboutour Switzerland.speaking Regarding the were sold, mainlytoschoolsinFrench- the Smaky. Inaround 20years, 4,500 dents andtechnicians, we developed With thehelpofsomeexcellent stu- interfaces smaller andmore efficient. I was inmakingman-machine interested 1970s? developed inthe first Swissmicrocomputer and the Can you mouse tell usmore the about years before Steve Jobs. world’s firstpersonalcomputer, two States, where developing Istarted the Digital Equipment(DEC)intheUnited semester. I thendid aninternshipat ence, itwas Itake suggested asabbatical ofmyBut because industrialinexperi- I was Professor aftermy appointed PhD. Microcomputer Lab? How didyou to come runthe the world. around 85people and nearly development to marketing, entire production chain,from cal portfolio, sheoversees the In charge ofthepharmaceuti- Janssen (Johnson&Johnson). Value ChainManagement at Vice-Presidentbecame of returned toSwitzerland and States.United In2017she Lilly andCompany) inthe Global QualityatElanco(Eli Vice-Presidentappointed of Germany. In2015, shewas in Switzerland, Ireland and production andoperations has held various positions in Novartisjoined in2003and SchweryLeila Bou-Diab industry pharmaceutical career inthe A Bou-Diab Leila Schwery CGC’99 n exemplary Alumnist 25 flying robot thatcanavoid walls. five grams ofelectronics tomake ita develop afive-gram plane, complete with Zufferey (founder ofsenseFly, to ed.) ment. Icollaborated withJean-Christophe continue toevolve inaresearch environ- an interestingthatallows business meto to develop skills. theirtechnical Thisis The idea istoencourage young people robotics? ineducational specialised What are your Didelcompany, goalsinthe making itacommercial success. the risks, tookonthechallenge of inourproductinterested and,despite Daniel Borel(profile ontheleft) was the world sellingthistypeofmouse. 1980s,early we were in theonlyones sors runonthesameboard. puter), where alltheproces ever (thesize ofatablet com- thelargest chipco-developed $1 billion, he than more Through hiscompany worth on artificial neural networks. intelligence systems based inartificial he specialised Cerebras Systems (2016), of Californian company in theworld. Co-founder of thebiggest computerchip andthecreatoruate (1993) gradelectrical engineering - FrickerJean-Philippe isan processors intelligence artificial of P Fricker Jean-Philippe EL’93 ioneer ioneer

Alumnist

IN’90 my professional career.” Indeed, she has Noufissa Kessar spent over 20 years in banking, overseeing various corporate finance operations as A corporate woman Morocco’s capital markets rapidly took shape. First was investment banking, in Morocco where she coordinated some of the coun- Since she returned to Morocco, Noufissa try’s biggest IPOs, along with strategic Kessar has worked her way through the mergers and acquisitions for large local ranks in the world of finance to land right and international groups. Next, she moved at the top. After earning her computer into project finance, arranging structured engineering degree with a specialisation finance schemes for large-scale projects in Operations Research in 1990, she that would boost Morocco’s economy, worked briefly at Nestlé in Vevey before such as power plants and telecommunica- DR returning to her home country, where she tions services. Finally she went on to pri- she was appointed executive director of joined AttijariWafa Bank Group (formerly vate banking, which was being structured the holding company Al Mada, the lead- BCM). “At first, I thought I would just and implemented in line with international ing shareholder of Attijariwafa Bank. gain a bit of experience in banking, a standards. In 2009, she was appointed As part of her mandate, she is a member sector where I could develop genuine Executive Director and member of the of the board of directors of several com- insight into Morocco’s entrepreneurial Executive Committee of AttijariWafa panies in Al Mada’s portfolio, including landscape before choosing my career Bank, a leader in the financial sector in Marjane, Optorg, Managem, Ametys, path, but I’ve ended up spending most of Morocco and throughout Africa. In 2015, Sopriam and Renault Maroc.

executive management for nearly 15 years. From 1985 to 2007, the Egyptian- born businessman headed EM Microelectronic, a company within the watchmaking group that manufactures semiconductors used in watches and mobile devices. “When I became CEO of the company, it was making huge losses. By focusing on reducing the energy consumed by integrated circuits, EM Microelectronic managed to multiply

DR its revenue by 20 to CHF 200 million.” DR In 2010, Mougahed Darwish moved on PH’67, PhD PH’75 to become head of another Swatch Group GM’85 Mougahed Darwish company, the battery developer Belenos, Pascal Kiener until 2018. “It’s an exciting challenge with An expert in watch high potential for mobility.” On top of his CEO of the top microelectronics position with the executive management of Swatch Group, he is also a member of listed cantonal Since 1979, Mougahed Darwish has led the Board of Directors of Belenos and still bank a career in advanced microelectronics participates in technical development. and put his skills to use at Swatch Group, Pascal Kiener started off where he has been a member of the working in IT, then joined McKinsey & Company, where he was made partner and a member of the Management Committee of McKinsey Switzerland. He joined BCV in MA’85 2003 and was appointed CEO Laure de Trentinian manufacturer in 2012 as marketing director in 2008. BCV is the top listed for satellite imaging, and now oversees cantonal bank, with total A woman of influence one of the marketing departments in the assets of CHF 47 billion, Defence & Space division. “As Head of CHF 93 billion in assets at Airbus Regional Marketing, I’m responsible for under management (as of 30 After starting her career as an engineer, defining and implementing our regional June 2019), and around 2,000 Laure de Trentinian has since made a marketing plans for all regions worldwide. employees. Under Pascal name for herself in marketing at Airbus That means listening to our customers – Kiener’s leadership it has Group. She began working for the aircraft which range from governments to private received an AA rating from companies such as Google – and defining leading financial services and coordinating local marketing activities company Standard & Poor’s, with the sales and marketing teams. The further proof of its high qua idea is to generate sales opportunities lity. Pascal Kiener also sits on while optimising customer loyalty. I also the EPFL Advisory Board. manage an academic and innovation division, which aims to improve employees’ sales and marketing skills.” On top of all that, Laure de Trentinian is active in promoting the field of engineering among women. For example, she spoke at EPFL Alumni’s event for International Women’s Day in 2019. She received an Alumni

DR Award in 2014.

26 Alumnist DR DR Thierry Parel Thierry

CGC’76 CGC’86, PhD CGC’90 GM’82, PhD GM’88 Alain Fuchs Yves Auberson Magdi Batato CNRS Director The European From EPFL with a resear- face of classrooms cher heart medicinal to Nestlé’s top Former director of the French National Centre for Scientific chemistry management Research (CNRS) in Paris, who Yves Auberson has made Egyptian-born Magdi Batato became a Chevalier (Knight) of chemistry his life, having joined Nestlé in 1991 after the French Legion of Honour graduated in chemical engi- completing his studies in in 2010, Alain Fuchs has neering in 1986 followed by mechanical engineering and a certainly had a distinguished a PhD in organic chemistry. doctorate in the energy of the career in France. Earning In 1992, after a two-year human body. He is today the his degree in Chemistry and post-doctoral fellowship in the Executive Vice-President, Head Chemical Engineering (1976), United States, he joined Ciba of Operations at the food giant, he continued his studies at (which later became Novartis) a position in which he oversees Paris-Sud University where he where he was head of chem- 170,000 people and more than became a researcher and con- istry and neuroscience until 400 factories, as well as the tinued in research throughout 2012. He then created his own group’s purchases. Under his his career. In 1985 he joined group within the Basel-based leadership, the company has the CNRS, the largest public group for developing clinical committed to being carbon research organisation in imaging agents. Alongside neutral by 2050 and will be France. He became President this, in 2014, he became announcing intermediate of the centre in 2010, manag- President of the Medicinal objectives during the coming ing some 11,000 researchers. Chemistry and Chemical months. Magdi Batato also In 2017 he was appointed Biological division of the plays an active part in meet- President of Paris Sciences & Swiss Chemical Society. In ing Nestlé’s commitment to Lettres, an association which 2018, he became President of making 100% of its packaging brings together numerous uni- the European Federation for recyclable or reusable by 2025. versities and grandes écoles, Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC). including the prestigious École des Mines, École Normale Supérieure and Université Paris-Dauphine.

PhD EL’37 Erna Hamburger Maurice Cosandey, the school’s President, appropriately highlighted the importance One of the first career of equality issues at the time of her appointment: “It is at once a crowning women in STEM point and a reflection of the backwardness Erna Hamburger may well have invent- which characterises our country in terms ed the concept of career woman. In the of the promotion of women.” late 1920s, at a time when female engi- Erna Hamburger herself was keenly aware neers were extremely rare, she studied of these issues and became involved in at what was then the Engineering several movements aiming to achieve School of the University of Lausanne. greater equality, including the Vaudois She had the highest marks in her class Association of Women Graduates, of when she graduated in electrical engi- which she was president. Her experience neering in 1933, before completing her now serves as an example and inspiration doctorate in 1937. for the careers of women at EFPL and After beginning her career in industry, more widely in science. Since 2006, an she returned to what was by then EPUL annual prize has been awarded in her as a researcher and then as a visiting name by the EPFL-WISH (Women in Professor. In 1967, she became the first Science and Humanities) Foundation, the female to be named full Professor at what culmination of this exemplary career of a

Schäggli would become EPFL two years later. female scientist.

