Cryptocurreny that uses sound to transfer value; this is the basic idea behind Geneva-based start-up, Sonocoin. How does it work? What are the advantages? And the potential risks? On today’s Tech Talk, Ana Maria Montero hears both sides of the coin from founder Leon Afanasyev.
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Planting trees in the wrong place can hurt the environment
Tom Crowther’s research pinpoints where we should save and restore forests, based on where those trees are most beneficial to the Earth’s ecosystems. “We generate an understanding of where carbon is concentrated to trap it and keep as much as possible out of our atmosphere,” says the ETH Zurich professor. But Crowther’s findings are stirring up some controversy for a number of reasons.
A world without passwords is just around the corner
Windows, Android and most web browsers have integrated FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) authentication, says Andrew Shikiar, executive director of FIDO Alliance. The U.S.-based association aims to eliminate the use of passwords, which they say is key to combatting cybercrime. Daniel Dubowski, vice president of cybersecurity at Equifax, joined Shikiar at the WEF Cybersecurity Summit in Geneva last month to share the company’s experience of going “passwordless.”
Pitch perfect: How Swissnex is prepping tech start-ups for CES 2020
In the first part of our special series leading up to CES 2020, which kicks off in Las Vegas on January 7, we talk to Christian Simm, CEO of Swissnex Boston, about how their start-ups are getting ready. And we ask Stuart Papp, founder of Boston-based coaching service Pitch DNA, about how he’s teaching these Swiss entrepreneurs to pitch their start-ups at the event.
This autism innovation may never see the light of day in Switzerland
Ned Sahin is founder and CEO of neurotechnology start-up Brain Power, whose tool “Empower Me” uses smart glasses like Google Glass to coach those with autism. It helps schoolchildren learn social and cognitive skills and can even guide adults through an interview process. Brain Power’s product is sold to many schools in the U.S. but may never make it to market in Switzerland thanks to strict data privacy laws.
How cyborg artist merges his life with technology
For 15 years, Neil Harbisson has lived with an antenna implanted into his skull, making him the world’s first officially recognized cyborg. “It’s to extend my perception of reality and to merge with technology,” he says. Harbisson explains that his extra senses set him apart as an artist. We caught up with him on a recent trip to Zurich to discuss the relationship between humans and technology and to find out how society treats those who consider themselves trans-species.
Meet the Bristell Energic
The future of electric aviation is taking off in Switzerland.
Space travel to Mars is coming: “It’s the backup plan for humanity”
Travel to Mars is coming sooner than we think, says Christopher Mason, associate professor at Weill Cornell Medicine. Mason worked on NASA’s twin study to analyze the impact of space travel on human DNA and apply what was learned here on Earth. Ana Maria Montero finds out how Mason is using DNA to improve lives and his work with ETH and the University of Zurich to map the DNA of Swiss cities.
“Switzerland should have at least 5 or 6 unicorns by now,” says Nomoko CEO
Nomoko is creating the first-ever 3-D mirror image of the world, a digital twin of our universe. CEO and co-founder Nilson Kufus says it’s about connecting the digital and physical worlds. The Zurich-based start-up just received a grant of CHF 2.5 million from the EU’s Horizon 2020 program and is raising 30 million more in Europe and the U.S. But Kufus has some strong words about Switzerland, and Europe overall, when it comes to capitalizing on the potential of the tech and innovation sector.
