Episodes
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How technology led to the rise of HTS and the fall of Assad in Syria
HTS presented the removal of a brutal dictatorship that had lasted for five decades as a straightforward task accomplished in a matter of days. Currently, the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has assumed control in Syria, while former president Bashar al-Assad reportedly resides in Russia. Although the narrative often emphasizes the use of armoured vehicles and firearms, many analyses overlook the significant impact of technology on HTS's achievements, including innovations such as 3D printing and drones. To explore this topic in greater depth, we will engage in a discussion with Broderick McDonald, a researcher specializing in conflict at King’s College London.
Our demand for nickel is destroying a way of life in Indonesia
Peter Guest, one of Somewhere on Earth’s regular studio experts, has been on the nickel trail in Indonesia He provides a firsthand account of the environmental repercussions associated with the nickel sector, which supplies components for electric vehicles on our roads. Peter has undertaken a 2,000-kilometer journey across Sulawesi, examining the detrimental impacts of the nickel industry on both the environment and human rights. This investigation was for the Gecko Project.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.
More on this week's stories:
Broderick McDonald
Dust Money
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Audio: Ion Minas Belesis at All is Joy Studios in London
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Protecting submarine cables, how the big players are now involved
Submarine fibre optic cables are responsible for carrying 99% of the world's internet traffic yet they are often subject to damage. Therefore, it is fortunate that a coordinated organisation exists to ensure the resilience of these essential cables. Gareth and Ania discuss why this has only been set up recently.
Proton – from VPN’s to data encryption – a different approach to other tech companies
The company’s website states “A better internet starts with privacy and freedom - take control of your data with end-to-end encryption”, but what does this actually mean? The tech company Proton is already providing free VPN’s in more than 60 countries that are holding elections this year. And in addition it has also launched end to end encryption document sharing, as well as a local AI to respond to your emails – all without ever having access to your data. Ania Lichtarowicz caught up with CEO and Founder of Proton Andy Yen at Web Summit.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
ITU – Submarine Cable Resilience
Proton
Ediitor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
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Episodes manquant?
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A new feeding robot could return people’s independence at mealtimes
A group of friends is enjoying lunch together, however one of the friends is unable to use their arms so rely on a carer help them eat. Now a new robot – called FIDI – could return their independence at mealtimes. A robotic arm positioned on the table automatically delivers food to their mouth, using AI and cameras to adapt to the user’s movements and behaviours, ensuring that the food reaches its intended destination—the person’s mouth. Ania saw FIDI in action at Web Summit where she met Krzysztof Stelmach, the CEO of Semi Robotics and FIDI’s creator.
AI and its influence on history and religion
Imagine the possibility of immersing yourself in a biblical scene or engaging in a direct conversation with a deity from another religious tradition. Alternatively, consider visiting an ancient landmark, such as the Colosseum in Rome, and experiencing life as the Romans did while interacting with a chatbot. Professor Sreevas Sahasranamam, from the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow is on the show to tell us more.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
FIDI – The feeding robot
AI, history and religion
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
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Kyiv – a smart city adapting to war
As the full-scale Russian invasion surpasses the thousand-day milestone, Ukrainians are keeping the war on the news agenda. One aspect that was discussed at Web Summit is Kyiv's transformation into a self-proclaimed 'smart city', highlighting the increasing availability of digital municipal services for its citizens. Oleg Polovinko, an advisor on digitalization to the mayor of Kyiv, noted that disruption has been a catalyst for innovation and what started as a transport and local authorities app is now a one stop digital information channel for residents. Ania spoke with him just as he received a significant notification on his phone.