27 Alumnist DR Flyability DR

MT’09 PhD IN’06 GC’92 Patrick Thévoz Raquel Urtasun Sotil Pascal Bärtschi Figurehead Guiding Leader in Swiss of Drone Valley self-driving construction After starting a career as a cars Having graduated in 1992, consultant, Patrick Thévoz Pascal Bärtschi spent a founded the startup Flyability Although relatively unknown decade accumulating various with Adrien Briod (MT’09, in Switzerland, Raquel Urtasun experiences in engineering PhD MT’14). With more than Sotil is leading the way in the firms. In 2001, he joined 350 clients worldwide, this North American self-driving Losinger Marazzi, owned by EPFL spin-off is a leader car market. Her expertise the French group Bouygues, in building drones for the in artificial intelligence has where he climbed the ladder safe inspection of dangerous led to her taking over Uber’s until being appointed as CEO sites in the nuclear, energy self-driving car department, in 2015. Among the works of and chemical industries. The where she and her team of this leader in construction and startup has received several 50 researchers are looking at real estate development are awards, such as the Drones for self-driving vehicles’ percep- the Rolex Learning Center and Good Award, in 2015, winning tion and predictive analysis of the Prime Tower in Zurich. the company a CHF 1 million. their surroundings, as well as Pascal Bärtschi manages In 2019, the Top 100 Swiss how they plan their trips. The approximately 820 employees Startup Awards dubbed it the young Spaniard is also an asso- and also plays the role of most promising young compa- ciate Professor in the depart- ambassador and coordinator ny in Switzerland. ment of Computer Science at of the Bouygues Construction the University of Toronto. entities in Switzerland.

GC’60 Léonard Gianadda over 10 million visitors through musical When an engineer concerts, exhibitions featuring the major works of Picasso, Van Gogh and Chagall, becomes a humanist and special events. That’s almost 700 Engineer, impresario, restorer, camera- curious people a day. “It’s a real source of man, humanist, photographer ... It is pride,” he says. “Because since my trip to difficult to summarise the many facets Italy with my mother and brothers in 1950, of Léonard Gianadda’s impressive life. I have opened myself up to all art forms.” We can, however, see two sides to this Through this cultural adventure, Léonard figure. One is the civil engineer, who Gianadda has collected various prizes, graduated in 1960 and co-founded such as the Europa Nostra 2019 award in his company with classmate Umberto the “exemplary contributions” category, Guglielmetti. Over a period of 40 years, and the Alumni Award in 2008. In his the two men built more than 1,500 apart- speech, he expressed his delight at ments together in Martigny. receiving this distinction and his pride at On one construction site, in 1976, they having been a member of the EPFL cul- discovered a Gallo-Roman temple. In tural committee alongside Claude Nobs, the same year, in an unfortunate turn of among others. Today, Léonard Gianadda events, his brother Pierre died in a plane is resolutely focused on others. In 2009, crash. These two events inspired him to he created a social foundation in the name create a cultural foundation on the site of his wife, Annette, which helps people of the temple remains, as a tribute to his with financial difficulties in Martigny. Yet deceased brother. In its 40-year existence, another institution in his name that will

Héloise Maret the cultural foundation has attracted continue his philanthropic actions.

28 Alumnist

PHD MT’90 In 2001, the engineer founded Shenzhen Liu Shaoming Colibri Automation, named after the miniature “Colibri” robot on which he wrote his A Chinese EPFL thesis. The aim was to capitalise on success story opportunities in industrial automation. Liu Shaoming received his PhD in With 16 employees at the beginning, he Microtechnology in 1990, and is now a specialised in developing and manufac- successful Chinese entrepreneur. He turing production equipment, and making started his career in 1992 at Shenzhen mechanical parts for mobile phones, lith- Tiante CNC, which developed control ium batteries, the automotive and medical systems for machine tools. “It was tough industries, hard drives, and more. A real transitioning to practical application success story, the company now has over from the theory I learnt at university, 2,000 employees across several plants, but it was also rewarding as I learnt most of which are in China. Its turnover more about production processes and for 2018 was over CHF 270 million. At 62, industrial automation.” Four years later Shaoming is hoping to continue his com- he joined Shenzhen Kaifa Technology, pany’s growth for a few years yet. a company working on hard drive production automation. DR DR DR DR

PH’95 MT’91 GR’75 Grégoire Ribordy Marie Ivorra Grosse Philippe Petitpierre A genius A major figure Ambassador of quantum in the space for natural gas cybersecurity industry in Switzerland A recognised leader in the area and Swiss Philippe Petitpierre is the of quantum physics, Grégoire chairman of the Boards of Ribordy puts his knowledge innovation Directors of the 17 companies to work at ID Quantique. From 2002 to 2014, Marie in the Holdigaz group, which Founded in 2001, the company Ivorra Grosse was CEO of specialises in the distribution has distinguished itself in the Mecanex, the space equip- and use of natural gas, build- area of cybersecurity. Rather ment production entity and ing techniques, and renewable than using mathematics, it subsidiary of the Swiss giant energies. With more than 400 uses quantum physics and Ruag. The company supplies employees, it is the leading photons to protect data. In the many satellites in orbit with Swiss group in the sector. case of an attack, the photon slip rings. Since 2016, she has He is also the chairman of stops all activity, a type of been using her experience to Gaznat, Petrosvibri, Unigaz security used by governments help startups like Insolight, and Fingaz. Vice-President and banks. In 2018, the South which designs new-generation of Swissgas and the Swiss Korean operator SK Telekom solar panels, and Advanced Gas Association, he also sits invested $65 million in the Sport Instruments with its on the international boards company. sensors that improve sports of EuroGaz and the Interna- performance. She received an tional Gas Union. Philippe Alumni Award in 2007. Petitpierre initiated donations from Petrosvibri and Gaznat which made it possible to establish three chairs in natural gas and geo-energies at EPFL. He received an Alumni Award in 2010.

29 Alumnist MB&F DR DR

MT’91 MX’89 SC’94 Maximilian Büsser Silvio Napoli Olivier Glauser The horologist Always on the China’s cultural with the golden up at Schindler communicator touch Silvio Napoli was born in We have Olivier Glauser to Rome in 1965. Since 1994, thank for China opening Maximilian Büsser began he has led a brilliant career in up to high-level sport. The his career in watchmaking at the Schindler Group, a leader engineer – who has a degree Jaeger-LeCoultre. In 1998, in the field of escalators in Communication Systems aged only 31, he was appointed and lifts. In 2014, he was – plays a major role in CEO of Harry Winston Rare appointed as Chief Executive negotiations. Together with Timepieces. Under his leader- Officer of the company and his Chinese wife, he is the ship, the company’s turnover then Chairman of the Board co-founder of Shankai Sports, went from $8 to $80 million in of Directors in 2016. He is a a company managing sports seven years. In 2005, he creat- member of EPFL’s Strategic rights, ticketing, sponsorships ed his own company, MB&F. Council and an ambassador and sports merchandise His creations, such as of the 50 Fifty Campaign, a on Chinese e-commerce a spider-shaped sculpture- student support programme. platforms. Most notably, cumclock and a model inspired He also participated in the it helped Alibaba become by the aerodynamics of cars opening of the Schindler Lab a sponsor for the IOC, and from the 1940s, revisit the on the school’s campus in Hisense to become a Global codes of watchmaking. They 2018. He received an EPFL Partner of the UEFA European make him one of the most Alumni Award in 2016. Championship 2016. original creators in the industry, both technically and aesthetically.

PhD PH’06 same position. So my husband Henry and though, the whole system needs Kamila Markram I decided to start working towards the to change. Currently, researchers are dream: to make all science open access. funded according to their reputation Pioneering open and number of citations. This system Frontiers has published over 100,000 arti- is no longer viable. We need to change cles to date. What does this figure mean? access science the paradigm so that we have one that In 2007, researcher Kamila Markram To be precise, we have made 130,000 focuses on study impact instead. and her husband created Frontiers, a articles available online. It’s been a real publishing house specialising in open success! Imagine: we have 600 employees access scientific articles. While users who work every day of the week to make still have to subscribe to view scientific science open access. Half of our work- journals, Markram wants to change the force is in Lausanne, and we have two entire evaluation system. other big offices in London and Madrid. We’ve also got people in the United States. Why did you decide to found Frontiers? Over 3,000 texts are published each month, It all began with my own personal frustra- nd validated by over 19,000 scientists. tion. During my PhD at EPFL, I published Frontiers is the fifth most-cited site in an article on autism-related brain functions academia, and the twelfth most-viewed. in a paid journal. When I wanted to But we want to go even further. download it to view it, I had to pay for it myself because my school didn’t have a sub- How? scription. If I wasn’t able to read my own At the moment we cover 600 different publication, I thought that other researchers scientific fields, but we want to reach

would surely be finding themselves in the 3,000 by the end of 2020. To do that DR

30 Alumnist

in 1951. The shift towards video, data What challenges does the future hold? logging, and encryption systems for TV Several years ago we made the choice started in the 1980s. After finishing my to invest heavily in cybersecurity and degree in Physics at EPFL in 1984, IoT security, which were sectors with I joined the company with two of my uni- potential for the future. We also have versity classmates. We went into a new some promising work going on in big department working on pay TV which, data and artificial intelligence. Parallel to after six years of investment, brought that we are building on a strong presence new momentum to the company. in the United States, including with a That was fortunate, because the compa- second headquarters, as well as taking nies that stayed working in professional a sustainable approach to our future- sound recorders all went through

