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A World Without Extreme Vulnerability

Advancing sustainable development, humanitarian action, and global peace promotion through technology and innovation for a better future.
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Our work

EssentialTech’s Mission

At the EssentialTech Centre, we are dedicated to harnessing science and technology to promote sustainable development, support humanitarian action, and foster peace. In collaboration with EPFL’s cutting-edge laboratories, we design solutions tailored to vulnerable contexts.

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52

projects and programmes

23

publications

4

successful transfers

351

students

53

EPFL Labs collaborations

47

students supervisions & internships

Education

For a social, impactful engineering

Through EPFL Semester course, MOOCs, and students supervisions and internships, EssentialTech is committed to contribute shaping the leaders of tomorrow and show them how engineering can have a positive societal impact.

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Research & Impact

Programmes & Projects

Our technology development projects follow our pioneering, unique in-house methodology which starts in the academic and research environment before being transferred to the private sector for implementation at scale. Our projects cover a wide range of thematics to address all aspects of vulnerability.

All projects
Programme

PeaceTech Innovation Hub

Address key challenges in conflict prevention, peace processes, and post-conflict recovery.
Peacetech
Ongoing
interdisciplinarity, social sciences, political sciences, STEM, hub, innovation

GlobalViewAid

Enhance the autonomy and safety of blind people in urban environments
Sustainable Development
Ongoing
handicap, blind, health, AI, disability
Reduced inequalities

Ren'All care

An Alliance for Affordable and Sustainable Dialysis for ALL
Sustainable Development
Ongoing
health, dialysis, nephrology, LMICs, kidney failure, mortality, healthcare, training
Health
Programme

GlobalHealthyStart

Essential newborn healthcare for vulnerable contexts
Sustainable Development
Ongoing
children, health, neonatal, survival, equipment, technology, oxygen, incubator, low-cost
Health
Support us

Contribute to a meaningful change

As a philanthropic foundation or CSR-focused company, your support transforms ideas into impactful solutions. Join us to make a real difference for people and the planet. Discover how to be part of our mission.

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Testimonials

From our Partners & Students

“They combine expertise with a startup mindset, blending entrepreneurship, cutting-edge research, and a strong global network, making them truly unique.”

Dr. Jürg Utzinger
Director, Swiss TPH

“A partner of choice thanks to their unique expertise, capacity to work in challenging contexts. With the technical solution, they’re complementary and come as a perfect match.”

Dr. Claudia Baez-Camargo
Director, Prevention, Research and Innovation, Basel Institute of Governance

A particularly rewarding experience through a more social approach to engineering, which was rarely addressed during my studies. The contacts at the Center were very helpful in helping me understand all the dimensions and real-world challenges in LMICs.

Erika Fivaz
Master Student

“Such collaboration allows us to connect humanitarian actors with state-of-the-art science to try and solve growing humanitarian needs with smart and efficient solutions.”

Alexander Widmer
Advisor to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

“They come to us as true partners with experience in our settings, and with recommendations that actually work in the developing world.”

Dr. Bernard Olayo
Founder, Centre for Public Health and Development (CPHD)

"The only university based practical outfit that I know that is really working hand in hand with humanitarian organisations."

Hansjörg Eberle
Director, Fondation Suisse de Déminage

"I did my Master’s thesis with EssentialTech on solar systems for refugee camps. The guidance and support fuelled my passion for impact, emphasizing sustainable business models and real-world solutions."

Anaïs Matthey-Junod
Master Student in 2020

“They strive to understand key issues by actively listening, recognizing challenges, and connecting with the right people to find solutions.”

Philippe Stoll
Senior Techplomacy delegate, ICRC
About

The Story and People Behind EssentialTech

EssentialTech was founded at EPFL in 2012 by Dr. Klaus Schönenberger, driven by his conviction that science and technology can contribute to improving the lives of the most vulnerable. This vision led to the creation of the Centre. Today, our dedicated and passionate team works tirelessly to address vulnerabilities and improve conditions for both people and the planet. Using a distinctive methodology, we consistently deliver impactful innovations that meet unaddressed needs and create lasting positive change.

About the Centre
Meet the Team
EssentialTech Lab work session

Do you want to get involved?

Join us in creating a more sustainable and equitable world. Together, we can leverage science and technology to address critical challenges and improve conditions for both people and the planet. Contact us to explore potential collaborations.