Startup Launchpad Team

Isabel Casado

Head of Startup Launchpad

Isabel heads the Startup Launchpad, where she supports and inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs. She holds a Master’s in Computer Science from EPFL and has over 15 years of experience in Fortune 500 companies leading innovative IT projects and international teams. She joined EPFL’s enable program in 2017.

Daphna Glaubert

Daphna Glaubert

Program Manager

Daphna leads the Design & Prototyping program, blending creative design with strategic impact. With dual Master’s degrees in Architecture and Innovation, she helps startups define products and connect with early customers to fast-track market entry.

Maurice Gaillard

Program Manager

Maurice leads programs EPFL Blaze, offering coaching and strategic guidance to help student ventures validate markets and prepare for growth. He supports early-stage startups, especially those from EPFL labs. He 

Melis Ataol

Program Manager

Melis leads The Studio program, supporting early-stage projects from EPFL students and researchers. She helps founders shape their value proposition, validate markets, and build traction. A startup founder and expert in innovation marketing, she designs growth pathways tailored to early-stage challenges.

Marius Conti

Program Manager 

Marius is a strategic designer and innovation educator leading now Startup Launchpad AI Track. With experience across global organizations and NGOs, he supports ventures through human-centered, design-driven methods. He also co-founded Novertur (now business-monitor.ch).

Simon Gallo

Program Manager

Simon leads deep tech incubation at the Startup Launchpad and oversees flagship programs like the Innogrants. With a PhD in Robotics and nearly a decade of startup experience, he bridges cutting-edge research with real-world applications to support founders from idea to market.

Sarah Perroud

Sciencepreneur Project Officer 

Sarah joined EPFL in 2017 after working in Switzerland and South America. She supports the Startup Launchpad projects, especially within the Sciencepreneur community, and coordinates the internship program, serving as a key contact for entrepreneurs entering the ecosystem.

Jana Obeid

Community Manager

As Station Manager since 2024, Jana fosters a collaborative space for student associations and startup programs, ensuring smooth operations and vibrant community engagement. She is a communications specialist passionate about empowering young entrepreneurs. 

Contact

EPFL Startup Launchpad
Vice Presidency for Innovation and Impact
EPFL Innovation Park J
CH-1015 Lausanne

[email protected]