Kudelski SA Kudelski proof solutions, which use cutting-edge some tough times. technology and can extend the lifespan of PH’84 What is the company’s legacy? end clients’ devices. Our main centre of André Kudelski technological excellence and innovation Its ability to reinvent itself. It has always is in Cheseaux. It enjoys all the benefits Leader in digital been able to refocus and head in a new of the Kudelski Group’s DNA, as well as direction. First into analogue pay TV, being close to EPFL. security then digital, and now towards cybersecu- Founded in 1951, the Kudelski Group is rity and the Internet of Things (IoT). We a world leader in digital security. Here, are developing in fast-moving sectors. CEO André Kudelski looks back on Our ability to adapt and the expertise how it all began, and the challenges of we have accumulated over more than 30 cybersecurity. years in digital security give us a long- term competitive edge. We now have How did it all begin for Kudelski? around 3,500 employees, including 700 My father, Stefan Kudelski, was a student in Cheseaux and 800 in the United States, at EPUL (the predecessor to EPFL) and as well as teams in over 30 countries and went on to invent the Nagra recorder more than 500 million users worldwide. DR DR Eric Piermont

GM’81 AR’86 MA’78 Franck Riboud Ariane Widmer Daniel Gorostidi An agrifood Transforming The leader industry leader the urban land- of a large-scale From the time he spent at scape in west- IT services EPFL, Franck Riboud has retained the drive to always ern Lausanne provider move forward. The Lyon Urban planning in western From providing the very native made a name for him- Lausanne has the face of Ariane first software for the Grande self as Chairman and CEO Widmer. An architecture grad- Dixence Dam to digital ticket- of Danone group between uate, she was involved in the ing security solutions, ELCA 1996 and 2014, where he refo- district’s urban development, has made a name for itself as cused its business activities encouraging inter-community a leading player in the Swiss on fresh dairy, baby food, collaboration throughout the economy thanks to Daniel medical nutrition and water. area, which is home to over Gorostidi. After EPFL, he Following a meeting with 75,000 people. Ariane Widmer joined Electro-Calcul (subse- Nobel Peace Prize winner was awarded the Wakker Prize quently renamed ELCA) as a Muhammad Yunus, in 2007 he in recognition of her work. development engineer in 1979. created Danone Communities, After 16 years in the canton of He became director in 1994, an investment fund and incu- Vaud, she joined the State of then majority shareholder in bator for social enterprises Geneva to direct the canton’s 2000. Today, ELCA is the lead- helping low-income groups. development plan with that ing independent IT solutions Today, the 63-year-old busi- of Greater Geneva. Widmer provider in Switzerland with nessman remains Honorary has maintained strong ties over 1,000 employees, includ- Chairman of the group, with with EPFL, such as being ing over 300 in Lausanne. It is its 100,000 employees and visiting Professor for the Urban also one of the top employers revenue of €24 billion. Planning course (2010–2011). of EPFL alumni.

31 Alumnist Perspectives on EPFL: A photographic book to celebrate EPFL’s 50th anniversary

Books had already been published on EPFL, its history, and its success. The idea was not to rehash what had already been done. A photography lover, Martin Vetterli dreamt of creating a beautiful photo book. This photographic book, or book Text: EPFL of photographs, captures what EPFL is today.

ublished by EPFL Press, Regards sur l’EPFL (Perspectives on EPFL) is the resounding culmination To mark its 50th anniversary, the Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) gave free rein to of the fantastic collaboration three photographers, who were asked to capture P between EPFL and the Musée de l’Elysée. the essence of the School and its future direction. Catherine Leutenegger delivers many detailed portraits The museum’s director, Tatyana Franck, of science, blurring the lines between the images she creates and those that she discovers and makes her supervised the scientific committee in own. Bogdan Konopka strips EPFL›s buildings down to its choice of photographers, then of pho- their still life form. And Olivier Christinat brings places to life by roaming the grounds and discreetly immers- tographs. Three photographers were given ing himself in campus life. free rein to present the school’s present and future. Like a snapshot, except that the three photographers explored, roamed and delved into the campus throughout 2018. The book contains 30 selected photographs by each photographer. The Lausanne-based photographer Catherine Leutenegger was invited to capture the scientific aspect of EPFL. Bogdan Konopka photographed the campus architecture. And Olivier Christinat was tasked with presenting campus life and its people.

The book is available in bookshops or PERSPECTIVES on the Presses polytechniques et univer- sitaires romandes website www.ppur.org. ||

ARCHITECTURE Bogdan Konopka

PEOPLE Olivier Christinat Olivier Christinat

Campus life on every floor at the Centre Midi,

50eEPFL_couv_F+E.indd 4,1 one of the campus’s historic18.03.19 buildings. 16:12 →

32 Alumnist Bogdan Konopka

↑ Les Halles de Mécanique, opened in 2016. Catherine Leutenegger

↑ Thanks to his research, Professor Grégoire Courtine enabled paralysed patients to control the muscles of their legs. Olivier Christinat

↑ ↓ The amphitheatres and their enormous tables, and the formulas that have marked every generation of students. Olivier Christinat

33 Alumnist EPFL history through its archives

ArtLab celebrates EPFL’s 50th anniversary, telling the story of the school’s history in images, with exhibitions open until Text: EPFL January 26, 2020.

rtLab is presenting temporary exhibitions on campus to build a bridge between the world A of science and humanities. As a follow-up to the exhibition Infinity Room I, which featured an augmented staging of a selection of photographs from the book Perspectives on EPFL, this second edition shines the spotlight on a collection of photographs, drawing on archives, documents and assemblages. These images reveal sequences from EPFL’s rich history through different installations. To document the countless events that have marked the school’s history, from all the issues of EPFL Magazine and its ancestors – Flash and Polyrama – a full 50 years of history have been captured. This gives alumni a beautiful opportunity to renew contact with the school, and what it was at the time they studied here. ||

Infinity Room II Exhibition, ArtLab building, EPFL campus. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission. / Médiathèque ACV EPFL / Jean-Claude Curchod ↑ Inauguration of the first phase of construction of EPFL’s campus as we know it today, July 20th, 1978.

↓ The 1990 Graduation ceremony. Things have changed. And so has the school’s logo!

34 Alumnist

→ Amphitheatres bring back many memories for everyone. Here a vote by a show of hands to elect Agepoly representatives in 1996! ↘ Before MOOCs, teaching could take place via video conferencing. Here, the very first video conferencing experiment in 1995 with Professor Jean-Pierre Hubaux. ↓ The EPFL ETH Challenge in 1995, with President Jean-Claude Badoux (left).

↓ Vivapoly in 1994. The opportunity to rediscover the Esplanade and, further on, Place Maurice Cosandey, as they were 25 years ago.

35 Alumnist The associations that are the heartbeat of EPFL

For the past 50 years, and even before the days of EPUL, associations brought their spark to everyday life at EPFL. A look Text: back at the history of four of them who set the pace on Arnaud Aubelle Sandy Evangelista campus and are the spice of life at EPFL.

ince Chœur Universitaire de As alumni, you probably have many Lausanne (CHUL), EPFL’s first memories about these associations. association, was set up in 1948, You may even have been on the committee Sand Agepul – which eventually of one of them. But do you know the became Agepoly – in 1951, more than history behind these organisations that 80 associations are now active on the you felt so passionate about back in Ecublens campus, through cultural, the day? Do you remember what could festive and sports events. They work to motivate students to devote time and integrate foreign students, develop con- energy to the aim of an association while tacts with companies, with volunteering, not doing homework or studying for and in a variety of other areas, ranging exams? To refresh your memory, we met from theatre improvisation to sustainable with four of the highly active organisa- development, role playing, astronomy tions on campus. or rock climbing. But let’s not forget the festive part. Several daytime or evening events are held every week. Six to eight new organisations are set up each year.

Agepoly, the big sister of EPFL associations

The General Students’ Association of EPFL, better known as Agepoly, needs no introduction. It has been guiding campus life since 1951. The beginning of the school would not be the same without PolyNite, the first event of the academic year, bringing together all students, Whatever the period, Welcome Day has always from first-year newcomers to PhD students. More examples follow been the opportunity for organisations to recruit throughout the year. From the chalet set up on the Esplanade in the new students. winter to bring a bit of warmth to students as they study hard for exams, to blood drives, to the Graduates’ Ball on the evening after the graduation ceremony, along with many others.

