Caroline Portal is a Business Solution Manager for Retail at Breitling. She is passionate about innovation and digital transformation. She leverages her scientific education about communication systems, with her rich experience in luxury retail, watchmaking and jewelery, to bring together teams. She also like crafting innovative ideas, and worked with speakers as a co-organizer of TEDxGeneva . She enjoys building efficient, simple yet powerful solutions with various teams and people, to enable business strategy and vision.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

The EMBA at EPFL led by innovation experts will strengthen and deepen my innovation, technology, and design skills, by learning more on management and leadership competencies. Building on my experience, it will allow me to gain in forward-thinking and end to end innovation management. And enjoy even more working in innovative environments

Cédric Domon is the Director of Research and Development for Müller-Steinag Group – producer and supplier of building materials, ready-mix concrete and precast concrete products for the Swiss market. As Civil Engineer he is been in the construction industry since the beginning of his professional path and has diverse national and international experience in projects of development of new products and implementation of new technologies in the building materials sector.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

I chose the EPFL EMBA to enhance my competences and obtain new tools which are going to be key in my new job position. Moreover, I need to take a step back and I am looking forward to seeing what my EMBA colleagues from other industries are currently doing and perhaps build some synergies with them which could benefit both sides.

Csilla Miko is Head of Innovation and Laboratory at Comadur, a watch manufacturing company at a leader Swiss watch-making group. She insures the high quality level of production by responding questions arising during production. Working in a multicultural highly interdisciplinary atmosphere stimulates her to always deliver premium results.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

Innovation is a journey from thrilling idea to satisfied customer. The EPFL EMBA program provides the perfect complementary resources to develop my innovation management skills to stay at cutting edge in a fast moving field. I am surrounded with hard working talents, which motivates me to evolve rapidly.

Cyril Martin holds a MSc in Polymer Chemistry and is currently working as Business Development Manager at Sipchem Europe SA. He has +16 years of experience in the Chemical and Petrochemical Industry working in various function from Application Specialist to Business. He successfully launched a Spin-In about 3 years ago for own Production of Thermoplastic Composites focusing on Innovation and Specialty products supporting emerging technologies like E-Mobility.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

I chose EPFL EMBA to learn to think out of the box, innovation process and set of methodologies that will help me in growing my venture. It also provide an immense networking opportunity and maybe find new business opportunities, business concept and ideas.

Felipe Gassen Ferreira is a Computer Scientist, with more than 10 years of hands-on experience in IT related projects. He has seen processes from all the perspectives: As an End User, as a Business Analyst, Developer and Project Manager. With background in hardware & software, he had the opportunity to expose himself to a variety of situations and challenges. Through his career he worked on the development, coordination and on the implementation of Robotic Process Automation and Data Science solutions which targeted regional and global scopes.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

When I heard for the first time about the EPFL EMBA, I was sure that joining the program was the right decision to be taken. With its focus on Technology and Innovation, the program is a perfect fit for my career aspiration and personal development.

Giacomo Salvi is a military instructor with 10 years of experience in coaching young leaders in planning and conducting actions. He has an academic background in business and project management. Over the years he developed his knowledge in various military fields including a mission abroad.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

Innovation is the fundamental element that allows every society to develop and with which every organization is confronted. EPFL is a center of excellence, with a program that falls within my fields of interest. My goal is to broaden my horizons and learn new tools that will allow me to face the modern professional world and new challenges.

Guillaume Schleipen is the head marketing for Shopping Center Management at Maus Frères. He started his career at Dell, broading his experience in computer supply & technology. This led him to take over and develop the digital marketing at BAT. After this, he took an entrepreneurial parenthesis, helping him to develop his strategical thinking, some managerial skills, budget controlling and supply chain.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

Always eager to learn, I started raising interest in Smart Cities. My marketing background not being of much help in the learning process on how to build a Smart City, I was looking to find a MBA in innovation and technology, exactly what EPFL offered.

Ivone Frade is currently Manager Sustainability PMO at Philip Morris International and is leading the Circularity project for 2nd Life Smoke Free Product devices. She is a seasoned, certified project manager with 10+ years of multi-departmental and international experience, managing different types of projects from innovation, new product introductions to consumer programs.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

I am convinced that the EPFL EMBA with focus on innovation management and technology is the perfect fit to achieve my goal of expanding my professional horizons, gaining the competitive edge, creating impact in this rapidly changing business environment and progressing to a higher career level.

Jeremie Diboine is a creative engineer and problem solver, leading R&D projects in advanced manufacturing. He has worked in multiple international settings, has built a wide ranging experience on multiple technologies and is passionate about the ecosystems of innovation.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

Having the ambition to support the innovation potential of SME's, the EPFL EMBA's focus on innovation management is the logical step towards developing an agent of change profile. The small size of the cohort and diverse profiles assembled by the team as well as the emphasis on in-person learning are some of the key aspects making the program attractive.

