Selected - The Sesamers Podcast

Highlights

From Artists to Activists: The Birth of Unio

Back in 2002, in a time before MySpace was consumed by Facebook and the ensuing social media revolution, Martin and his co-founder Sixten Nielson started an online community for professional artists. The platform was intended to connect artists not only among themselves, but also with the outer world. Over the years, there was an organic growth in the community as they expanded their focus to connect artists with activists, scientists, and the wider community too, realizing the potential of artists to inspire change beyond the art world. As Martin puts it, "artists have a special ability sometimes to think in different ways, and it's almost a waste if they're only there to sell pretty pictures".

Human Hotel: Connecting Climate Activists

Martin's initiatives created a space where artists and climate activists started coming together, giving birth to the curated travel network of creatives and activitsts called Human Hotel. The community saw great success, initially conceived for artists, Human Hotel soon became a platform for climate activists during major events like COP26 in Glasgow. It served as an alternative to Airbnb, matching activists with locals willing to support their cause. Their success was fueled by their focus on building strong communities rather than simply profiting from accommodation. In Martin's perspective, "despite us having thousands of bookings, it was not a very good community success. Community is an antidote to money." And naturally so, he explains. Community is a space where people show up and give what they can because they want to, not because there is a renumeration to do so. Martin mentions how some of the best community he has seen has been among groups of people with very little wealth.

Rethinking the Future of Work

With the onset of COVID-19, Martin recognized the changing landscape of the future of work: remote and over distance, easily leaving people feeling alone and disconnected. This poses a threat to employee retention, as Martin puts it "it feels like I'm playing a computer game called 'work' all day. That's not a good feeling because you can just play another game and somebody pays you a little bit more." Instead of accommodation, the project began to shift its focus towards facilitating connections among remote and hybrid teams. That's where Unio was born.

Unio helps decentralize workplace culture, allowing employees to organize and participate in social events, even remotely, thus combating the loneliness epidemic exacerbated by remote work.

Unio's success metrics extend beyond traditional KPIs. They focus on de-siloing within organizations, ensuring employees from different teams interact through events. Success also means getting people to spend more physical time together, fostering stronger loyalty to the company.

The Future of Work and Building Communities

Unio's vision for the future involves reducing loneliness and increasing human connections in the workplace. They aim to demonstrate that community-building efforts are linked to tangible bottom-line results, although community-building involves a lot of intangible work. Martin, when asked to define what he would call a community, shares some really valuable insight:

"So for me, community is the effect that happens when you've been working on a project with a group of people. Once you leave, and if you don't come back, if it still continues, that's because community took over. And if it just flattens out when the money leaves, when the project organizer leaves, then community was not."

Take a moment to listen to the conversation in full, to hear Martin's insight on exactly how to go about creating and building a community with this level of depth and strength.

Find Martin on:

• LinkedIn: martin-rosengaard
• Instagram: @unio.social

Find Ben on:

• LinkedIn: bcostantini
• Twitter: @bencostantini

Highlights

SaaStock: The Upcoming Event That's Making Waves

SaaStock, the crown jewel of SaaS conferences, takes center stage in this episode. Alex Theuma sheds light on this year's event, taking place October 16th to 18th in Dublin. With the event's history dating back seven years, SaaStock has since established itself as one of Europe's premiere conferences for SaaS founders and their teams. It's a powerhouse for connecting with peers and investors, or, as Alex puts it, "SaasStock is not just an event; it's a powerhouse where connections with peers and investors flourish, and dreams and businesses take flight."

In this episode you hear Alex talk a lot about the collaborative spirit that fuels the tech events ecosystem. An example of this is how events like SaaStock and B2B Rocks can collaborate, creating an community where events are more allies than competitors. Alex argues how such collaborations enrich the ecosystem, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among tech enthusiasts.

Scaling Events in the Industry: Staying Fresh Amidst the Familiar

Growing as big as they have, SaaStock clearly knows a thing or two about how to scale in the events industry. Alex offers valuable insights into the challenges and strategies behind how SaaStock manages to have grown to this scale while striking a balance between remaining both fresh and new, and also having repetition in events. He gives his perspective on the view that while some may find recurring themes familiar, these themes also serve as powerful reminders and reinforcers of key principles and strategies.