Agep’ – as students affectionately refer I think it was the only time in the history to it – has kept up with the times without of Lausanne.” Another highlight from ever losing an ounce of its drive to lead that period was the Antique Vehicle students towards new horizons. From Exhibition held from 1988 to 2007 on the 1985 to 1999, the association held Esplanade. An elegance competition in Aquapub, a whopping three-day sports period clothing was also a key event in competition in Vidy. “You have to imagine those days. “Presidents Bernard Vittoz and 500 participants from all over Europe, Jean-Claude Badoux never missed a single and even Canada,” says Marianne Jenny one,” Marianne Jenny Nguyen remembers. Nguyen, secretary of Agepoly since 1986 and living memory of the organisation. And of course, there are tons of little “They could participate in multiple anecdotes. Like the night when EPFL activities, such as hot air balloon rides, President Bernard Vittoz was awakened paragliding and water jousting. One by a call from the police, which had year, we even offered bungee jumping. just arrested members of the Agepoly

36 Alumnist

committee. They were guilty of putting and go clubs, and much more. There is up posters to promote Aquapub without something for everyone. authorisation in the city of Lausanne. The President personally went to the “In addition to the activities and events, station in the middle of the night to con- we also have an important role to play firm that they were students at the school in the decisions made at the school,” says and get them out of their predicament. Delphine Zihlmann, student in commu- “There was also that day of tension nication systems and current president release, when the task of taking down the of Agepoly. “One of the missions that vehicle exhibition was transformed into Agepoly takes on is to represent students a massive ketchup fight.” The next day, and defend their interests.” Agepolytique is early risers were able to catch a glimpse the pole in charge of relations with of the Esplanade repainted in red, before the school. Working with 150 representa- the committee could clean up the mess tives from all sections, this team is involved urgently before class started. in various issues, such as school fees or the teaching evaluation system. Representing These days, Agepoly is also the big all students is also the role of the President sister organisation that oversees 19 com- of Agepoly. Whether it is in answering mittees, or sub-associations, that fulfil questions from Darius Rochebin on the RTS very specific roles, providing logistics news or speaking in front of 3,000 people at support and financial security. Among the graduation ceremony, heading the most them are other institutions. For example, famous organisation on campus comes with the Challenge, a ski competition, which, its own life experiences. since 1991, has pitted EPFL students against ETHZ students in a friendly Between holding exciting events and face-off. Another is PolyLAN, the official defending their rights, Agepoly has gaming tournament, or PolyJapan and supported students for generations. its Japan Impact event. Art and culture That has been going on for 69 years, are also promoted with the Club Photo, and it is not about to stop! Ciné-Club, DanceSquare, Musical, chess 1951 Alain Herzog

The 2019 Agepoly committee on stage at the SwissTech Convention Center for Welcome Day.

37 Alumnist

Balélec marks the rhythm

Imagine having to build five stages, welcome 15,000 concert-goers, and manage dozens of performers. It is a hard job that only professionals in the music business can handle. Right? Well, that is also the challenge that Balélec and its student volunteers have set for almost 40 years. “It’s a unique case in Europe. No other festival on the continent calls on so many resources or hosts such a large audience for a single evening,” says Vincent Tournier, student in computer science and current president of the association. 1981 The story begins back in the early 1980s And it continued to develop over the years. Backstage, the figures are dizzying. on EPFL’s former campus in the city Crowds topped the 15,000 mark in the The committee has 45 members, while centre of Lausanne. Professors from the 1990s, with headline artists performing at 400 people work on the evening of the electrical engineering section came up the festival, such as Alpha Blondy in 2010 event. A passion for music is often what with the idea of organising an evening of and Radiohead in 1994. The UK group was the students share, but the festival has concerts. The first Balélec took place in a already known, but their famous album OK not forgotten its roots. For example, it friendly atmosphere, which felt more like Computer hadn’t yet come out. The festi- recently collaborated with the EPFL spin- a village party than the festival of rock, val-goers could not have hoped for better. off Technis, using its system of ground electro and hip-hop concerts that we know Even though Balélec has all the outward sensors to count the number of attendees. today. But it was a success, and the event signs of a major music event, its budget is Another key issue is sustainability. “In was repeated; its reputation grew. The very small compared with other festivals. 2006, we were the first music festival association was officially created in 1986, “Two years later, Balélec never could have in Switzerland to serve reusable cups,” and the responsibility was passed on to afforded to have Radiohead play. It’s the Vincent Tournier says. A quality manager, students. Balélec went from being a section perfect example of the flair we have to have. focused on sustainable development, is dance to a music festival bringing together Picking out high-potential artists before now an integral member of the committee. the entire school. In 1989, the milestone of they become out of our reach,” says Clélia 10,000 people attended the event. Liebermann, vice-president of promotion. Balélec shakes things up as it gets people moving. The 2020 edition is set to be as vibrant as ever. It will be Balélec’s

DR 40th anniversary.

The festival has undergone some changes between 1981 and 2019. DR

38 Alumnist EPFL

Forum EPFL in 2019, at the SwissTech Convention Center.

Forum EPFL at the opening for

Philippe Ungricht the 1990 event. Forum EPFL, 37 years of helping people find jobs

The SwissTech Convention Center is teeming with thousands of students, who have come with the hope of building the beginning of their career. No doubt about it. This is the Forum EPFL. An important association at the school, it probably best symbolises the passage from student to alumnus. The event is traditionally held the day after the graduation ceremony. 1982 The Forum began in 1982. While his companies. With its 18,500 visitors, the In addition to the success of the event fellow student Marc Weill was preparing Forum has become one of the largest itself, its viability is also at stake. The to found Junior Entreprise, Marc Gandar, professional events in Europe. “As a Forum is entirely funded by business ser- who has since earned a computer science student, getting involved in this type of vices, such as space rental and workshops. degree, came up with the idea of creating association is an extremely formative a business fair to help finance the asso- experience,” says Manon Poffet, the Over the years, the association has ciation. With support from his friend Forum’s President at the time of the 2017 developed and now provides services to Antoine Wasserfallen, an architecture edition. “From negotiations to legal students in partnership with the career graduate, he launched the project. “At aspects and administrative management, centre. The idea is to get them ready for the time, we had no idea how companies a wide range of tasks need to be done. the big day of recruitment. That involves worked,” says Marc Gandar. “After You also learn how to act with the differ- mock interviews and workshops on salary hesitating whether to invite them free of ent types of people you’re dealing with. negotiation, along with brochures to better charge, we ended up setting reasonable And how to manage your stress.” understand what the companies present prices.” It turns out that 40 companies at the Forum are seeking in candidates. On participated in the first-ever Forum, and Through all this, the organisation itself is top of all that is the mentoring programme the event netted a 16,000 Swiss franc a challenge. “Taking care of an organisa- implemented with EPFL Alumni since profit. This established the event’s long- tion like the Forum is a first experience in 2018 as a way that students can benefit term viability, without reliance on any management,” says Stanislas d’Hérouville, from advice from graduates. And it pays other organisations. vice-president of the 2015 edition. “The off, according to Thibaud Muffat-Jeandet, volunteering is fully dependent on the current president of Forum EPFL, “Based The number of companies in attendance willingness of students to participate. So on the most recent survey conducted in has since exploded. In 2010, 150 com- we have to be sure to recruit loyal, ded 2017, more than 10% of students found panies participated, and in 2019, 196 icated people.” These are real-life issues. their first job at the Forum.”

39 Alumnist

Satellite – still in orbit after 35 years

Throughout its history, Satellite has brought together 350 volunteers, organised a thousand parties, selected 120 board games, sorted and conserved more than 5,000 comic books, planned 11 Sat Rocks Festivals, held 75 jam sessions and 380 concerts, invited a number of young actors to participate in 180 café-theatre events, and brewed and served countless litres of beer. Basically, after 35 years, Satellite is still going strong. Without any sign of slowing, the association is moving forward! 1983 In 1983, under the supervision of region, “Paleo, Montreux, Caribana, etc. Agepoly, students were thinking about There are always people I know from Sat creating spaces where they could come working there, either with the technical together to relax. At the time, the crew or managing the performers.” Spongiflex committee threw in the towel when its idea for a discotheque did not As with others before him, it was his pass. That was good news for Marc love for this unique place that convinced Dikötter, who now holds a computer Nicola Montanarella. After coming for science degree. He took over the project several years to relax and play chess, he and came up with the idea for a bar made the move and got involved in the where people could meet for coffee in the organisation, first as treasurer and now morning and have a beer in the evening as president. Having former students who while reading comic books. It took him a are still involved offers a greater sense year to develop his idea, buy CHF 2,000 of continuity. “Many people have stayed worth of comic books in France with a close to the organisation and occasionally loan granted by Agepoly, and find all stop by the bar,” he says. “It’s a bit cliché, his furniture at Ikea. “It’s funny, because but Sat is a real family.” As the only real the thing I created that will last the lon- student bar on campus, Satellite aims to gest is not a professional achievement, be a festive place but also set an example but a student bar.” with the school, which provides the space free of charge. “At times the bar has been For many students, Satellite presents a seen as a bit of a nuisance at the school, wonderful opportunity to see what goes but now relations with the management on behind the scenes when organising staff are very good. Satellite has gradually events. Andreas Jaggi, who graduated gained recognition from EPFL. That’s in 2009 with a computer science degree, really rewarding.” The thousands of was literally fascinated with organising students who have spent time here won’t concerts. “There were stressful times, contradict that. Long live Sat! || but everyone was helping each other out, supporting one other. That experience creates strong bonds within a team.” Andreas has kept wonderful memories

of Sat and, even though he now works in Alain Herzog Zurich, he makes sure to come back reg- ularly and see his friends. He also often sees these friends at major festivals in the

The current and former Satellite staff together for the organisation’s 35th anniversary.

40 Attract the best students Do you want to make a difference in the life of a student and shape the future of EPFL?

Get involved with the 50 Fifty campaign!