With Irish and British origins, Joanna was born and raised in Geneva, studied International Management in the UK, and then lived and worked in Santiago, Chile for 3 years. With over 9 years’ experience in Strategy and Business Development, Joanna is passionate about developing new business opportunities and expanding to new markets globally. Joanna is currently a Global Product Manager at SGS, a leader in Testing, Inspection and Certification services.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

Having already studied Business and Management, I was looking for more than a traditional MBA program and found the EPFL's focus on Innovation and Digital Transformation very interesting to develop new skills in a constantly evolving field.

Jonathan Stoppani is the CTO at Divio, a publicly-listed company helping businesses with their journey to the cloud all across the world. Jonathan holds an MSc of Science in Engineering and has participated in different exchange programs with the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston. He currently specializes in cloud computing, application management, IT compliance, and cybersecurity.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

An EMBA focused on innovation management provides the perfect complement to my current background, and allows me to fully bridge the gap between the technological and the business aspects of the field I am active in. EPFL's offering completely satisfies these requirements and provides an exciting platform for personal growth.

Julio Casanova is Senior Supply Chain Executive and Manufacturing expert across the Operational Value Chain. With 20 years of experience in diverse industries, pharmaceutical, tobacco, food and agriculture. Proven progressive responsibility with consistent career growth. Currently, leading performance and improvements in the Philip Morris International EU regional supply chain. Excelling leading major manufacturing site for fruit exportation in Peru. Driven and results focused with excellent analytical skills, people management and systems expertise. Passionate to drive change initiatives in order to create tangible value in businesses.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

The EPFL EMBA is the perfect combination of innovation, entrepreneurship and business strategy to maximize my business acumen. The theoretical concepts and the hands-on approach from the program will allow me to boost my professional development. The interaction with my classmates from diverse background and businesses will enable me to increase my leadership skills.

A result driven, hands-on leader with Extensive years of experience in E2E Supply chain , Project Management, and leadership of big organizations driving overall business results improvement by cutting cost, streamline operations and increase productivity.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

The future belongs to those who prepare for it today . EMBA's focus on innovation management combined with EPFL's world-class reputation made my decision a no-brainer. It is the natural next step to take for career progression and personal development to prepare for the future .

Lorris is a Senior Business Development Manager in the Swiss defense industry. After studies in Social Sciences, he worked in several industries on several continents and created several companies but always kept a link with the defense world.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

Choosing EPFL is a strategic choice since the university is primarily known as an engineering school, which will allow me to be in contact with the industry while studying the fundamentals of innovation in an EMBA. The best of both worlds.

Marcel Waller combines industrial and consulting expertise. He is a Managing Director at Julius Baer, advising entrepreneurs, families, sponsors and corporations on strategic M&A projects. Prior experience includes running the global M&A and Corporate Development at the SFS Group, scouting, acquiring and integrating various companies in the field of aerospace, medical devices, electronics, automotive as well as construction supply and supporting on strategic planning, investor relations as well as IT transformation projects. Furthermore, he has been independent board member at various medium-sized companies driving strategic development, value creation and governance.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

EPFL's EMBA orientation towards innovation, the technical background of the university and its reputation made it much more appealing than other similar EMBAs. This EMBA is a great extension to my finance, technology and industrials background with hands-on, down to earth attitude.

Marco Sicher is Business Development Manager at maxon in the Aerospace team. Taking care of acquisition of new projects, sales support within the global organization and pro-active Business Development within the Aerospace industry. Being exposed on the commercial side in international B2B project business but also having past working experiences as Product Manager in a Swiss supplier for the construction industry.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

The EMBA program at EPFL got my attention because of its unique focus to entrepreneurship, innovation and technology management, and how to create value and develop new business opportunities out of those. Combining Management with technological Innovation at a first-class institution in a practical oriented manner made my choice easy.

Marco Viviani is associate professor of Sustainable and Concrete Construction at the School of Engineering and Management (HEIG-VD / HES-SO) and have a 20-years R&D and teaching experience in academia and in private companies. He has a background in civil engineering and holds a PhD from EPFL.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

The EPFL EMBA provides a key complementary education to my background in engineering. Harnessing innovation from ideation to commercialization allows professionals of any industry to effectively create new ideas and to choose the most worthwhile to be brought forward. With its scientific, fact-based, efficient approach, the EPFL EMBA provides the perfect toolbox to effectively harness innovation at any stage of development.

