André Borschberg.

A revolutionary engineer, that's what defines André Borschberg! This leader, a pioneer in the development of new applied technologies, is driven by a single energy: the desire to push boundaries, both human and technological. He is convinced that mastering technology and using it wisely can advance humanity, and this is what makes him a true explorer. His motto: "making the impossible possible."

Naturally, after his round-the-world balloon flight, Bertrand Piccard dreamed of a greater feat and wanted to chart a new course by proving that energy can be produced differently and that the sun can truly allow for different modes of movement. But changing paradigms requires access to new technologies and, above all, the implementation of these new solutions. The dream, to become a reality, requires concrete solutions and genius. A feasibility study was conducted at EPFL in 2003, and André Borschberg was tasked with taking on the challenge…

André Borschberg was born on December 13, 1952, in Zurich, Switzerland. He graduated from EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne) in thermodynamic mechanics and holds a Master's degree from MIT in management science, engineer, pilot (in the Swiss Air Force fighter jets) and entrepreneur (with several startups to his credit). He is unequivocally a man of challenge. Passionate about the idea and the project, he committed to building the solar aircraft that would allow him and Bertrand to fly around the world. Nothing would discourage him, even when the aerospace industry told them that building an aircraft the size of a jumbo jet with the weight of a car was impossible.

Through extensive discussion and hard work, the two men became friends. The mechanical engineer's relentless effort and genius enabled the implementation of a revolutionary project: flying solely on solar energy.

Solar Impulse became a reality one day in July 2010, and the craft, a messenger of modern times, flew for more than 26 hours with André at the controls without landing, even at night… Icarus was finally avenged.

The Solar Impulse adventure is well-known: first international flight in 2011 (connecting Switzerland to Belgium), crossing the Pacific in 2015 from Japan to Hawaii, etc. The story is recounted in "Objective Sun" and makes him the holder of several world records, including that for the longest solo unrefueled flight in an aircraft, exceeding 117 hours.

Today, André Borschberg still wants to go further by working on new projects with his company H55. Thanks to the electric propulsion developed for Solar Impulse, he wants to transform the world of aviation to make it cleaner and quieter. Being able to take off vertically like a drone and fly like an airplane without noise and pollution is no longer science fiction.
However, the Solar Impulse pilot has fuel and energy to pass on to others. He is eager to share his experience and transmit the values acquired during this magnificent adventure.Languages spoken by the speaker
• German
• English
• French

André Borschberg gives conferences at your events worldwide. UnoMe offers you the opportunity to benefit from André Borschberg's presence at your next conference organization. He built a legend and an achievement alongside the entire Solar Impulse team and Bertrand Piccard, and he will be able to convey a great deal to his audience. He will provide the strength to move forward, the courage to overcome failures, and the tools to accomplish and successfully complete projects.

Here are some of the conferences he usually gives: 'Making the Impossible, Possible'; 'The Pivot Point from Explorer to Leader'; 'From Vision to Reality'; and, 'Turning Obstacles into Opportunities'.

Solar Impulse is a true turning point in contemporary engineering history. The transportation of tomorrow will owe a great deal to men like André Borschberg. Discover the history of this project.

Conferences with André Borschberg in Dubai and Abu Dhabi