Campus 10178

Ali Alam on research commercialization, team-building, and European tech sovereignty

Ali Alam, manager of the DEEP Pioneers program at the DEEP Institute, joins Campus 10178 to demystify deep tech and explain why research-rooted innovation is essential to solving today's most pressing challenges. In this episode, he outlines the barriers Europe faces in commercializing scientific discoveries and explains how high-performing founder-researcher teams can help overcome them. Drawing on his global experience as a founder and operator, Ali provides a clear, accessible introduction to the deep tech ecosystem and makes the case for why now is the critical time to act.

• What defines deep tech and how it differs from consumer-facing technology
• The seven verticals of deep tech and their societal relevance
• Why Europe produces strong research but lags in commercialization—including the stark reality that only 3% of researchers who want to commercialize ever become research founders
• The importance of founder-researcher matching for venture success
• Structural barriers in tech transfer and how DEEP Pioneers addresses them
• Building the EU's sovereign innovation capacity through policy developments like European incorporation and unified patent systems, funding, and partnerships

• Deep Tech for Dummies (& Smart VCs Who Want an Edge) by Ali Alam on Medium
• DEEP Institute at ESMT Berlin
• Ali Alam on LinkedIn
• Joachim Herz Foundation

Ali Alam is the manager of the venture-building program at DEEP Pioneers, part of the DEEP Institute at ESMT Berlin. Born in Pakistan and raised across Singapore, Malaysia, and the UK before settling in Germany, Ali brings a global perspective to European deep tech. His journey from SaaS founder to venture builder was shaped by growing up in academic families—his parents are researchers—giving him firsthand insight into how universities operate and how research transitions from lab to market.

At DEEP Pioneers, Ali tackles one of Europe's biggest challenges: the "valley of death" where promising university research stalls before reaching commercialization. His approach focuses on team-building rather than trying to convert researchers into entrepreneurs, instead matching world-class research with experienced serial founders to create complementary founding teams. With support from the Joachim Herz Foundation, the program aims to help Europe capitalize on its strong research output and compete globally in the deep tech space.

Ali describes himself as still learning about deep tech complexities, bringing both humility and passion to solving what he believes are the world's biggest problems through science-based innovation.

About Campus 10178

Campus 10178 is Germany's #1 podcast on the business research behind business practice. Brought to you each month by ESMT Berlin, the 45-minute show brings together top scholars, executives, and policymakers to discuss today's hottest topics in leadership, innovation, and analytics. Campus 10178 – where education meets business.

Exploring the societal impact of analytics and artificial intelligence with Catalina Stefanescu-Cuntze and Urs Mueller

In this episode of Campus 10178 – the podcast of ESMT Berlin – Catalina Stefanescu-Cuntze and Urs Mueller join host Tammi L. Coles for a conversation about the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence and analytics. Drawing on their experience as educators and researchers in the ESMT Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) program, they reflect on the human values behind the data, the implications of algorithmic decision making, and the need for cross-cultural dialogue in designing responsible technologies.

The conversation explores how ethical considerations arise throughout the data value chain – from collection to analysis to implementation – and why a technical solution alone is not enough. They also discuss the evolving regulatory landscape, including the EU AI Act, and the importance of embedding ethical frameworks into both education and practice.

• Ethical considerations in analytics and artificial intelligence
• The relationship between data neutrality and human interpretation
• The role of educational programs in fostering critical, values-based reflection
• Differences in regulatory approaches across jurisdictions
• Why future development must center people and society

Catalina Stefanescu-Cuntze is professor of management science at ESMT Berlin and the faculty lead of the Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) program. She joined ESMT in 2009 as an associate professor, becoming the first holder of the Deutsche Post DHL Chair, and has served in multiple leadership roles, including director of research (2010–2012) and dean of faculty (2012–2019). Prior to ESMT, she was assistant professor of decision sciences at London Business School. Catalina holds a PhD and MS in operations research from Cornell University and a BS in mathematics from the University of Bucharest. Her research and teaching focus on analytics and AI, and she is passionate about fostering the growth of this critical domain..

Urs Mueller is associate professor of practice at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan and a visiting lecturer at ESMT Berlin. He teaches courses on ethics, responsibility, and societal impact within data and AI systems. He has worked with organizations on business ethics and decision making and leads the "Analytics and Society" course in the MAAI program.

• Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) program
• Catalina Stefanescu-Cuntze – ESMT Berlin faculty profile
• Urs Mueller – Personal faculty profile

Campus 10178 is Germany's #1 podcast on the business research behind business practice. Brought to you each month by ESMT Berlin, the 45-minute show brings together top scholars, executives, and policymakers to discuss today's hottest topics in leadership, innovation, and analytics. Campus 10178 – where education meets business.