Marija Gogunova is moving into the new role of Data Enablement Lead for International Operated Markets Business Unit and International Developmental Licensed markets for McDonald’s, transitioning into the Information Technology role from Financial controlling, where she has been working for the past 6 years. Marija strives to combine business knowledge and a wide range of experience with an analytical mindset and technical proficiency to approach projects and problem-solving holistically and provide the best solutions to all stakeholders.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

In current fast-moving environment, technology, innovation and change management will be key for professional and personal success and growth. Harnessing innovation and embracing change are therefore crucial skills to develop and invest in. EPFL's undeniable reputation in these fields ensures a top-tier program, as well as an assembly of creative, insightful, diverse, and open minds. All these factors combined, made it an easy decision to join the program.

Marina is a Solution Engineer for Locatee, a big data start-up in the proptech space, headquartered in Switzerland and operating globally. Her role requires translating clients’ visions of workspace efficiency, human-designed environments, and data-driven decision-making into a range of technical solutions. Prior to that, she spent a decade working in PM roles in the financial and built environment industries – from a design and civil engineering boutique consultancy to an FM services world-class corporation. Having built her career across three markets: Italy, UK, and Switzerland, she has enhanced skills in organizational intelligence, team building, and analytics.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

I am familiar with the challenges of a dynamic competitive environment and having utilised different management styles and approaches to innovation and continuous improvement myself, I was not always satisfied with the outcome and felt I could do more. I decided to embark on my journey through the EPFL EMBA in Innovation program. My goal is to enhance my own unique toolkit, making the most of the state-of-the-art EPFL teachings and my real-life experiences.

Marthin Pérez is a Project Manager at Substrates Engineering Development in Philip Morris International. He is a chemical engineer with a wide experience in the food & beverage and tobacco industries. Along his career, Marthin has been exposed to diverse international and cross functional environments from R&D to operations.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

What brings my attention to the EMBA is the and the hands-on attitude with an innovative perspective. Along my career I have led multiple projects, where behind of each task, there is creativity and collaboration from multiple environments. I believe the program will give me a wider insight to manage innovation in the most effective way, to succeed in my future career ventures!

Martin Kroepl is Partner Director in the Aviation Business Unit at Inmarsat. Martin’s previous work experience spans across various sectors of the Aviation industry including working for Maintenance and Repair Organization SR Technics and the International Air Transport Association.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

The EPFL EMBA's focus on technology and identifying and harnessing innovation seems a perfect match with the innovation and technology driven industry I am working in and my personal and professional interests. It is the right moment in my career to start this program, excel in my current position and improve my contributions to the company‚ & future objectives and strategy.

In my current position as CTO, I’m responsible for the technology development at a start-up company in the field of medical technology by leading a team of +20 employees. I have been given this opportunity based on my hard work and perseverance within the company over the last few years after joining as an engineer in 2015. Starting my career with an apprenticeship provided me with a pragmatic and goal-oriented mindset. Subsequent studies in microtechnology and biomedical engineering have further enriched my interdisciplinary knowledge and enabled me to understand and manage different technical fields. A stay abroad to learn Spanish in South America and an internship at the University of Western Australia underlines my interest in other cultures and the exchange with people from different backgrounds.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

The EMBA program at the EPFL offers courses and experts that support the development of missing skills such as business development, finances including accounting or innovation management. The hands-on structure with several projects supporting practical learning on real world problems in a team with people from different backgrounds is, in my opinion, the perfect way to achieve the best learning effect. The overall strategy of the program, which aims to develop all necessary skills to take an innovation from an idea to a viable business model including sales, is very much in line with my current interests and needs.

Minara Askarova is a Project Leader Capability Development at Philip Morris International (PMI). She has an extensive experience in Operations Excellence area acquired through various positions, people manager roles and international assignments within PMI Operations.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

EPFL EMBA is my choice for many reasons from the program’s curriculum to university’s top ranking worldwide and exposure to multicultural study environment. What I value the most is the fact that this EMBA is designed for engineers who want to enhance their technical skills with a business degree to be able to oversee the big picture, harness innovation and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. This is exactly what I am looking for to achieve my career and development goals.

Oliver Schobel is a technical consultant for electrical drive systems at Siemens Switzerland. His job offered him the possibility to gain a broad experience in technical sales/consulting but also a deep technical knowledge at the same time. His deep technical knowledge in the energy sector enabled him to combine the industrial and the energy branch to work on sustainable energy solutions for his costumers.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

Innovation is one of the key factors of a sustainable and healthy business. The EMBA at EPFL offers a unique opportunity to expand the knowledge of innovation management in a creative and professional environment. To get a chance to improve my knowledge in a vast selection of different modules made the choice very easy for me.