Membership and the Challenges of Event Growth (a.k.a Post-COVID problems...)

The conversation takes a turn toward membership and the challenges of growing event attendance, arguably one of the top performance indicators for events. Despite their success, its true that SaaStock took a knock when the industry suffered as a consequence of the pandemic. Alex shares about how these challenges were network wide, and in this way, so were the solutions. He discusses how the pandemic prompted the need for more support and connections among founders, which led to the creation of the SaaStock Founder Membership.

The SaaStock Founder Membership is a valuable resource for founders scaling their businesses to $10 million in revenue, and Alex details how this value add from their approach in creating the membership has ultimately worked in SaaStock's favor. The membership is not just a ticket to events; it's a support network, a place for education, and a platform for founders to connect, learn, and thrive.

Festival Vibes and Networking: Where Business Meets Fun

The podcast episode also explores the unique festival-like atmosphere that defines SaaStock events. The spirit of this is captured in the name, as Alex puts it, "SaaStock is like the Woodstock for SaaS". He shares his insights into the importance of networking, both professional and personal, and how SaaStock events foster a sense of community and connection through the fun and positive energy they seek to foster at their events.

Tune in to the full episode to dive deeper into these topics, and to learn the story behind Alex's curious Balloonicorn tattoo 😅

Find Alex on:

• LinkedIn: alextheuma
• Twitter: @alextheuma

Find Ben on:

• LinkedIn: bcostantini
• Twitter: @bencostantini

Highlights

The Birth of Probabl: FDDay Unveiling

FDDay served as the grand stage for Yann to unveil his brainchild, Probabl, along with a number of undisclosed cofounders. As co-founding CEO, he's embarking on a journey to tackle the daunting challenge of machine learning at scale. But what sets Probabl apart is its commitment to open-source solutions. It's not just about building AI; it's about making it available to everyone, regardless of their size or resources. Yann kicked off the conversation by unveiling his ambitious mission with Probabl. His goal? To make AI accessible to all, leveling the playing field for entities of all sizes. It's a mission baked right into the company's bylaws, emphasizing the need for democratization and transformative change in the world of technology.

The origin story of Probabl is quite fascinating. Yann's brainchild emerged as a response to a government-backed initiative aimed at promoting open-source assets for AI in France. The company's mission is explicitly tied to fostering technological sovereignty within Europe, a concept he unpacks further in the podcast.

When it comes to funding, Probabl has kept its cards close to its chest. Yann mentions that it's a work in progress. What's intriguing, though, is that Probabl is a private-public initiative, emphasizing its mission rather than just the funding. The focus is on achieving the mission, regardless of the financials.

The Urgency of Tech Sovereignty

When the topic of the European tech landscape today, compared to that of Silicon Valley in the U.S, comes up, Yann doesn't mince words. He asserts that Europe is too liberal for its own good, highlighting the lack of protectionism in the region. In an age of global tech conflicts and the rise of AI, he argues that Europe must reduce its dependence on foreign technologies and promote its strategic interests.

As Yann rightly points out, Europe has a rich pool of talent, but it's time to harness that potential and pave the way for strategic independence. The world is becoming increasingly complex, and Europe must position itself as a formidable player in the global tech arena. Probabl's mission to provide open-source solutions is a step towards ensuring that Europe's values and interests remain at the forefront of technological innovation. It's not just about catching up; it's about leading the way.

Open Source vs. Open Weights

Yann sheds light on a critical distinction between open source and what he dubs "open weights." He calls out the common practice of companies sharing model weight data while keeping the actual code proprietary. True open source, he argues, entails not just open weights but open access to the entire model's source code.

Europe's tech scene may have lagged behind its American counterpart, but with initiatives like Probabl and the Joint European Disruption Initiative (JEDI) that Yann is a part of, there's hope for change on the horizon.

