Support Us
Join forces with us to have an impact on tech innovation and capacity building in the areas of sustainable development, humanitarian action and peace promotion!
Contribute to a Project
PeaceTech Innovation Hub
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Ren'All care
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GlobalHealthyStart
Support the Center
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Empowered by our Global Network
They trust in what we do
“They combine expertise with a startup mindset, blending entrepreneurship, cutting-edge research, and a strong global network, making them truly unique.”
“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.”
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.
“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.”
“They come to us as true partners with experience in our settings, and with recommendations that actually work in the developing world.”
"The only university based practical outfit that I know that is really working hand in hand with humanitarian organisations."
"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."
“They strive to understand key issues by actively listening, recognizing challenges, and connecting with the right people to find solutions.”
Frequently asked questions
There are two primary ways in which you can contribute to our work, either by supporting a specific project or by contributing towards our core costs. All donations are subject to a written agreement reviewed by EPFL ethical and legal teams to ensure all parties are protected and the projects aligned with our work. Please contact us directly for specific details on how to donate to the centre.
Yes. As an academic institution, EPFL is a non-profit institution under Swiss law, and your donations are tax deductible. However, should you wish to know more precisely how this will affect your personal tax situation, we advise you to consult a tax specialist in your place of residence. Please contact us for more information.
There are different stages in the development of our projects and timeframes vary significantly. From the moment we explore the possibility of a technology to the moment we find the right path and are able to deploy in the field, several years can go by. Starting from research has the advantage of allowing to address important challenges in new ways. This has the potential for impact at large scale.
EPFL's HR policies do not allow unpaid work, however, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss other ways in which you can get involved.
If you’re a student and would like to collaborate with our Centre, whether for a bachelor/master project or a part-time job, there are options for you! For project opportunities, reach out through our Contact form, explaining your field of study and the project or technology you’re interested in. For part-time job openings, keep an eye on our job page or contact us directly to explore potential opportunities suited to your profile. Don’t forget to include your CV for faster consideration.
Our unique methodological approach is focused on maximizing changes for a tangible impact at scale, with a track-record of successful projects. Furthermore, under the EPFL umbrella the EssentialTechCentre is a secure and world-wide recognized partner. We strictly follow EPFL regulations, being legal or ethical and as a Swiss Confederation entity, we can guarantee strict and transparent financial practices, ensuring our donor that their investment is used only as stipulated in the contract or agreement. On the other hand, EssentialTech Centre is a small physical structure with only the necessary management and staff to ensure a proper follow-up of projects and programmes. Our small size gives us the agility and pragmatism to operate freely.