Peter Andres is a Proposition Manager at Sunrise UPC and responsible for the design and creation of strong B2C Customer Value Propositions. This innovation-oriented position requires a solid understanding of market trends, changing customer needs, and evolving technological capabilities. As a former business journalist, Peter possesses extensive international work experience.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

Especially in the areas of communicating, formalizing and promoting ideas within interdisciplinary teams and subsequently initiating and leading their efficient realization I wish to adapt further competencies. I am convinced that the unique curriculum of your EMBA allows me to acquire exactly those essential skills.

Philippe Girard is vice director, member of the management board and head of licensing at Swissmedic. He joined the Agency as head of the laboratories after working in the pharmaceutical industry. He co-founded Excellgene. Philippe has a background in chemical engineering and process development for biologicals. He holds a PhD from EPFL.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

The focus on innovation and technology management was key, as the organization I lead is science and technology driven. This is my opportunity to prepare for the next steps in my professional life.

Quentin Prévot is working in strategy and innovation consulting for 13 years. He supports industrial leaders, public entities and start-ups developping new technologies, designing differenciating offers, entering new geographies, deciphering trends and finding new ways to innovate.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

I choose the EPFL EMBA because it's focused on innovation, strategy and new technologies. That's what I'm passionate about and this program is the best way for me to keep learning on these topics while meeting proficient and nice people!

Siva Nathan is a graduate of Electronic and microtechnic engineering.

Although he grew up and studied in Swiss (and even a Swiss citizen), he is descended from Sri Lanka. This mix of culture create a spicy fondu that brings curiosity from others.

He is a project manager in the medical device (MD) field. Working for Medtronic for almost a decade. He has previously worked for Thermo-Fisher Scientific and several others society. He worked in several technical fields (Electronic industry, IT support, Mecanic and Electric/Automation) before putting his feet in MD.

He builds a broad technical knowledge (IT, Mechanic, Automation, industrial vision system, AI vision system, Pneumatic) based on his work experience and studies. He is curious and willing to learn new technology.

How people describe him: Hyper social like to interact with others. Selfless, like to help others. His speciality is to watch out for a problem and add a pinch of creativity to fix it and make it better.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

I am often considered as an unorthodox and sometimes even eccentric due to creativity, my idea and the way I see the world. My ideas are often in starting block even if it is the best solution. Often it is frustrating for not being able to sell my idea. I was looking to find a personal transformation to be able to fulfill this gap. I have started by doing a personal test to better understand me and others. This helped me a lot, but still main key was missing. My inner self was telling me that EMBA was a solution to build missing competency. I get to know about this EMBA during a conference on AI technology. I left this conference with curiosity. I dug all information available on the internet and finally decided to enrol myself to unleash the potential. I strongly believe that this EMBA will provide gap to be a better entrepreneur of my idea. This EMBA is the step to take for career progression and personal development. ``An idea without a plan is just a dream...``. Idea is the innovation I see and the plan is this EMBA...

20+ years rich managemental experience from A to Z through comprehensive product life cycle but not limited to: Marketing->Business Development-> Feasibility/Architectural Research -> Development -> Volume launch-> Ramp up-> Volume ready-> Sustaining-> Value engineering->Product EOL->Phase in Phase out.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

Innovation and technology management in EPFL is an eye-opener for me, to approach not only the methodology and systematical learning but also diversified alumni across different industries.

Valentin Richoz is a Project Manager and Team Lead at CDI, a Software Development company based in Fribourg, Switzerland. He is in charge of the Cancer Screening team, which develops and operates web based solutions for Organized Cancer Screening Programmes in Switzerland and in several European countries. Valentin is a Communication Systems Engineer with a Master’s Degree completed in 2015 at EPFL

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

As an engineer working in Software Developement for the Healthcare industry, I'm very attached to technology and innovation. The EPFL EMBA focuses very specifically on Innovation Management. As an EPFL Alumni, I'm aware of the excellent quality of its education, as well as the incredibly stimulating environment that its campus provides.

Vladimir Shkolnikov is a Business Lawyer mainly in pharma and biotech field. With 22 years of experience in anti-trust, data protection, techtransfer, IP, contracting, dispute settlement, and other areas, Vladimir currently works as Legal Expert and Local Data Protection Advisor in Fresenius Kabi SwissBioSim.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

EPFL is highly ranked world school. Its EMBA focuses on innovations. The MBA in general would be a solid asset in my career, as well as an opportunity for new networking.

As part of RUAG Innovation Organization, Yann is in charge of a project portfolio and leads the development of the company in Lausanne. Yann holds a PhD in Data Science, has a strong international experience and worked previously in the aerospace sector abroad and in the field of experimental physics at CERN.

Why I chose EPFL EMBA?

EPFL's EMBA, is straight on point with the objectives of my organization and my vision of the future. Moreover, holding an EMBA from a Federal Institute of Technology makes particular sense for an academic profile as mine.