Ukraine – cyber security global leaders
Ukraine is the most targeted country in the world by cyber criminals and is now at the forefront of cyber security technology – that’s according to Iryna Volnytska, the president of SET University. Launched just before the outbreak of war, SET University (Science, Entrepreneurship, and Technology) is now assisting developing start ups and tech businesses to support the country’s economy. Iryna spoke to Ania at Web Summit where she explained that personal data can lead to fatal consequences if it falls into the wrong hands.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
Oleg Polovinko
Iryna Volnytska
SET University
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
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Tech and the rise of autocracies around the word - a Web Summit Special
How has technology helped autocracies rise around the world and can it be used to bring democracy back? Angelica spoke to Venezuelan political activist and opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez about how technology has led to the rise of autocracies around the globe and how it can be used to restore democracy. Somewhere on Earth is at Web Summit Lisbon, alongside more than 70,000 attendees. We speak to Karena Walshe, Head of Impact about what Web Summit is and its influence on tech and the environment.
The programme is presented by Angelica Mari and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
Web Summit Lisbon 2024
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link for the PodExtra extended edition:
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How reliable are French language AI Chatbots?
French is one of the fastest growing languages in the world. About half of all French speakers live in Africa. It’s the official language in 27 countries. So when you find out that French language AI chatbots give the wrong answer a quarter of the time, that’s a problem given the rising popularity of such bots. The anti-misinformation news organisation NewsGuard have just published a report on this. Ania’s been speaking to Chine Labbé, she’s one of the report’s authors.
Using AI to create AI images to train robots
Imagine teaching a robot to do parkour without ever letting it see the real world. That's exactly what MIT CSAIL researchers have achieved with their new "LucidSim" system, which uses AI-generated imagery to create virtual training environments. By integrating generative AI with physics simulators, the researchers designed scenarios where robots acquire skills through synthetic data instead of relying on real-world experiences. The outcomes of this research are impressive: robots trained in these machine-generated settings achieved a success rate of 88%, in stark contrast to the mere 15% success rate of those trained by human experts. Furthermore, when the team increased the volume of AI-generated training data, there was a consistent improvement in performance, indicating that enhanced virtual practice correlates with superior real-world capabilities. This methodology addresses a significant challenge in robotics: the reliance on extensive real-world training data. It represents a significant advancement toward creating robots that can swiftly adapt to new tasks and environments. To find out more, Gareth speaks to lead researcher Ge Yang at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
French-Language AI Misinformation Monitor
Learning Visual Parkour from Generated Images
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
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Internet shutdowns in Mozambique following election
In Mozambique, eleven people have lost their lives as law enforcement intensified its response to protests that erupted after the elections in October. For the second time within a year, authorities have suspended mobile internet services. Felicia Anthonio, the KeepItOn Campaign Manager at the digital rights organisation Access Now, who is based in Ghana, tells us about the impact.
Legal digital ID in Namibia to improve access to services
Namibia is implementing a verifiable digital identification system aimed at enabling a greater number of citizens to access online services and participate in various activities - addressing the disparity between those who are digitally connected and those who are not. Namibia, characterized by its vast territory and scattered population, presents challenges for many individuals who must travel to the capital, Windhoek, to obtain an identification card. The absence of such a card significantly hampers their ability to access essential services, including healthcare, education, and banking. In recent years, the United Nations Development Programme has collaborated with the Namibian government to advance the initiative of digital identification. Journalist Abigail Ruth Opiah, a reporter for the Biometric Update news platform tells us more.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
Keep it on Mozambique
UNDP transforming lives in Namibia with digital legal ID initiative
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
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Why aren’t women embracing AI?
Women are not using AI as much as men and appear to be falling behind in using it in the workplace, according to Susi O’Neill. Susi is the Founder and Executive Director of EVA, a responsible technology and communications consultancy building trust in tech. She noticed in the AI Adoption data that women were using AI at work less than men and has been researching into why this is happening and what can be done to stop women falling behind.
How to make an audiobook – a subscriber’s experience
One of our regular subscribers, Patricia Rykiel, has just published an audio book and she got in touch to tell us about it. Patricia joins SOEP to tell us what she has learnt about the tech behind digital publishing and producing audio to make “Don’t Break my Rice Bowl” transfer from paper to sound.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
7 gaps hindering women’s AI adoption at work
Don't Break My Rice Bowl
The making of "Don't Break My Rice Bowl
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What happens when GPS is jammed?