Want to recommend a guest? Email our podcast host at [email protected].

Want to share comments? Join the conversation on:

• Facebook: ESMT Berlin's Facebook page
• LinkedIn: ESMT Berlin's announcements on LinkedIn

Involving the public in research and development is not just for the birds.

How can we leverage the power of collective intelligence to solve pressing challenges in science and business? This is the central question explored in our latest podcast episode featuring Professor Henry Sauermann of ESMT.

We explore the world of crowd science, examining when, where, and how to involve the public in research and development. As Prof. Sauermann explains, the applications of crowd science extend far beyond ornithology; it is a powerful methodology for any field seeking innovation and broader impact.

• Defining crowd science: what it is and how it differs from crowdsourcing and citizen science.
• The "when, where, and how" of crowd science:
  • When to involve the public (data collection, idea generation, diverse perspectives)
  • Where it can be applied (academic research, corporate R&D)
  • How to implement a project (attracting participants, ensuring mutual benefit)
• Real‑world examples: eBird and FoldIt
• Challenges and solutions: hurdles and practical strategies to overcome them.
• Applications for business: using crowd science for innovation, product development, and problem‑solving.

Professor Henry Sauermann is the ESMT Chair in Entrepreneurship and director of the Institute for Endowment Management and Entrepreneurial Finance at ESMT Berlin. His co‑author, Marion K. Poetz, joins him in exploring how crowd science drives progress across sectors.

Visit sciencewithcrowds.org for resources, case studies, and the open‑access book How and When to Involve Crowds in Scientific Research.

Contact Professor Sauermann and his co‑author via the website.

Campus 10178 is Germany's #1 podcast on the business research behind business practice. Brought to you each month by ESMT Berlin, the 45-minute show brings together top scholars, executives, and policymakers to discuss today's hottest topics in leadership, innovation, and analytics. Campus 10178 – where education meets business.

Want to recommend a guest? Email our podcast host at [email protected].

Want to share comments? Join the conversation on:

• Facebook: ESMT Berlin's Facebook page
• LinkedIn: ESMT Berlin's announcements on LinkedIn

Welcome to Campus 10178, the podcast where education meets business, brought to you by ESMT Berlin.

In episode #39, host Tammi L. Coles sits down with Catalina Stefanescu-Cuntze, professor of management science and the faculty lead of the ESMT Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) program. Discover how MAAI equips future leaders with the strategic and technical insights needed to drive innovation and solve real-world business challenges.

• Explore why the ESMT MAAI program was created and the market needs it addresses
• Discover how Professor Stefanescu-Cuntze's background in mathematics, computer science, and operations research informs her leadership of the program
• Learn how the curriculum trains "translators" who bridge the gap between data scientists and managers
• Understand how real-world challenges are tackled through applied learning in mathematics, statistics, computation, and engineering
• See why the explosion of AI in business strategy shows "the time has finally come" for analytics
• Uncover how "learning by doing," balanced technical-and-management focus, and expert faculty make the MAAI unique
• Hear how diverse student backgrounds and peer learning enrich everyone's skill set
• Explore how ethics, responsible leadership, critical thinking, and generative AI (Gen AI) foster a forward-thinking approach to AI education

Catalina Stefanescu-Cuntze is professor of management science at ESMT Berlin and the faculty lead of the Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) program. She joined ESMT in 2009 as an associate professor, becoming the first holder of the Deutsche Post DHL Chair, and has served in multiple leadership roles, including director of research (2010–2012) and dean of faculty (2012–2019). Prior to ESMT, she was assistant professor of decision sciences at London Business School. Catalina holds a PhD and MS in operations research from Cornell University and a BS in mathematics from the University of Bucharest. Her research and teaching focus on analytics and AI, and she is passionate about fostering the growth of this critical domain.

Professor Stefanescu-Cuntze welcomes individual conversations with prospective MAAI students. Email Professor Stefanescu-Cuntze directly or connect with Professor Stefanescu-Cuntze via LinkedIn.

Visit our website for detailed information about the ESMT MAAI.

Campus 10178 is Germany's #1 podcast on the business research behind business practice. Brought to you each month by ESMT Berlin, the 45-minute show brings together top scholars, executives, and policymakers to discuss today's hottest topics in leadership, innovation, and analytics. Campus 10178 – where education meets business.

Want to recommend a guest? Email our podcast host at [email protected].

Want to share comments? Join the conversation on:

• Facebook: ESMT Berlin's Facebook page
• LinkedIn: ESMT Berlin's announcements on LinkedIn

Campus 10178 host Tammi L. Coles sits down with Angeliki Papachroni, senior lecturer and faculty lead of the Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at ESMT Berlin. Papachroni shares her journey into the world of strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, revealing how her curiosity about organizational change shaped her career.

