Create the Future

What if we could grow our own clothes?

Suzanne Lee is a fashion designer who works closely with engineers, biologists, and material scientists to do just that.

In this episode of Create the Future, we speak with Suzanne about biofabrication, a process that creates sustainable alternatives to materials like plastic and leather by engineering with life, not taking from it. We hypothesise the future applications of biofabrication in the construction of Mars habitats, discuss the ecological benefits of the technology, and explore the challenges of using bacteria, fungi, cellulose, and silk in the creation of everything from biodegradable packaging to artificial tissue.

New episodes of ‘Create the Future: An Engineering Podcast’ every other Tuesday. www.qeprize.org/podcasts

Follow @qeprize on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh Herr is an engineer, biophysicist, and pioneer in the field of biomechatronics - technology that marries human physiology and electromechanics to provide greater mobility for those with physical disabilities. A double amputee himself, Hugh has made breakthrough advances in bionic limbs and prostheses that interface with neurology, allowing both control by thought and sensory feedback.

In this episode of Create the Future, we discuss the technologies employed in biomechatronics and explore the implications of Hugh’s work in everything from regenerative medicine and surgery to elderly mobility. We discuss the rise of robotic exoskeletons, explore the challenges of product commercialisation, and Hugh shares some personal highlights from his journey to end disability.

New episodes of ‘Create the Future: An Engineering Podcast’ every other Tuesday. www.qeprize.org/podcasts

Follow @qeprize on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A software engineer at Apple for over 16 years, Ken Kocienda was deeply involved with the development of the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Safari web browser. From the design of the first software keyboard to the invention of autocorrect, this episode is an insider’s account of the creative decision-making process at the forefront of technological innovation.

In this episode of Create the Future, we delve into the fast-paced world of software engineering, as Ken shares a glimpse into Apple’s secretive creative process and demo-driven culture. We discuss his pioneering work designing novel user interfaces for the iPhone, learn what it was like to pitch for Steve Jobs, and explore how his passion for the humanities continually influences his work.

New episodes of ‘Create the Future: An Engineering Podcast’ every other Tuesday. www.qeprize.org/podcasts

Follow @qeprize on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Janine Benyus has a message for engineers: Look to nature for inspiration.

Biomimicry is the practice of learning from and replicating nature's forms, processes, and ecosystems to help solve some of the world’s most complex design challenges. By looking to the natural world and its extensive database of evolutionary solutions, we can improve the way we engineer everything from skyscrapers to solar panels.

In this episode of Create the Future, Janine explains how she has helped some of the most successful companies draw inspiration from 3.8 billion years of evolution (or “R&D”). We explore the unexpected and everyday applications of biomimicry, discuss the important role of biomimicry in slowing climate change, and Janine encourages engineers to discover how their design challenges may have already been solved by nature.

New episodes of ‘Create the Future: An Engineering Podcast’ every other Tuesday. www.qeprize.org/podcasts

Follow @qeprize on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shah Selbe is a conservationist, engineer, explorer, and entrepreneur developing technology-based solutions to solve some of the planet’s biggest conservation challenges.

A satellite propulsions engineer by training, Shah’s low-cost, often open-source solutions have been implemented in some of the harshest environments here on Earth, including oceans, deserts, glaciers and rainforests. His technologies have monitored species ranging from Sri-Lankan blue whales to Congo’s lowland gorillas.

In this episode of Create the Future, Shah explains his passion for ‘wild engineering’, exploring, and all the ways in which GPS trackers, drones, camera traps, sensors, satellites, and open-source solutions can help conserve threatened species, populations, and environments.

New episodes of ‘Create the Future: An Engineering Podcast’ every other Tuesday. www.qeprize.org/podcasts

Follow @qeprize on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Toumazou is one of the world’s leading medical engineers, recognised for his ingenious electronic medical diagnosis and therapy devices.