Most of us have used GPS – global positioning systems – to navigate to new destinations, but it’s also vital in getting goods delivered to our doors, with the entire aviation and shipping industries reliant upon it. But increasingly the signals are being disrupted – either jammed or spoofed, that’s setting a false location. We hear from Bridget Diakun, Maritime Risk Analyst, Lloyd's List Intelligence and Dr Ramsey Faragher from Cambridge University.
SOEP’s new home with Evergreen
We are delighted to announce that Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast is joining Evergreen Podcasts. Evergreen is one of the largest independent podcast networks in the world. We’ll be sharing their diverse platform with more than 300 other podcasts ranging from true crime, comedy and lifestyle shows. CEO of Evergreen Michael DeAloia will be joining us to tell us more about Evergreen and why SOEP has been invited to join them.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
Bridget Diakun
Dr Ramsey Faragher
Evergreen Podcasts
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What’s next for agritech? How lawyers are getting food from farm to table
Agriculture is changing, and with it, so is agritech. Incredible new tech solutions are needed as the human population continues to grow and climate change necessitates updates to our traditional farming methods. This week, we have a special podcast from White & Case, an international law firm that is increasingly working with cleantech and greentech clients. These technologies need funding—which usually involves investors, deal-making, contracts, and legal expertise. We’re discussing some of the exciting innovations promising to get food from the farm to your table with Emmie Jones, partner at White & Case, and Professor Benz Kotzen of the University of Greenwich, a researcher in aquaponics.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington.
More on this week's stories:
White and Case
Emmie Jones
Professor Benz Kotzen
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner
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Could making Wikidata 'human' readable lead to better AI?
A new project is underway to allow Large Language Models (LLMs) to read Wikidata. The data is currently structured in a way that’s machine readable, but LLMs read data more like humans than machines, meaning this vast amount of human curated, high quality data isn’t accessible to this type of AI. By allowing access to Wikidata, LLMs could become more reliable. Ania spoke to Lydia Pintscher, the Portfolio Lead Product Manager at Wikidata Deutschland, to learn more about these developments.
Most news websites block AI Chatbots
Two thirds of high quality news websites block AI chatbots from accessing their information, according to a report by the misinformation monitoring organisation NewsGuard. This means that some of the world’s most popular AI chatbots could be collecting data on misinformation from low quality news sources and even conspiracy and hoax sites. The Enterprise Editor at NewsGuard is Jack Brewster and he is on the show to explain their findings.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
Wikidata and Artificial Intelligence: Simplified Access to Open Data for Open-Source Projects
AI Chatbots Are Blocked by 67% of Top News Sites, Relying Instead on Low-Quality Sources
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner
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Could AI chatbots counter conspiracy theories?
If people believe in conspiracy theories, how likely are they to think again when presented with facts and evidence? The good news is that people can shift their view when wacky theories are debunked according to a study just published in the journal Science. The researchers created an AI chatbot that engaged with people and presented them with facts to counter their dodgy beliefs. The study team invited people to state why they believed a conspiracy theory, and fed those responses into GPT4. The chatbot was instructed to be a persuasive sceptic. Thomas Costello, Assistant Professor of Psychology at American University in Washington DC is one of the authors and is on the show.
Potential ban of Chinese EV’s in the US
The US is giving notice on Chinese and Russian manufactured ‘smart cars’ – it’s talking seriously about proposing to ban sales or imports of such connected vehicles. That comes from a White House announcement this week. It’s not a trade war, says the US, but a matter of national security. Gareth and Ania discuss the proposed new rules.