This episode delves into the importance of purpose in strategic thinking, the complexities of leading innovation, and the value of real-world case studies in business education. Papachroni also discusses what sets ESMT's master's program apart, including its focus on applied learning, entrepreneurial ventures, and vibrant community connections that extend beyond graduation.

Whether you're a prospective student, an entrepreneur, or a business leader looking to innovate, this episode offers valuable insights into strategic leadership and the future of entrepreneurship education.

• How Papachroni connects the seemingly distinct fields of strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship to explore organizational change and purpose.
• Why understanding organizational purpose ("why we are here") is crucial for alignment and success.
• How the Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship program's emphasis on applied learning and real-world case studies enhances strategic thinking and leadership skills.
• How ESMT fosters a connected and supportive network through alumni engagement, mentorship, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Angeliki Papachroni Senior Lecturer and Faculty Lead of the Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship ESMT Berlin

Bio: https://esmt.berlin/person/angeliki-papachroni

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeliki-papachroni-phd-6110b27/

• Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at ESMT
• Vali Berlin: ESMT's Entrepreneurship Hub

Campus 10178 is Germany's #1 podcast on the business research behind business practice. Brought to you each month by ESMT Berlin, the 45-minute show brings together top scholars, executives, and policymakers to discuss today's hottest topics in leadership, innovation, and analytics. Campus 10178 – where education meets business.

Insights from the Coaching Colloquium with Konstantin Korotov, professor of organizational behavior and director of the "Leading with Psychological Intelligence" program

Campus 10178 welcomes back Dr. Konstantin Korotov, professor of organizational behavior and director of the "Leading with Psychological Intelligence" program, for an in-depth discussion about the annual Coaching Colloquium at ESMT. Celebrating its role as a vital learning space for executive coaches, this year's colloquium explored the theme "Whatever Works: Coaching and Beyond in Helping Executives."

Dr. Korotov shares insights into the development of the coaching profession; the blurred boundaries between coaching, consulting, and therapy; and the ethical considerations coaches must navigate.

Key discussion points

• The role of case-based learning in professional development
• Strategies for maintaining clear boundaries and managing organizational pressures
• Defining and measuring success in coaching relationships
• The importance of psychological safety in discussing vulnerabilities and learning from professional struggles

Looking ahead to the 15th colloquium in 2025, Dr. Korotov introduces the theme "Proud Struggles: Learning from Tricky Coaching Cases," emphasizing the value of exploring difficult situations to foster personal and professional growth.

Guest information

Konstantin Korotov Professor of Organizational Behavior ESMT Berlin

• Bio: https://esmt.berlin/person/konstantin-korotov
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konstantin-korotov-90791/

Resource links

• Learn about the ESMT Coaching Colloquium
• Discover more episodes of Campus 10178

About Campus 10178

Campus 10178 is Germany's #1 podcast on the business research behind business practice. Brought to you each month by ESMT Berlin, the 45-minute show brings together top scholars, executives, and policymakers to discuss today's hottest topics in leadership, innovation, and analytics. Campus 10178 – where education meets business.

Exploring neuroscience and leadership with Dr. Maria Hoffacker

Dr. Maria Hoffacker is a multidisciplinary expert, combining her expertise in neuroscience, sustainability, and communication to empower individuals, teams, and organizations to harness the power of neuroscience to achieve meaningful change. Her work focuses on applying the latest brain research findings to practical scenarios, particularly in leadership development, agile management, and fostering a sustainable mindset, as captured in her book, Nachhaltigkeit beginnt im Kopf – Die Macht der Hirnforschung für die Unternehmenskultur nutzen ("Sustainability starts in the brain – Leveraging neuroscience for corporate culture").

Join host Tammi L. Coles and Dr. Hoffacker as they dive into the intersection of neuroscience, leadership, and sustainability. Dr. Hoffacker explains how understanding our brain's potential can empower leaders to create cultures of innovation, empathy, and resilience. From integrating emotional intelligence in leadership practices to practical "brain hacks" for self-management and team collaboration, this conversation sheds light on the essential skills needed to tackle today's sustainability challenges.