His latest device is an innovative, lab-free, cartridge-based PCR test that combines advances in microfluidics, biochemistry, and electronic engineering to deliver test results in just over an hour, dramatically accelerating testing workflows. The same cartridge can simultaneously test for FluA, FluB and RSV. But how does it work?

In this episode of Create the Future, we speak to Chris about the engineering behind his inventions and hear how an entirely different epidemic informed his rapid pandemic response. We unpack the close-to-home inspiration for his work, discuss the future of modern healthcare, and hear why Chris’ mobile phone miniaturisation background applies perfectly to medicine.

New episodes of ‘Create the Future: An Engineering Podcast’ every other Tuesday. www.qeprize.org/podcasts

Follow @qeprize on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Toumazou is one of the world’s leading medical engineers, recognised for his ingenious electronic medical diagnosis and therapy devices.

His latest device ‘CovidNudge’, is an innovative, lab-free, cartridge-based COVID-19 PCR test that combines advances in microfluidics, biochemistry, and electronic engineering to deliver test results in just over an hour, dramatically accelerating testing workflows. The same cartridge can simultaneously test for FluA, FluB and RSV. But how does it work?

In this episode of Create the Future, we speak to Chris about the engineering behind his inventions and hear how an entirely different epidemic informed his rapid pandemic response. We unpack the close-to-home inspiration for his work, discuss the future of modern healthcare, and hear why Chris’ mobile phone miniaturisation background applies perfectly to medicine.

New episodes of ‘Create the Future: An Engineering Podcast’ every other Tuesday. www.qeprize.org/podcasts

Follow @qeprize on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

TIME Magazine’s first-ever ‘Kid of the Year’, Gitanjali Rao, is on a mission to create a global community of young innovators.

At just 15 years old, Gitanjali has already invented an impressive number of life-changing tools. From a portable device that speeds up the process of lead detection in drinking water to an early prescription opioid addiction diagnosis tool, Gitanjali is no stranger to using science and engineering for global good.

In this episode of Create the Future, we speak to Gitanjali about the origins of her passion for STEM and discuss her ongoing mission to inspire others worldwide – she’s already mentored an incredible 40,000 students! We explore the engineering behind her innovations, find out where she draws her inspiration, and hear why baking is an essential tool for any engineer.

New episodes of ‘Create the Future: An Engineering Podcast’ every other Tuesday. www.qeprize.org/podcasts

Follow @qeprize on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Henry Petroski is interested in engineering when it succeeds, but more so when it fails.

A distinguished author and professor of both civil engineering and history, Petroski has authored 19 books and written hundreds of articles on the subject of engineering for newspapers, trade journals, and magazines. His books can often be found at the top of engineering ‘must read’ lists.

In this episode of Create the Future, we speak with Petroski about the importance of failure in successful engineering and discuss what we can learn from previous mistakes. We unpack the differences between scientists and engineers, explore how writing can help solve complex design problems, and hear why the best students are often those who can think outside the box.

New episodes of ‘Create the Future: An Engineering Podcast’ every other Tuesday. www.qeprize.org/podcasts

Follow @qeprize on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Direct air capture (DAC) technology has been in the news a lot recently following the announcement of Elon Musk’s one-hundred million dollar carbon sequestration competition, but how does the technology work?

In this episode of Create the Future, we are joined by Nathalie Casas, a chemical engineer and Head of Research and Design at Climeworks, the world leader in carbon dioxide DAC technology.

Climeworks’ innovative modular carbon capture technology is powered by renewable energy and has the smallest land and water requirement of all carbon dioxide removal techniques – including afforestation. Though DAC is no silver bullet to the climate problem, we hear how the air-captured CO2 can be permanently stored underground or recycled into climate-friendly products such as renewable fuels, fertiliser, or the bubbles in your favourite soft drink. Nathalie also shares her experiences working for a start-up, imparts advice to budding engineers, and describes her weekend penchant for sailing on Lake Zurich.

New episodes of ‘Create the Future: An Engineering Podcast’ every other Tuesday. www.qeprize.org/podcasts

Follow @qeprize on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.