Original source of migrants eating pets fake news story
“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats, they’re eating the pets of the people that live there…” said Donald Trump in the televised Presidential debate… Where did such an extreme claim come from? Jack Brewster, Enterprise Editor at NewsGuard found the original comment with his colleague. We hear how he did it.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
Durably reducing conspiracy beliefs through dialogues with AI
Biden wants to ban Chinese software in 'smart cars' over security concerns
How false claims of pet-eating immigrants caught on
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner
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The first ever DNA computer engine and storage device
A revolutionary approach to computing has just been published by a team of US engineers. Instead of using silicon to underpin our tech, the researchers have used DNA - the very molecules present in all living cells that encode the fundamental aspects of our existence. Teams from North Carolina State University and Johns Hopkins University have achieved this ground-breaking advancement, referring to it as a "primordial DNA store and compute engine." This innovative system is reportedly capable of solving basic Sudoku and chess puzzles. The DNA structure they have developed can be used for data storage and also data retrieval, computation, deletion, and rewriting and could be used to store vast amounts of data in just a few cubic centimetres. This could replace current servers in mass data centres that use vast amounts of energy and water.
From North Carolina State University the lead authors of the work, Professor Orlin Velev and Associate Professor Albert Keung are on the show.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
A primordial DNA store and computer engine
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner
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Electric Vehicles going offline as companies go bust
Drivers of electric vehicles are finding their cars are going offline if the parent company is bankrupt. Smartphone apps linked to the cars, which control many features, don't work and when something goes seriously wrong, then there's no garage that can fix the problem. China, the world's biggest market for EV's, has seen government subsidies disappear as well as intense price wars between companies, leading to many startups failing. SOEP speaks to one driver in the UK who is facing similar issues after the California based car manufacture filed for bankruptcy.
AI pen that can read Braille
A pen that uses algorithms, a camera and a 19 channel sensor has been developed to help the visually impaired read Braille. The number of people who can read Braille is declining, yet it is used in many public spaces including lifts and transport hubs. Named the "Braille-tip", the compact soft tactile sensor can be added to a normal pen to help read Braille. Lead author Dr George Jenkinson from Bristol University in the UK is on the show.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.
More on this week's stories:
EV shutdowns in China
A sensory pen which can read Braille could improve literacy amongst the visually impaired
A robot that can detect breast cancer?
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner
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Is Kamala Harris the AI Tsar?
The upcoming debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is scheduled for next week, where the two candidates for the U.S. presidency will engage in a direct confrontation on the ABC news channel in anticipation of the November election. Should the topic of artificial intelligence arise, it may favour Kamala Harris, given her significant involvement in AI policy as Vice President. This perspective is shared by Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at The Fletcher School, Tufts University, who recently discussed technology, the election, and Kamala Harris with our editor Ania. While the Vice President enjoys substantial support from influential figures in Silicon Valley, it is important to note that prominent tech entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk and Peter Thiel are aligned with Team Trump.
Video Games were good for mental health through COVID
Engaging in gaming for a few hours each day has been shown to enhance mental well-being, as indicated by a recent study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour. One significant finding of this research is that merely owning a gaming console can have positive effects. The critical aspect of this study is that it establishes causation rather than mere correlation, which is a significant advancement in this field of research. For instance, if an individual purchases a gaming console and exhibits good mental health, one might question whether their happiness is a pre-existing condition or if the acquisition of the console has contributed to their improved well-being. This study was conducted during the pandemic, and the unique circumstances of that period enabled researchers to uncover valuable insights regarding the connection between gaming and mental health. Professor Andrew Przybylski from the Oxford Internet Institute explains the significance of the work.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.
More on this week's stories:
If Kamala Harris Was the Czar of Anything, It Would Be AI
Professor Andrew Przybylski
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner
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Tiny batteries for tiny robots that could deliver drugs inside our bodies
Engineers at MIT have developed a miniature battery that can power cell-sized, autonomous robots for drug delivery within the human body, as well as for other purposes such as detecting leaks in gas pipelines. The batteries measure 0.1 mm in length and 0.002mm in thickness each - that’s about the same thickness as a human hair. The battery captures oxygen from the air and uses it to oxidize zinc, generating a current with a potential of up to 1 volt. This output is sufficient to power small circuits, sensors, or actuators. Professor Michael Strano, who led the team behind the work, is on the show.
Listener comments and questions
Gareth and Ania read out some of your comments, answer some of your questions and accept your criticisms dear subscriber.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
MIT Engineers design tiny batteries for cell sized robots
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Is the internet in Pakistan behind a firewall?