How to be involved: go.epfl.ch/50Fifty EPFL – Philanthropy – [email protected] – 021 693 83 53 Alumnist Techno EPFL SCIENCE TAKES ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE

42 Alumnist Techno

In response to climate change and the deterioration of our ecosystem, EPFL draws on the innovation and talent of its researchers to build technological solutions that meet the challenges we face in this century. Here we present an overview Text: Jean-Christophe Piot of the most important initiatives.

an we strike a sustainable Moving towards more efficient, clean energy balance between economy, devel- The heart of the problem is energy. opment and the environment? Whether we are talking about clean C How can we meet people’s expec- methods to generate it, store it, distribute tations while taking action to address it or to reduce its consumption, labo- increasingly urgent environmental issues? ratories are working to cover all these Claudia Binder says that energy could be issues. “Electricity cannot be used to the answer to everything. A Professor with power everything, starting with long-haul Human Environment Relations in Urban flights,” says Professor Sophia Haussener, Systems (HERUS), she presented the con- head of the Laboratory of Renewable clusions of a research group concerning Energy Science and Engineering (LRESE). sustainability to EPFL’s management at With her team of 18 researchers, she the school’s most recent Scientific and studies different photoelectrochemical Educational Days event. These researchers processes to convert renewable energy into say it clearly: “Having clean, affordable fuel, materials or storable products. energy is a key factor for guaranteeing a sustainable future.” As long as they don’t EPFL’s research in solar energy has long take it as an isolated issue: “Technological been recognised worldwide. A case in development and innovation alone are point is the far-reaching impact made not enough to meet Switzerland’s Energy by Professor Michael Grätzel. Known Strategy 2050 or the CO2 reduction targets. around the world as the inventor of Only an interdisciplinary approach, the dye-sensitized solar cell (“Grätzel combining sociological, ecological and cells”), he took the top spot in a Stanford technical aspects, can effectively address University list of the 100,000 top scien- such deeply interrelated issues as climate tists across all fields. His research has change and sustainability.” led to over 80 patents.

Going forward from that perspective, Already manufactured on a scale of “EPFL has a major responsibility,” says several megawatts, his photovoltaic Julia Binder, head of Tech4Impact under sensors could take over the market the Vice Presidency for Innovation, in the near future, mainly thanks to an initiative that formally sets out the research by Professor Mohammad Khaja school’s commitments in this area. “We Nazeeruddin’s teams. “About 85% of the must make this unique technological world’s energy needs are met by fossil expertise available to society as a whole.” fuels, and the energy demand worldwide EPFL’s wide range of expertise – including is expected to double by 2050,” the sustainable energy production, reducing researcher says. To maximise the use of ↥ Coral from the Red Sea and consumption, buildings, product life solar energy, he focuses on perovskite Aqaba Gulf are more resistant cycles, ecology, and ecosystem analysis solar cells, which already feature record to rising water temperatures – gives it a key role in shaping the future. 25% efficiency. Research is also moving than elsewhere in the world. In each field, EPFL has the capacity to in the direction of heterojunction at the They are the subject of research for the reconstruction of make a significant impact and drive the Photovoltaics and Thin-Film Electronics coral reefs in other seas. technological transfer from the research Laboratory headed by Professor

Maoz Fine lab to business organisations. Christophe Ballif at Microcity (EPFL

43 Alumnist Techno

ZOOM INSOLIGHT IMPROVES THE YIELD OF SOLAR POWER

Founded in 2015 at the EPFL Innovation Park, Insolight works on improving the performance of solar panels. “Silicon- Alain Herzog based technologies have a yield of 18% to 20%,” says one of the three co-founders, Laurent Coulot. “Insolight’s solution achieves 29%.” Its optical technology concentrates light beams and is embed- ded into standard panels, without any major extra cost. “We try to establish partnerships with existing manufacturers so that they can distribute their products where installation costs are high to compete with leaders from Asia.”

Insolight caught the attention of the European Union and secured €10.6 million in funding. That investment enabled the company to demonstrate the capacity of its idea by setting up a pilot assembly line in Neuchâtel with a 16-member consortium. The first sales ↥ The three founders of Insolight: Laurent Coulot, Mathieu Ackermann and Florian Gerlich (left to right). are planned for 2022.

Neuchâtel). Given the high yield pro- grids called SynchroGuard. This system duced by the solar cells developed there, is already being tested in Switzerland by they could be industrialised at a low cost. Romande Energie and in China by China Light and Power. Further advances lie ahead, to build on the winning position taken by the Swiss Construction, materials and uses: taking Living Challenge teams at the 2017 Solar us closer to virtual buildings Decathlon, an international competition The research conducted by Professor held in the United States that challenges Lyesse Laloui zeroes in on another aspect students to come up with sustainable of the energy issue. As director of EPFL’s housing solutions. With their partners Civil Engineering Section, he coordinates from three top schools, the 250 students, studies on geothermal solutions. “The 150 supervisors and 50 partners involved point of our work is to use underground shone bright with their NeighborHub infrastructure – car parks, tunnels, build- solar house. ing foundations – to recover heat or cold ↥ Perovskite solar cells are used and store them in the ground. This system in the research of Professor But the problem with energy is not just would make buildings self-sufficient or Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin to about how it is generated, but also how it almost in their energy needs, as 80% maximise the use of solar energy. is distributed and monitored. Distribution of their energy spending is on heating and monitoring are the core focus of or cooling the space within them.” For the Smart Grid Campus Project, coordi- Lyesse Laloui, who is currently involved nated by Professor Mario Paolone. The in the work led by the Grand Paris pro- researcher highlights that EPFL has the gramme to develop 13 future metro lines, key advantages of having its own campus, one key point will be the impact of new 12,000 users and two solar power plants. European directives, which require all “This is an opportunity for us researchers new buildings to have their own sources to turn our own low and medium voltage of renewable energy. grid into a sort of life-size laboratory.” Another way of limiting the environmental In addition to inspection solutions, the impact in construction is in the choice site can also test its own cybersecurity of materials used, an area studied by systems. As a result, EPFL has developed the research teams at the Laboratory innovative monitoring infrastructure that of Construction Materials (LMC) led by checks the physical condition of part of Professor Karen Scrivener. The main its grid every twenty milliseconds. This culprit is cement, which produces 8% world first led to the creation of Zaphiro of the world’s CO2 emissions. Since she Technologies. This successful startup founded Nanocem, the world leader in has developed a solution to manage and research on cementitious materials, in optimise medium voltage electricity 2002, Karen Scrivener has been exploring

44 Alumnist Techno

the properties of a new product, LC3. This extending the coverage of built structures of Fribourg (HEIA-FR) on the former blend of limestone and calcined clay can on the ground. “To respond to urban densi- industrial site of the Cardinal brewery. reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30%. fication, we create comfortable workspaces Headed by Martin Gonzenbach, the centre As it is more durable and resilient, this by making use of local resources and conducts research on housing that puts material alone could contribute to reducing drastically minimising the impact on the people first. “A user-based approach is the world’s CO2 emissions by 1% to 2%, environment,” Emmanuel Rey says. essential if we want to develop welcoming, the equivalent of the impact of a country efficient construction systems,” the Lab’s such as France. director says. Architecture researchers and professionals, Meanwhile, Professor Corentin Fivet from along with legal experts, the Structural Xploration Lab (SXL) in sociologists and IT specialists, Fribourg studies the reuse of materials. have joined him to find bal- “We’re interested in structural design to “ELECTRICITY CANNOT anced, sustainable solutions. facilitate the reuse of load-bearing systems The first experimental, life- in buildings,” the researcher explains. BE USED TO POWER size playing field is the future “Today, these structures are demolished to building of the Lab itself. Built build something else in their place. That is EVERYTHING, mainly in wood, the 5,000 sq. both a financial and an environmental loss m open, modular site will soon because the slabs and columns have not lost STARTING WITH accommodate 130 people. any of their utility.” Designing a reversible All this will come together to construction system would require study in LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS” form a laboratory packed with areas such as building design methods and sensors and monitoring tools ways that new structures could be reused 50 to analyse energy performance ↥ or 100 years from now. Professor Sophia Haussener, head of the Laboratory of Renewable and interactions between Energy Science and Engineering (LRESE). humans and buildings. Other work in sustainable architecture includes the exploratory research led Protecting and conserving by Professor Emmanuel Rey from the fragile ecosystems Laboratory of Architecture and Sustainable LAST’s interdisciplinary approach resem- All this work going into improving energy Technologies (LAST). For example, the bles that of the Smart Living Lab. This and construction is first meant to protect Working Space project focuses on develop- research centre is created by EPFL with environments at risk due to human activity. ing modular wooden systems designed to the University of Fribourg and the School In the area of protecting polluted water raise existing buildings rather than further of Engineering and Architecture systems, Professor Wendy Lee Queen from Jan Brütting, structural xploration lab, EPFL lab, xploration Brütting,Jan structural

↥ Created in 2016, the SXL laboratory has set an objective to reuse construction materials in future buildings.

45 Alumnist Techno

water supply areas. The team is also working on other “spongy” materials that can extract harm- “SCIENTISTS ful greenhouse gases like CO2.