Yann's vision of technological sovereignty, open-source AI, and a level playing field for all is a rallying cry for the European tech ecosystem. The challenges are enormous but it's clear that Yann's determined to address them head-on. Europe, it's time to rise to the occasion, and Probabl might just be the catalyst we've been waiting for.

Find Yann on:

• LinkedIn: ylechelle
• Twitter: @ylechelle

Find Ben on:

• LinkedIn: bcostantini
• Twitter: @bencostantini

Highlights:

Weathering the Storm: Navigating Event Challenges in 2020 and Beyond

One of the standout aspects of our conversation was how TechBBQ successfully navigated the turbulent waters of 2020, a year that saw the event industry severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sam's insights into this journey were enlightening.

TechBBQ, despite the odds, managed to not only survive but thrive during the pandemic. A testament to their resilience, Sam shared that they received invaluable support from partners and government assistance. This allowed them to retain their core team, ensuring they were ready to bounce back when the time was right.

The lesson here is clear: in the ever-changing landscape of the events industry, adaptability and a strong support network are crucial for event organizers to endure the toughest of times. While every event's situation may be unique, TechBBQ's ability to pivot and persevere offers valuable inspiration for those seeking to weather similar storms.

Beyond the Event: TechBBQ's Holistic Approach to Fostering Innovation

TechBBQ isn't just another tech event; it's an organization with a holistic approach to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Sam shed light on TechBBQ's role as a non-profit entity engaged in a variety of projects throughout the year, each designed to create connections and engagement within the tech ecosystem.

Their multi-project approach is both impressive and instructive. By extending their impact beyond the flagship event, TechBBQ ensures continuous engagement with their audience and partners. This strategy not only enhances their visibility but also aligns them more closely with the broader goals of their community.

Event organizers can take a page from TechBBQ's playbook by diversifying their initiatives, focusing on community-building year-round, and embracing their role as more than just a one-time gathering. In doing so, they can foster deeper relationships and provide ongoing value to their stakeholders.

The Power of Personal Engagement: A CEO Who Walks the Talk

One of the most striking aspects of our conversation was Sam's personal approach to event management. As the CEO and Chief Engagement Officer, he actively seeks to establish personal connections with attendees, partners, and speakers, creating a warm and memorable atmosphere at TechBBQ.

This personal touch extends beyond the event itself. Sam places a high value on giving back to those who dedicate their time to TechBBQ, be it through speaking engagements or attendance. He exemplifies the principle of reciprocity, ensuring that every participant feels appreciated and valued.

Sam's dedication to personal engagement serves as a powerful reminder to event organizers that the human element is at the heart of every successful event. Fostering connections, expressing gratitude, and creating a welcoming atmosphere are invaluable strategies for building a loyal and engaged community.

Scaling Sustainably: The Challenge of Venue Selection and Growth

The conversation with Sam also touched on the challenges of scaling an event like TechBBQ. As the organization grows, it must consider its venue options carefully. TechBBQ has reached a point where its current venue may no longer accommodate its expanding audience.

Sam discussed the possibility of moving to a larger venue, but not without thoughtfulness. He emphasized the importance of retaining the unique, grassroots feel of TechBBQ, even as it potentially moves to a larger space. Maintaining the essence of what makes the event special is a priority.

Event organizers facing similar dilemmas can learn from TechBBQ's approach. Scaling is often essential for growth, but it should be done with a keen eye on preserving the event's core identity. Sam's insights underscore the importance of strategic venue selection and thoughtful planning to ensure that an event continues to resonate with its community.

TechBBQ's Journey Offers Inspiration and Insights

This conversation with Sam Eshrati provided a captivating glimpse into the inner workings of TechBBQ, a force to be reckoned with in the tech event space. Their ability to adapt and thrive during challenging times, embrace a holistic approach to innovation, prioritize personal engagement, and tackle the challenges of scaling sustainably holds valuable lessons for event organizers everywhere.

As the events industry continues to evolve, TechBBQ's journey offers inspiration and insights that can help shape the future of event management. By staying true to their mission of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, TechBBQ demonstrates the power of community-driven events and the enduring value they bring to the world of tech. Keep an eye on TechBBQ, because their journey is far from over, and their impact is sure to resonate for years to come.

