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About

Our Story

Created in 2012 as a School Programme, we became a Centre in 2018 and have constantly grown and innovated since. With a small but committed and highly trained team, we are continuing our mission with passion and energy. This is emphasised by the support of well-known partners, being academic, NGOs or strongly convinced donors.

Our story

Innovating Since 2012

2012

  • Launch of EssentialTech as a school-wide program 
  • Launch of Sustainable Development Division

2016

  • Launch of Humanitarian Division

2017

  • EPFL Master Course Development Engineering
  • MOOC Technology Innovation for sustainable development
  • MOOC Public health engineering in humanitarian contexts

2018

  • EssentialTech becomes an EPFL Center
  • Spin-off GlobalDiagnostiX – Pristem SA
  • Tech transfer of Agilis – ICRC Rehab’Impulse

2020

  • Launch of PeaceTech Division
  • Spin-off HelloMask – HM Care

2022

  • EssentialTech celebrate its 10th Anniversary
  • Tech Transfer SmartPPE – Ebola MSF
Our team

The People Behind Our Center

Meet our dedicated and passionate team that works tirelessly to address vulnerabilities and improve conditions for both people and the planet.

Meet the team

Would you like to

‍join us?

Check our Job page to find out about current opportunities or contact us.
Latest news

What’s new
at the Center

Browse all our content on a variety of topics including the environment, health, education, research, innovation and much more. Find out about news and events related to our Center.

All news
Blog type

PeaceTech Hackathon 2026

After the success of the very first edition of the PeaceTech Hackathon in 2024, we're thrilled to announce that the 2nd edition will take place on 26–27 September 2026 at the EPFL Campus in Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Blog type

2025 Annual Report

Our 2025 Annual Report released
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Blog type

Tech4Dev at the ChangeNOW Summit in Paris in April 2026

Within the frame of the Tech4Dev programme of EPFL EssentialTech Centre, our Programme Manager, Dr. Tiphaine Detoudeville, hosted a roundtable at the international ChangeNOW Summit on April 1st in Paris, titled “From Research to Impact Investing in Scalable Local Climate Solutions.”
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