PARTICIPATED IN THE In an era when we find traces of plastic and pollutants in the REVOLUTIONARY most remote areas of the world, the Swiss Polar Institute (SPI) EXPEDITION ABOARD presents another example of EPFL’s commitment to protect A RUSSIAN VESSEL natural sites. Created in 2016 by a consortium of Swiss uni- IN ANTARCTICA” versities and hosted by EPFL, the SPI acts as both coordinator and funding agency, says its the Laboratory for Functional Inorganic executive director, Danièle Rod. The entire Materials (LFIM) has developed a new polar community can obtain aid from the material with a diameter 50,000 times IFS, from the SME that wants to test its ↥ smaller than a hair strand. This sand-like drones in areas where the communication A blend of limestone and powder acts like a sponge that absorbs and serives are disrupted by electromagnetic calcined clay, LC3 cement can reduce CO2 emissions eliminates pollution. This system is used waves to some research projets in clima- by up to 30 %. to obtain a huge structure with a very low tology and anthropology. About seven to volume: “one gram of this material can eight projects are supported every year, have the same surface area as a football in climatology, glaciology, oceanography, field, around 7,800 sq. m.” With a team and more. Each project then publishes its made up of chemists and chemical engi- findings in scientific articles, as with the neers, the LFIM is working to harness the Antarctic Circumnavigation Expedition infinite possibilities of this material in (ACE) led three years ago. Scientists from various applications, including the removal around the world participated in the rev- of toxic heavy metals such as lead and olutionary expedition aboard the Russian mercury. That capacity is ideal for treating research vessel Akademik Treshnikov. domestic wastewater or decontaminating Synergies were created across a multitude EPFL

↥ Founded in 2016, the Swiss Polar Institute, or SPI, offers another example of EPFL’s commitment to protect natural sites.

46 Alumnist Techno

ZOOM HILYTE, THE LITTLE GREEN BATTERY

About 38 million people live without EPFL electricity in Tanzania, and 20 million in Kenya… In the African Great Lakes region, many are left with no other solution than to burn kerosene for lighting, both toxic and expensive. With another EPFL alumnus, Briac Barthes co-founded hiLyte in 2018 to bring some real answers to the problem. Their solution is a simple battery offering 1.5 W of power, enough to light a small room or charge a mobile phone, by dipping iron plates and carbon felt in a homemade liquid solution. The chemical reaction produces five hours of electricity.

“We sold more than a thousand functional prototypes in Tanzania. Now we want to adapt the design to manufacture it on an industrial scale,” the young CEO says. Their goal is to bring a solution to 10% to 20% of ↥ The co-founders (Jonathan Fiorentini, Briac Barthes and David Lambelet) pose with their batteries the population in Tanzania without access designed for people living in emerging countries. to electricity, before hoping to move into other countries. To make its product available to everyone, hiLyte has asked telecommunications companies to finance the purchase of these green batteries.

ADVERTISEMENT of disciplines, such as biology, climatology and oceanography, whose paths would not traditionally cross. But that unlikely collaboration has improved our overall understanding of the white continent. MSc ETH in Science, Technology and Policy The Red Sea, an essential natural research centre Far from the Earth’s poles, the Red Sea Research Center focuses on another Our Master programme is designed for students emblematic project related to the rising with at least a BSc from natural sciences or temperatures of our oceans: coral reefs. engineering and a strong interest in taking an “In 2017 at the EPFL’s Laboratory for active role in policy making. Biological Geochemistry (LGB), we conducted a study on the coral reefs in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba,” says Such skills are in high demand particularly Professor Anders Meibom. “We found in government agencies, technology and life that a phenomenon termed as a ‘thermal sciences firms, consulting firms, international refuge’ has made them more resistant to organizations, NGOs and academia. rising water temperatures than coral elsewhere in the world. We could potentially Programme start: Autumn Semester 2020 use that to rebuild reefs in other areas.” To enhance collaboration between scientific Duration: 4 Semesters (120 ECTS) communities in this geopolitical hotspot, EPFL has set up a dedicated research insti- Interested in learning in an interdisciplinary way? tution, the Red Sea Research Center, with Apply Now the support of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The facility aims ETH Zurich to capitalise on Switzerland’s neutrality Institute of Science, and reputation as mediator to promote and Technology and Policy protect scientific dialogue. This initiative UNO B 15 reflects EPFL’s beliefs and goals to foster Universitätstrasse Applications 41 for the Fall 2018 program international collaboration and coop- 8092 Zürich are now accepted on a rolling basis.

eration between scientists to make real Contact +41 44 632 03 71 scientific advances and help citizens and [email protected] politicians to gain a clear understanding www.istp.ethz.ch/master.html of environmental issues. ||

47 Alumnist Company

EPFL GRADUATES DRIVE PICTET FORWARD THROUGH INNOVATION

Founded in 1805, Pictet is getting ready for tomorrow’s technological challenges with the help of EPFL-trained talent.

Text: Tiago Pires

Photos: Thierry Parel

ictet’s three core businesses are Banking innovation and its challenges Sven Holstenson, who graduated from wealth management, asset man- Pictet’s policy is not ‘innovation for inno- EPFL in Microengineering and today agement and asset servicing. The vation’s sake’. For example, Chloé’s team heads up Pictet Wealth Management for PGeneva-based group employs more is working to automate processes still Europe, thinks the same: “Regulators want than 4,500 people at offices in 27 locations largely done by hand, thus saving people increased oversight over, and more access including London, Hong Kong, Singapore, a considerable amount of time. The team to banking data. Because of that, we have Luxembourg, Tel Aviv and Tokyo. is also assessing the potential of artificial to provide a technological platform that meets their requirements.” For 29 years, Jacques de Saussure (see Pictet is not busy trying out text box) was a Managing Partner at virtual agents or chatbots. Pictet. “The average tenure for a Partner According to Sven, technology is 21 years, as our business requires at Pictet is primarily about stability and trust,” he explains. Stability AT PICTET, INNOVATION the IT system underpinning is what enabled Pictet to rise to become the services. “Robo-advisors a leading independent financial-services PRIMARILY MANIFESTS are for retail banks. For our provider, today with CHF 556 billion in clients, what matters is how we assets under management. ITSELF IN THE CORE process data, present it to them INVESTMENT BUSINESS and store it.” Whether for the core businesses or support operations, Pictet relies on EPFL Consequently, tech spending alumni that can be found in various busi- is deliberately keyed to client ness lines within the company. needs – to keep the platform running efficiently and to Chloé Koos (see text box) leads the provide effective cyber-secu- 20-strong team in Robotic Process intelligence. “When I started at Pictet, my rity. Data is protected, data integrity is Automation (RPA) and Cognitive Systems, job even back then was designing ways to ensured and fraud is combated through a which is developing ways to automate make everyday tasks less time-consuming. leading-edge IT system. The relationship processes: “At EPFL, we were taught how As a team, our latest automations have, between client and bank is highly sensitive to think and work in a structured way that in just one year, freed up time equivalent so the technical solutions used must be at the same time would trigger our intel- to 12 new staff members. So employees safe and user-friendly. “We are also keep- lectual curiosity. This mindset is crucial in spend less time on paperwork and more ing a close eye on several startups, both in a Group such as ours.” time looking after clients.” Switzerland and further afield, to monitor

48 Alumnist Company

MA’75 JACQUES DE SAUSSURE

“As Partners, we want to pass on – to the next generation – a company in better shape than the one entrusted to us.”

Jacques de Saussure joined Pictet shortly after graduating from EPFL in 1975. He began as an intern in the IT department. He was appointed Senior Partner in 2010. In 2014, he was the recipient of an EPFL Alumni Award.

Can you describe your career at Pictet? After graduating from EPFL in 1975, I first joined the private banking unit for a six- month placement in the IT department. After that experience, I went on to earn a master’s at MIT in the US. I returned to Pictet in 1979, where I had to learn the basics of banking, namely what is a banking transaction, and about client relations and, obviously, all about investing. In 1987, I was appointed Partner. Among the challenges I faced, my expertise was useful in addressing the technological aspects of the issues encountered. I had to be patient, as it took time for my colleagues and fellow Partners to grasp the importance of innovation. This was one reason why, as soon as I joined, and even during my internship, I helped design banking software that would facilitate the work of my colleagues. Newly hired graduates are generally smarter than their colleagues on the technical front. But then the reality of DEPARTMENT: the workplace brings them down to earth. Mathematics

As a former Partner, how important GRADUATED FROM EPFL IN: 1975 was technology to you, in a Group So our added value is to give clients a differ- such as yours? ent angle in the conversation. POSITION: On becoming a Partner, you become liable Former Senior Managing for the company’s financial obligations. How would you describe Pictet’s Partner And you may have to put up your own business culture today? funds. With that in mind, we don’t simply Pictet has a history stretching back more want an entity that is solid and safe; we than 200 years. At all times it has functioned, also want to increase the value of the so to speak, as a start-up owned by its man- equity. Our mission as Partners is quite agers. In a collegiate partnership structure, simple: make sure that Pictet is better corporate culture has a great deal of impor- and more robust than when we became a tance. The Partners are responsible for pass- Partner. And for that to happen, our opera- ing on the company’s expertise, values and tions platform has to be highly capable. capital. Today, Pictet strives to keep its staff thinking like business owners. For example, How has technology changed the a member of staff may suggest a pro- business of banking? cess-optimisation tool or put forward a new In the olden days, there used to be ring fund they deem innovative. Value is placed binders containing paper share certifi- within the Group on this mindset and the cates, which is where the word ‘portfolio’ resulting innovations. So innovation is vital, comes from. The internet obviously even if it’s less visible here than elsewhere. sparked a revolution in the way information is transmitted, but the preceding IT revolution was even more consequential because it improved not only the information sent to clients but also business processes. The advent of the internet fundamentally changed one aspect of our business, as it did for all other businesses, namely that today clients have access to far more information.