Find Sam on:

• LinkedIn: sameshrati
• Twitter: @SamEshrati

Find Ben on:

• LinkedIn: bcostantini
• Twitter: @bencostantini

Highlights:

Innovation in Experimentation: The birth of Notpla

The concept was born out of a challenge that Pierre and his business partner, Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, encountered during their Masters studies in Innovation Design Engineering at Imperial College London. The innovation was discovered by chance, through trying to create a man-made fruit. The result was a revolutionary idea - a startup committed to providing sustainable packaging alternatives to combat the growing problem of plastic waste. They called this venture Notpla, a name that signifies their core mission: to provide an alternative to plastic. Their first product, Ooho, is an edible water pod made of seaweed extract.

It was a creative and efficient solution to tackle the pervasive problem of plastic pollution at marathons and other large-scale events. Over time, this dynamic duo expanded their product range to cater to various needs within the food and beverage industry. One of their most notable products has been the development of linings for takeaway boxes that are biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than traditional options.

Navigating the High Seas: Challenges and Breakthroughs

Like any pioneering venture, Notpla's journey has been filled with challenges and learning opportunities. The early days were marked by the painstaking process of not just creating a viable product, but also one that complied with health and safety standards, was scalable, and was economically sustainable.

Moreover, as Paslier points out during our conversation, the food industry is traditionally slow-moving and resistant to change. This has required a significant amount of patience and perseverance from the Notpla team. They've had to convince stakeholders of the feasibility and benefits of their products, a task that's not always easy in an industry that's accustomed to its conventional ways.

One of the significant breakthroughs for Notpla came when they were listed by BidFood, one of the UK's biggest distributors. This was a game-changer, as it provided Notpla with access to a vast network of 45,000 food service restaurants. However, getting listed was no walk in the park. It required Notpla to prove their capacity to deliver at scale, and they also had to meet a host of industry-standard accreditations, a process that took years.

Pearls of Wisdom for Aspiring Environmental Entrepreneurs

For those looking to follow in his footsteps and tackle environmental issues, Pierre offers some insightful advice. First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of creating a team that is driven by purpose. As he explains, the number of people who want to work on something with a strong purpose is already substantial, but this figure is growing all the time.

This means that even if you're unable to offer competitive salaries or traditional job titles, you can still attract top-tier talent if your mission is compelling and meaningful. Secondly, Pierre encourages entrepreneurs to be aware of the changing global landscape. As he points out, more and more people want to work with companies that have a strong mission and are making a positive impact on the world. This societal shift opens up thrilling opportunities for purpose-led startups, offering them a competitive advantage in the increasingly conscious business world.

How You Can Support Notpla and Their Future Plans

In wrapping up the interview, Pierre appeals to listeners to show their support for Notpla's mission. For consumers, he suggests a simple yet effective way to help: by tagging their favorite takeaway food providers on Instagram and proposing they consider more sustainable packaging options like Notpla's. This is a powerful method for increasing awareness and demand for more environmentally-friendly solutions in the food industry.

For investors looking for an opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability while also investing in a promising company, Notpla is currently preparing for their Series B funding round. This presents a golden opportunity to become a part of Notpla's journey as they continue to innovate and expand their footprint in the sustainable packaging sector.

Pierre also sheds some light on the future plans for Notpla. While he doesn't reveal all the details, he does hint at new products in the pipeline that could further revolutionize the food and beverage industry. It's clear that Notpla will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of sustainable packaging.

Final Thoughts

Pierre's journey with Notpla serves as an inspiring testament to how innovative thinking, steadfast dedication, and a strong purpose can lead to game-changing solutions in the fight against environmental degradation. The insights he shares during our conversation provide valuable guidance for anyone looking to make their own impact in this critical field.

This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of sustainable innovation and the role each of us can play in supporting such initiatives. As consumers, industry leaders, or potential investors, we all have a part to play in shaping a more sustainable future. Notpla's work is a shining example of the possibilities that lie ahead when we dare to think differently and commit to protecting our planet.