Recently internet speeds throughout Pakistan have significantly diminished, leading to widespread outrage and allegations that the government is covertly implementing a new firewall system to enhance its surveillance and control over the nation’s internet. The government has denied any responsibility for this slowdown, which has impacted millions of users and caused disruptions for businesses nationwide. Founder and Director of Netblocks, Alp Toker, tells SOEP what has been happening and what might be the cause.
Taxi fares in Kenya – can drivers beat the algorithms?
Taxi drivers in Kenya have taken on the algorithms of ride hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt and Little by working together to increase fares above those suggested by the apps. The drivers say they can’t pay for fuel and car loans at current prices. Following a number of strikes in the summer, some of the apps have now increased fares and reward programmes for the drivers in a bid to stop the price war.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ania Lichtarowicz.
More on this week's stories:
Internet slows to a crawl, stoking fears of firewall in Pakistan
Hard-pressed Kenyan drivers defy Uber's algorithm, set their own fares
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner
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AI submissions are avoiding detection at a well-respected university in the UK
As exam results roll in for pupils across the Northern Hemisphere, a study conducted at the University of Reading showed that 94 percent of the AI-generated exam submissions went unnoticed. On average, these artificial responses received higher grades than those from real students. Dr Peter Scarfe who led the study, is on the show.
Wireless monitoring of audience reactions
How can a producer ensure a film’s success - apparently by researching how the audience members react to their production. A brand new facility at Bristol University in the UK will be able to monitor heart rate, blinking and brain activity to see when people become bored whilst watching a film. Professor Iain Gilchrist explains how the tech could also help to improve teaching.
The show is presented by Gareth Mitchell with expert commentary from Ghislaine Boddington.
More on these stories:
A real-world test of artificial intelligence infiltration of a university examinations system: A “Turing Test” case study
Smart Cinema at the University of Bristol
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner
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Internet blackout in Equatorial Guinea and social media bans in Venezuela
Internet access has been cut off in Equatorial Guinea, specifically in the Annobón province. Residents have been protesting against the government's environmental and human rights violations on the island. Digital rights advocates are urging the government to restore internet services. Our editor Ania Lichtarowicz, has the details.
Meanwhile, connectivity issues are also affecting Venezuela. NetBlocks reports that X (formerly known as Twitter) is facing restrictions as the disputed President Maduro has ordered a ten-day ban on the platform, alleging it incites civil unrest. Additionally, the messaging app Signal seems to be partially restricted. Drones patrolling citizens’ activities have been reported alongside other digital methods of limiting information access. Sixty-two media outlets have also been blocked. Marianne Díaz Hernández, a #WhyID Campaigner at Access Now is on the show.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington.
More on this week's stories:
Authorities in Equatorial Guinea must end internet shutdown and other human rights abuses
Open letter on technology-enabled political violence in Venezuela
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner
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Contact us by email: [email protected]
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Can a booming tech economy help Ukraine in the war against Russia?
Ukrainian Independence Day is almost upon us, and as the war with Russia continues well into its third year, we want to look at how everyday tech development continues and is a vital part of the country's economy. We’ve brought together three entrepreneurs to tell us about their work. Andrey Klen is co-founder of a number of tech businesses – including Petcube, O0 Design, and Spend With Ukraine. The platform brings together startups and tech companies in one place, making it easy for consumers to buy directly from Ukraine companies and therefore support the country’s economy. Also joining the show is Vira Tkachenko who is Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at MacPaw. In 2022, Forbes Ukraine named her on its list of the Top 25 women in IT. MacPaw develops and distributes software for macOS and iOS. And finally co-founder & CEO of Esper Bionics Dima Gazda. His human augmentation startup is working on the first bionic ecosystem in the world.
The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert isPeter Guest.
More on this week's stories:
Spend with Ukraine
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner
For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/new
Follow us on all the socials:
Join our Facebook group
Instagram
Twitter/X
If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts
Contact us by email: [email protected]
Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484
Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World
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