49 Alumnist Company

MA’04 CHLOÉ KOOS

Chloé Koos, originally from Luxembourg, graduated in mathematics in 2004. After taking a minor in Management, Technology and Entrepreneurship at EPFL, she spent a year at the London School of Economics, where she was awarded an M.Sc. in Finance and Economics. She joined Pictet as an economist. “For almost a decade, I built up a specialisation in com- modities and commodity currencies.” Alongside her everyday tasks, she developed IT DEPARTMENT: resources for optimising her Mathematics working day.

GRADUATED FROM EPFL IN: 2004 “I then joined Human Resources as head of the POSITION: HR Operations and Analytics Department Head, Robotic team. I laid the foundation for Process Automation (RPA) in-depth HR data analysis, & Cognitive Systems including a reporting system that integrates the whole volume of data relating to the personnel, including past data. The toughest job was repurposing the HR data. There is no reference work on the subject.”

After three years at HR, she was offered a position head- the latest in fintech innovation,” explains will impact the world of finance and alter ing up the Robotic Process Christian Schröder, Chief Digital Officer client expectations. Technology is still Automation & Cognitive and an EPFL graduate in Communication only a means to an end. What actually dic- Systems department. Here Systems. tates the rate of change and guides digital she manages a team of 20 developments are our clients whose job is processing and what they need.” automation and designing resources to increase With that in mind, Christian profitability and save time. “ TOMORROW, WE WILL finds himself at the crossroads She is also researching novel between the Partners’ strategy, solutions linked to artificial NEED TO HARNESS Pictet’s digital projects, and intelligence. “At Pictet, we are clients’ wants and needs. selective about innovation. THE DATA FROM A TO Z ” His job is to look ahead to It needs to be applicable to CHRISTIAN SCHRÖDER what banks will require in everyday work. Optimisation the future. “Time-honoured is the watchword, but profiles such as banker and we have to work within asset manager are today joined existing constraints.” by new ones such as data He believes that innovation primarily scientist, UX designer, web developer and manifests itself in the core investment digital project manager.” As the competi- business. “Besides the technological tion is fierce, banks need to demonstrate innovation of our IT solutions, we are technological expertise and hire staff pioneering by offering our clients funds capable of getting to grips with the new investing in themes such as Robotics and technologies. “Tomorrow, the amount of Smart Cities.” data available will be huge. We will need to harness it from A to Z.” || Scientists increasingly on the front line Trained scientists are using their knowledge and understanding of technology to help the Group evolve digitally. “Our strategy is to sustain a high degree of innovation in the investment solutions on offer.” That’s why the Chief Digital Officer is supporting the Partners and the business lines in making this shift. “Our aim is understanding how technology

50 Alumnist Company

SC’94 CHRISTIAN SCHRÖDER

After studying for a master’s degree in Communication Systems, Christian – who is originally from Germany – felt drawn to the financial services industry. In 1994, he was recruited by Credit Suisse at the EPFL Forum and joined their Organisation department. Three years later, he was hired by Robeco and worked on the merger between Robeco and Rabo Bank in Switzerland, becoming IT chief of the new entity DEPARTMENT: Communication Systems at the age of 28.

In 2000, he joined Pictet. GRADUATED FROM EPFL IN: Christian’s first task was to 1994 set up the IT department of Today, 20 years on, Christian is comprising senior project man- the Pictet Asset Management an Equity Partner and wears sev- agers and digital & data experts, POSITION: business line. After that, for eral hats: Head of Organisation, my role is to guide and support Group Chief Digital Officer, five years he co-managed Group Corporate Secretary and key group leaders in the biggest Head of Organisation, the IT platform changeover Group Chief Digital Officer. “I operational overhauls they Group Corporate Secretary, at the Group – a mammoth endeavour, day by day, to help have to conduct and help them Equity Partner project. In 2006, he became the highest echelons of the manage strategic development manager of the Organisation company understand and act projects.” department, which oversees upon technological issues in the Group’s strategic and everything we do. Backed by a cross-divisional projects. central team of 25 employees,

MT’06 SVEN HOLSTENSON

Sven Holstenson was awarded How does he imagine the a degree in Microengineering bank of the future? “To in 2006. Though passionate continue flourishing, we about robotics, Sven – who is need to rely on a first-rate originally from Geneva – did not proprietary technological see himself beginning his career platform that meets the in an R&D department, so he expectations of our clients joined Procter & Gamble to work and the requirements of in marketing. Two years later, he regulators and which keeps added an MBA from INSEAD, the data entrusted to us safe then went to work for McKinsey and secure. If we do this for three years. right, wealth managers will be In 2012, he started working for able to continue to focus on Christian Schröder at Pictet, their clients, understand the later joining Pictet Wealth issues they are facing and Management, where he cur- provide solutions.” rently manages the European client-facing team. “Obviously

DEPARTMENT: we need a powerful platform to Microengineering ensure our clients’ data is safe and secure, but our bespoke GRADUATED FROM EPFL IN: solutions are what make us stand 2006 out from the pack. We offer our

POSITION: clients trust, reliability, expertise Head of Europe, Pictet and security.” Wealth Management

51 Alumnist Career Coming out on top at your next performance review

Performance reviews and the salary or promotion negotiations they involve can be stressful. An expert in career management with over 40 years of experience, Daniel Porot provides the keys you need Text: Arnaud Aubelle to reach your goals.

Services to support you in your career development

EPFL Alumni provides a range of services to support you throughout your career. Workshops are organised every year on a variety of topics, such as getting a job, networking and career changes. Contributing members can also benefit from a personalised 90-minute meeting as well as discounts and zero-interest loans for professional development training. Go to epflalumni.ch for more information. DR

How should you approach stress, but on the end objective and how to you want is not to name the position a performance review? get there. A good technique is to note your specifically but rather to speak in terms The best option is always to start the goals on a post-it before the interview. of projects, skills and objectives. review by pointing out how much you like working for the company, providing The second key to success is a three- What value do performance reviews concrete examples to demonstrate that. pronged technique: proximity, uncommon, bring today? Second, you can steer the discussion value. Proximity because the chances for Although some companies are starting to more towards the personal aspect of your success increase when you determine phase out systematic year-end employee relationship with your manager, again it with your manager, for example by appraisals, considering them too stan- emphasising the pleasure in working demonstrating how you can help him or her dardised and biased, performance reviews together. You can also mention any issues, meet his or her own objectives. Uncommon are still an essential part of the process. but always draw on a constructive mindset because by showing that you are capable of You actually often have greater chances and highlight the positive points. Finally, accomplishing uncommon things, which go of getting what you want if you negotiate it’s a good idea to show that you want to beyond the scope of traditional objectives, a pay increase during the year, after com- grow and develop, asking how you can you prove to the organisation that you rep- pleting a project or exceeding your targets. further improve your work and be more resent an opportunity for the company. And efficient. This type of discussion can value because you have to provide rational, For employees, performance reviews also open the door to professional devel- numbers-based evidence that you bring are an important time and opportunity opment opportunities. value to the company, by generating profits, to assess the value they bring to the reducing costs or avoiding mistakes. company. The most important thing is to What are the keys to successful salary be brave enough to open up and clearly or promotion negotiations? The third key is not to “sell” but instead express to your manager your objectives There are three main keys to getting to “get them to buy”. In other words, to and what you like to do. What’s obvious it right. First, you should focus on the get the manager to project into the future for us is not necessarily obvious for objective you want to achieve and visual- and view the pay increase or promotion others. In this respect, you can have quali- ise it. Visualisation is an important con- as the clear pathway to reach that reality, ties that others haven’t truly picked up on. cept, widely used in sports for example. in such a way that the proposal comes By opening up this way, you’ve taken the Through visualisation, you no longer from the manager and not from you. For most important step. || fixate on the process, which often creates example, the ideal way to get a promotion

52 Career

I provide modern and efficient IT services. I‘m working for Switzerland.