Key discussion points

• The role of neuroscience in unlocking sustainable business practices
• Training biological intelligence to complement artificial intelligence
• Leadership techniques for fostering innovation and team cohesion
• Practical tools such as body scans and mindful breathing for resilience
• The importance of positive narratives in sustainability initiatives

Resource links

• Dr. Maria Hoffacker - LinkedIn
• Dr. Maria Hoffacker - personal website
• Magic Brain Kicks on Apple Podcast
• Tania Singer's The ReSource Project (Max Planck Institute)
• Nachhaltigkeit beginnt im Kopf – Die Macht der Hirnforschung für die Unternehmenskultur nutzen by Dr. Maria Hoffacker (Haufe Verlag)

About Campus 10178

Campus 10178 is Germany's #1 podcast on the business research behind business practice. Brought to you each month by ESMT Berlin, the 45-minute show brings together top scholars, executives, and policymakers to discuss today's hottest topics in leadership, innovation, and analytics. Campus 10178 – where education meets business.

In episode #35 of Campus 10178, the ESMT Berlin podcast, Christoph Burger and Jens Weinmann of ESMT discuss their new book, Leveraging Digital Innovation: Lessons for Implementation (Ubiquity Press, 2024), and share insights on how companies can successfully navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital transformation.

Burger and Weinmann explore various facets of digital innovation, drawing on real-world case studies to illustrate both the challenges and opportunities businesses face in this era of rapid technological advancement.

This episode covers:

• The reasons why many companies are slow to adopt digital technologies
• The evolving role of IT departments and the importance of recognizing and developing internal expertise
• The impact of emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and robotic process automation on different industries and sectors
• Strategies for moving beyond the hype and evaluating the true potential of digital technologies for business growth
• The importance of strong leadership, internal advocacy, and a willingness to experiment in driving successful digital transformation

Guest contact information

Christoph Burger https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph-burger-4187851/ Jens Weinmann https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-weinmann-aa28094/ ESMT Berlin

Download the book https://www.ubiquitypress.com/site/books/m/10.5334/bda/

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping our world, offering not only unprecedented technological advancements but also, surprisingly, the potential to profoundly influence inclusivity across various sectors.

In episode #34 of Campus 10178, the ESMT Berlin podcast, Dr. Kasia Stoltmann, a renowned AI and data science expert and the founder of Women in Big Data Berlin, delves into how AI can serve as both a beacon of innovation and a bridge to greater societal equity.

Dr. Stoltmann discusses the dual role of AI in enhancing technological processes and promoting diversity and inclusiveness within the workplace and beyond. She highlights the necessity for balanced data and intentionally diverse teams to develop AI solutions that avoid biases and ensure equitable outcomes. This episode covers:

• AI's impact on healthcare: AI is improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment, making healthcare more precise and personalized.
• Cultural and operational inclusivity: AI is facilitating nuanced interactions across different cultural and linguistic barriers, with attention to bridging spoken and sign languages to improve global communication.
• The role of diverse teams in AI development: Diversity within AI research and development teams can lead to more innovative and inclusive outcomes.

Guest contact information

Dr. Kasia Stoltmann Data Science & AI at adesso SE Founder & Lead, Women in Big Data Berlin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarzyna-kasia-stoltmann-6b7656116/

About Campus 10178

Campus 10178 is Germany's #1 podcast on the business research behind business practice. Brought to you each month by ESMT Berlin, the 45-minute show brings together top scholars, executives, and policymakers to discuss today's hottest topics in leadership, innovation, and analytics. Campus 10178 – where education meets business.

As global markets evolve, the integration of diversity and inclusion within companies is not just ethical, but strategic, enhancing innovation and broadening market reach.

In episode #33 of Campus 10178, the ESMT Berlin podcast, host Tammi L. Coles engages with Felizitas Lichtenberg, SumUp's global head of diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainability. They delve into the transformative impact of D&I strategies within the FinTech industry, spotlighting personal experiences and the essential role of understanding in culturally diverse teams. Lichtenberg shares insights into SumUp's key initiatives, including inclusive leadership workshops and the Generation Brazil program, which champions women and underrepresented groups in tech. She emphasizes the critical role of data in recognizing biases and shaping representation, highlights the importance of youth investment, and discusses future DEI trends focusing on mental health and nurturing supportive organizational cultures. Lichtenberg also offers vital advice for future business leaders on prioritizing DEI to drive meaningful change in their careers.

Guest contact information

Felizitas Lichtenberg Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Wellbeing, and Sustainability SumUp

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/felizitas-lichtenberg-9a9a7614
• Website https://www.sumup.com/careers/diversity/
• YouTube video on SumUp D&I in 2023 https://youtu.be/5hiYER6tJmA

About Campus 10178

Campus 10178 is Germany's #1 podcast on the business research behind business practice. Brought to you each month by ESMT Berlin, the 45-minute show brings together top scholars, executives, and policymakers to discuss today's hottest topics in leadership, innovation, and analytics. Campus 10178 – where education meets business.