Find Pierre on:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pierrepaslier
• Twitter: @notpla

Find Ben on:

• Sesamers: smrs.link/BenCostantini
• Twitter: @bencostantini

Now in his role at the helm of Agua de Sol, we had the opportunity to catch up with him during VivaTech 2023. 

Highlights

1. Pursuing impact through startups

In our talk, Luc confronts the reality of a future in which we face the dreaded day-zero: a world of water scarcity. After understanding the potential of Agua de Sol's technology in preventing such a dystopian future, he decided to join the company in a more permanent role. For Luc, this decision was easy to make because of the opportunity to make a direct impact.

He stresses how building a project in the startup space is more fulfilling in this way. Pursuing a corporate career demands excellence to make a true, large-scale difference: and even then, its quite rare. In his own words "as an investment banker, what could I do? [...] Here, I can have an impact." 

2. From proof of concept to market launch

Agua de Sol is a company that offers a revolutionary solution to one of the world's most pressing challenges: access to clean water. Luc explains how their product, the SunAir Fountain, uses solar power to convert atmospheric water into into fresh, potable water. Luc shares how Agua de Sol spent several years in moving from their proof of concept work to launching for market.

He shares insights for founders on how they navigated this transition in terms of research, patenting, and meeting regulations. He shares insight on how they chose to launch at the right moment to meet newer  French market regulations which drive a demand for their product.  

3. VivaTech: finding new places, new ideas, new partners

Luc explains how huge conferences like VivaTech offer startups the opportunity to both communicate with other innovation leaders, but also to learn more about the world and discover things that they would have otherwise never been found. "It is a fast changing world, and I need to understand these trends."

Through exhibiting at VivaTech, they came to find new use cases for their product that they would never elsewise have known: such as in an underground location such as a wine cellar facing humidity problems. Given that the SunAir Fountain is easy to move once installed, after capturing excess humidity at night, the panels can be moved outside during the day to complete their water creating process in cycles.

4. Valuable advice for innovators

Towards the end of the conversation, Luc shares some invaluable advice for other innovators and founders. He encourages them to "focus on small targets, step-by-step." He cautions against trying to leap-frog, which can lead to setbacks from which it can be difficult to recover, especially in certain countries. Luc's advice reflects the wisdom of his experience and the reality of innovation – it is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and resilience: "Stop crying, work hard, there is a lot of support."

Find Luc on:

• LinkedIn: /in/lucmetivier
• YouTube: /watch?v=qwSJb_4k91g

Find Ben on:

• Sesamers: smrs.link/BenCostantini
• Twitter: @bencostantini

Highlights:

1. The birth of Bioharmonize

Elizabeth opens up about the personal health journey that led her to co-found Bioharmonize, an invite-only community of global leaders, cross-pollinating novel emerging technologies in health, art and music. She shares how her experience of a health crisis, undiagnosed by traditional medical approaches, inspired her to find new ways of understanding and addressing her own health issues. This challenging journey led her to the world of digital health, where she discovered the potential of data-driven insights to transform personal health management.

2. Digital health as a tool for empowerment

Elizabeth firmly believes in the empowering potential of digital health. As she points out, health data can act as a powerful tool for individuals to understand their bodies and take control of their health. This is particularly beneficial in cases where traditional medical approaches fail to diagnose or address health issues. Elizabeth’s personal experience with digital health helped her understand her health challenges and take proactive steps to improve her wellbeing.

3. Biohacking to unlock full potential

Elizabeth touches on the world of biohacking, exploring questions like "what does it entail? What falls under this domain?" She argues how at the heart of the biohacking community is the shared principle of "taking responsibility for your own life." She shares her own journey in becoming a key member of this global community, advocating that through a combination of understanding our own biology and using techniques or technology we can live to our fullest potential in life.