Francesco Head of Operation Backend Services

stelle.admin.ch

Swiss Federal Administration Working for Switzerland DR over ourvalue chainandour service, own satellites. Thisgives usfullcontrol competitors isthatwe manufacture our thing thatsetsAstrocast apartfrom its their infrastructure remotely. Themain they(IoT). Thatmeans canmanage services intheInternetofThings telecommunications tomers specialised With oursatellites, we bringourcus What makes Astrocast different? space studies minorinSwitzerland. and it’s incredible thatEPFLhastheonly It isthispassion thatbrings ustogether, industry before we Astrocast. created at EPFLandhadastartupproject inthe 2009. Idid aminorinspacetechnology intoorbitin atEPFLandlaunched loped very firstSwiss satellite. Itwas deve worked withtheSwissCube project, the Jordan, Astrocast’s co-founderandCEO, We allhave apassion for space. Fabien industry? onegetintothespaceHow does makernanosatellite EPFL’sAstrocast: that allow itscustomerstomonitortheirinfrastructure andfacilities graduate Federico Astrocast Belloni, develops miniature satellites by oncampusandco-founded Based theEPFLelectrical engineering Federico Belloni Federico Arnaud Aubelle Text: startup withahigh-flyingfuture. remotely atarelatively low cost. We metwiththis -

prices down. Itwas anincredible expe shook upthespaceindustryby bringing Yes, SpaceXwas thecompany that its competitive pricing... 2018,SpaceX attheendof knownfor also Your was satellite first by launched advantage over ourcompetitors. city alsogive usaconsiderable price miniature size andourproduction capa about10cmbymeasuring 30cm.This of oursatellites. We make nanosatellites, have inus. pointisthesize The second and strengthens thetrustourcustomers always open. are inourwork, interested ourdoor is commercial partnerships. Ifalumni opportunities, for or either technical on thelookout for new collaboration plan tolaunch80by 2023. We’re always We now have two inorbitand satellites will helpaccelerate ourdevelopment. tocloseand isexpected by 2020. This next funding round hasalready begun our next generation ofsatellites. The That investment tofinance willbeused We have recently raised CHF9million. What are thenext steps? size possible. our products, makingtheirminiature to develop thechipsetintegrated into nology. We alsopartnered withAirbus support invalidating ourproduct tech andprovidesfirst launches significant Agency usto financeour hasenabled partnership withtheEuropean Space intheindustry.names For example, our tobecollaboratingwe withbig need ourreputation.ed Generally speaking, satellite inorbitandsignificantly boost rience for ustofinallyhave ourfirst Alumnist || 54 Startup - - - an achievement!” fromSwitzerland,what operating usingnanosats, operator and telecom of. thefirstglobalsatellite Becoming part whichIamproudtobe able team, strategic assets andaremark technical technology,“We possible have thebest José Achache. ofnanosatellites” saysconstellation witha success to achieve commercial view, thefirstcompany Astrocast willbe and,inmy project with asuccessful To date, demonstrated thisremainstobe cheap)satellites. very small (andhence usingvery fromspace offered can be extremely services profitablecommercial holdsthepromisethat “Newspace active intheindustry, includingAstrocast. management teamofsome20startups Agency inSwitzerland–isalsoonthe Space sador platformoftheEuropean –theambas of theincubatorAP-Swiss in Switzerland.Themanagingdirector business is aleadingfigureinthespace projects,develops JoséAchache space that aSwisscompany Founder ofAltyn, The expert’s view of point - -

Astrocast Alumnist Startup STARTUP NEWS Venturelab Jamani Caillet Jamani

Alumni shine among the Top 100 Swiss startups Bringing gardening indoors with smart greenhouses

EPFL and its alumni took the spotlight in the Top 100 Swiss Growing your own basil, lettuce or strawberries is now possible Startups Award 2019. Two EPFL spin-offs, both founded by right in the comfort of your living room with small connected alumni, landed the two highest honours. In first place, Flyability, greenhouses developed by Caulys. Two alumni, Grégoire Gentile founded by Patrick Thévoz (MT’09) and Adrien Briod (PhD (GM’19) and Tom Lachkar (SV’17), created Caulys in early 2019. MT’14), is a leader on the market for drones built to inspect The startup aims to turn consumers into urban farmers by pro- dangerous areas. In second, Lunaphore was created by Ata viding them with indoor gardens that can be installed anywhere. Tuna Ciftlik (PhD MT’13), Déborah Heintze (SV’12) and Diego With no packaging, no pesticides, no GMOs and no CO2 from Dupouy (PhD MT’16) to produce automated devices that faci transport, these modular greenhouses can be stacked up litate tissue diagnostics and the shift towards more person- to four levels high to hold up to 200 plants. Using sensors alised medicine. Bestmile, also founded by two alumni, Anne and LED, the greenhouse continuously adapts to light, tempera- Mellano (GC’12) and Raphael Gindrat (GC’14), and specialised ture and humidity to optimise plant growth. The closed in autonomous vehicle fleet management, won fifth place. loop irrigation system uses up to 95% less water compared with traditional farming. DR DR , Leonardo da Vinci , Leonardo The Madonna of the Yarnwinder

Romande Energie invests in Tayo The spin-off Swissto12 raises CHF 4 million to revolutionise CHF 18.1 million the digitisation of artworks Tayo is a property management platform that connects tenants, owners Swissto12, headed and co-founded Artmyn, the EPFL spin-off co-founded and managers. Information is therefore by Emile de Rijk (PhD PH’13) supplies by Loïc Baboulaz, who graduated with shared more easily, and simple tasks components for telecommunications a communications systems degree in automated. Romande Energie bought systems designed for the satellite and 2004, secured CHF 4 million in fund- into 10% of the share capital of the aerospace industries. As the transfer ing in the autumn of 2019. The startup young company co-founded and led of data grows, satellite bandwidth founded in 2016 aims to revolutionise by Etienne Friedli (EMBA’17), a stake needs to grow with it, as does the the digitisation and perception of that could eventually be doubled. quality of the antennas used in com- works of art. Its technology creates “Reducing the energy consumption munications. The solutions developed interactive images in five dimensions of buildings is our mission,” says by Swissto12 are 3D-printed and and immersive videos with a resolution Romande Energie. “With the use metal-plated as part of a patented of 1.5 billion pixels. One of the startup’s of technology and data, we want process. This makes the components noteworthy collaborations was with the to accelerate this process. We are six times lighter than all-metal equiv- Louvre Museum on the Leonardo da delighted to be part of Tayo’s future.” alents. And lighter means cheaper. In Vinci exhibition (analysis of the painting August 2019, the startup announced The Madonna of the Yarnwinder), which that it had wrapped up a funding round opened in October 2019. which brought in CHF 18.1 million.

55 Alumnist Visibilité

Increase your visibility through Alumnist

Distribution Price list in CHF

Alumnist is sent in the winter to 27,000 EPFL graduates. The magazine Prices in CHF is published in French Technical data excluding tax and English. 1/4 page 88 x 130 mm 2,000 Population Thank 1/2 page 180 x 130 mm 3,600 Alumnist is designed for EPFL graduates, an 1 page 215 × 310 mm 6,600 audience well versed in (+3 mm of edging) you science and technology, and active in both industry Page 2 215 × 310 mm 7,100 and research. inside cover (+3 mm of edging)

Page 3 215 × 310 mm 6,900 Place of residence: (+3 mm of edging) 75% living inside cover in Switzerland, to all our alumni and Alumni Award recipients for making our school shine through 25% abroad Page 4 215 × 310 mm 7,400 your talent and as such contributing to enhancing its reputation worldwide. back cover (+3 mm of edging) Gender: 82% men, to our contributing members for your support. It is thanks to you that we can Encart (including inserting and 6,600 18% women packaging costs as well strengthen our network and continue investing in the future of our school and as additional postage) of our alumni community. Age: 22% under age 29; 30% age 30-39; to our chapter presidents and their committees for your time, creativity and 21% age 40-49; personal dedication, which give alumni the opportunity to meet new people 12% age 50-59; and continue to learn. 15% age 60 and over to our career mentors for guiding students and young graduates in finding their path and making the right career choices. You contribute to creating a spirit Contact of mutual aid and to driving the success of our community. EPFL Alumni Arnaud Aubelle to our innovation mentors, to all those who invest in EPFL startups and to those [email protected] who support collaboration in research. www.epflalumni.ch T. +41 (0)21 693 20 17 to our alumni donors who enable our school to make a stronger impact through education, research and innovation, and to contribute to the advancement of our society.

to all our alumni who support EPFL with their advice, networks and stories, and by sharing their knowledge.

to EPFL and everyone involved with the school for its impact and excellence, EDIT0R HEAD OF PUBLICATION LAYOUT EPFL Alumni Arnaud Aubelle Aurélien Barrelet which we are so proud of, and for helping us create the most wonderful alumni Rolex Learning Center for EPFL Alumni Meret Watzlawick network in the world. Station 20 1015 Lausanne Switzerland PROJECT MANAGEMENT TRANSLATION T. +41 (0)21 693 24 91 Tiago Pires Technicis, Paris www.epflalumni.ch for Large Network

PRINTER GRAPHIC PRODUCTION WRITERS Pajo, Estonie Large Network Arnaud Aubelle We wish you all the best of health, success 18, rue Philippe-Plantamour Emmanuel Barraud 1201 Geneva Sandy Evangelista DISTRIBUTION and happiness for 2020 and beyond! Switzerland Carole Extermann 19,800 in French T. +41 (0)22 919 19 19 Corinne Feuz 5,700 in English [email protected] Erik Freudenreich www.largenetwork.com Robert Gloy Blandine Guignier Jean-Christophe Piot Tiago Pires

56 Thank you

to all our alumni and Alumni Award recipients for making our school shine through your talent and as such contributing to enhancing its reputation worldwide.

to our contributing members for your support. It is thanks to you that we can strengthen our network and continue investing in the future of our school and of our alumni community.

to our chapter presidents and their committees for your time, creativity and personal dedication, which give alumni the opportunity to meet new people and continue to learn.

to our career mentors for guiding students and young graduates in finding their path and making the right career choices. You contribute to creating a spirit of mutual aid and to driving the success of our community.

to our innovation mentors, to all those who invest in EPFL startups and to those who support collaboration in research.

to our alumni donors who enable our school to make a stronger impact through education, research and innovation, and to contribute to the advancement of our society.

to all our alumni who support EPFL with their advice, networks and stories, and by sharing their knowledge.

to EPFL and everyone involved with the school for its impact and excellence, which we are so proud of, and for helping us create the most wonderful alumni network in the world.

We wish you all the best of health, success and happiness for 2020 and beyond!