4. The role of events in the path of discovery

Elizabeth emphasizes the value of events in her work and her journey. She sees events as a platform for both connecting with people and discovering niche technologies in the health tech field. She highlights the importance of being genuine, sincere, and of service to others when attending these gatherings. "There is so much noise in the world, and so many people out to get something. So when you show up at an event, or any space in your life, and if you show up to be of service [...] it puts you ahead of everybody." Elizabeth believes that this approach sets the stage for meaningful connections, fruitful collaborations, and is the reason for the extensive size of her professional network.

5. Bioharmonize’s future plans

Driven by Elizabeth's conviction that everyone deserves access to better health, Bioharmonize is poised to revolutionize the digital health space. Their upcoming product, a wearable that measures biometrics and provides valuable health insights, is an exciting step towards their mission of democratizing health knowledge and empowering individuals to take control of their health.

Elizabeth’s journey to digital health, and her insights into the potential of this rapidly growing field, provide food for thought for anyone interested in health, technology, or the intersection of the two. It underscores the transformative potential of technology in helping individuals understand and manage their health, and the power of events and genuine connections in driving this transformation.

Find Elizabeth on:

• These platforms: linktr.ee/westerlund

Find Ben on:

• Sesamers: smrs.link/BenCostantini
• Twitter: @bencostantini

As a former NASA Deputy Administrator, Dava Newman has extensive expertise in aerospace biomedical engineering, particularly in areas such as human performance in different gravity environments, spacesuit design, and navigation aids for astronauts during spacewalks. These days, as director of the MIT Media Lab, she finds herself in an entirely different domain: a melting-pot with a multi-inter-transdisciplinary approach towards innovation, as she calls it, with one goal: to have an IMPACT.

Newman’s work at the MIT Media Lab revolves around her passion for what she calls "transformative technology" at large. The excitement in her voice is contagious, as she shares her thoughts on how we can harness and integrate the power of general artificial intelligence to enhance the human experience. 

Main takeaways:

1.Enhancing the Human Experience: Dava shares with us the numerous ways in which the intention to uncover how we can use AI and technology to enhance the human experience remains central to all the work done at the MIT Media Lab is. She argues how the quality of life we experience must remain central to the conversation of how to create responsible and trusted AI, and how shaping human behavior in using these tools is as critical as shaping the algorithms we create.

2. Current Challenges of Humanity: In sharing the current research themes focused on by the MIT Media Lab, Dava expands on the most pressing and urgent questions of our time. She expands on how the Lab centralizes their research around the following five themes, detailed in the podcast: Future Worlds (notice the plural there), Life with AI, Decentralized Societies, Cultivating Creativity, calling for a global revolution in creative thinking; and Connected Mind and Body--from bionic people to digital central nervous systems!

3. Societal Implications of AI: While we've been talking for decades about the future of both computer-human interfaces and computer-brain interfaces, "the future is finally here," says Dava. So now what? She discusses the role of beneficial uses of AI in the fields of medicine and disease treatment, as well as our responsibility in how we implement and use these tools to enhance the human experience in all ways possible. Educating the public at large is a necessary step that cannot be overlooked, something the Lab seeks to do in their annual Day of AI.

4. Regulation: a need for guardrails: "Policy making is slow, and technology has outpaced government policies" says Dava, sharing more on why she is pro regulation of these technologies. She details her hope for positive collaboration between Europe and the United States of America, working hand-in-hand to develop a system of standards and guardrails in protecting our shared future.

5. Encouragement for entrepreneurs, innovators, and collaboration: Dava offers words of encouragement to young entrepreneurs and innovators, urging them to believe in themselves and their dreams. She's a firm believer in the value of persistence, even in the face of failure, and reminds us all that setbacks are part of the process on the path to success. She also discusses the importance of partnerships with industry members, ranging from small and medium-sized companies to large enterprises, in driving the work of the MIT Media Lab. Collaboration between academia and industry is crucial for advancing research and technological development. She addresses the use of space data and its relevance in understanding life here and on earth.

Find Dava on:

• Her website: davanewman.com
• The MIT Media Lab website: media.mit.edu/people/dnewman
• LinkedIn: /in/dava-newman

Find Ben on:

• Sesamers: smrs.link/BenCostantini
• Twitter: @bencostantini

Cover photo © Andy Ryan

Main takeaways:

1. The Genesis of Neobe Therapeutics: Pedro Correa de Sampaio co-founded Neobe Therapeutics with the aim of addressing a significant issue in the pharmaceutical industry: drug resistance in cancer treatment. Approximately 20% of drugs are effective in combating cancer, and Neobe Therapeutics' groundbreaking approach involves using engineered bacteria to overcome drug resistance, offering hope for more effective treatment options.

2. Harnessing the Power of Engineered Bacteria: Neobe Therapeutics designs bacteria that can specifically target cancer cells, bypassing healthy cells in the process. By programming these bacteria to produce enzymes that can break down the extracellular matrix of drug-resistant tumors, they enable the cancer drugs to penetrate and effectively treat the tumors.

3. Neobe's Unique Approach to Funding: Pedro explains that Neobe Therapeutics' approach to funding is quite different from traditional biotech startups. The company's strategy involves securing early-stage funding through organizations like Deep Science Ventures, which offers both financial support and mentorship. This approach allows Neobe to maintain control over their intellectual property and equity, providing them with more flexibility in their research and development process.

4. Progress and Future Plans: Neobe Therapeutics has two products in its pipeline, targeting specific subtypes of colon and breast cancer. The company is currently raising funds to conduct pre-clinical work, with the aim of entering first-in-human trials by 2025 or 2026.

5. Educating and Engaging the Community: Pedro acknowledges the importance of educating the public, the medical community, and regulators about the safety and efficacy of using engineered bacteria in cancer treatment. Neobe Therapeutics is committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure their approach gains acceptance and becomes a viable option for cancer patients.

Conclusion:
Neobe Therapeutics is paving the way for a new era in cancer treatment by harnessing the power of engineered bacteria. With a unique approach to funding, a focus on education and engagement, and a dedicated team working tirelessly to develop innovative solutions, the company holds great promise in the fight against drug-resistant cancers. As Neobe continues its journey towards bringing these groundbreaking therapies to market, we eagerly anticipate the positive impact they will have on the lives of countless cancer patients.

Main takeaways:

1. The role of green hydrogen in combating climate change: Vaitea Cowan emphasized the importance of green hydrogen in the battle against climate change. Unlike grey hydrogen, green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This sustainable energy source has the potential to play a significant role in achieving global climate targets by replacing fossil fuels in various sectors.

2. Enapter's growth and expansion plans: Enapter aims to make green hydrogen affordable and accessible worldwide. With their latest mega-watt scale electrolyzer coming online this Summer, the company is now focusing on scaling up production. They also recently completed the construction of a new factory in Germany, which will help to further expand their operations.

3. Collaboration and partnership opportunities: Cowan believes that collaboration is essential for achieving net-zero targets. Enapter is interested in partnering with system integrators, energy developers, and companies working on hydrogen-powered planes, cars, and trucks; or those who want to replace their process running with natural gas to use a clean gas instead. By working together, these organizations can help drive the adoption of green hydrogen and contribute to a more sustainable future.

4. The value of attending Tech events like Hello Tomorrow: Cowan highlighted the benefits of participating in Tech events like Hello Tomorrow, where she was a speaker. Such events provide networking opportunities, as well as a chance to meet potential partners and investors. Cowan also emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences with other professionals in the industry, which can lead to valuable collaborations and business opportunities.

5. The significance of being invited to give a TED talk: The interview also touched upon Cowan's experience of being invited to give a TED talk. She shared her excitement and the sense of achievement that came with being recognized by one of the most prestigious platforms for sharing ideas. Cowan's TED talk allowed her to reach a broader audience and raise awareness of the potential of green hydrogen.

Conclusion:
Vaitea Cowan's insights into Enapter's journey and the future of green hydrogen provide a valuable perspective on the opportunities and challenges ahead for the clean energy industry. By embracing collaboration, participating in tech events, and sharing ideas through platforms like TED Talks, startups like Enapter can drive the green hydrogen revolution and contribute to a more sustainable world.