SparkLabs is formed by a team of experts from a variety of backgrounds and areas of interest, because creativity is sparked at the borders where different fields of knowledge encounter each other. This is also true for our team. As any Design Thinking team, we build on each other's knowledge to bring forward the solutions best suited to different innovation needs.
Meet our team
Linda holds a B.A. in Media and Arts from the Zurich University of the Arts and an M.A. in Strategic Design from the design akademie berlin. As a trained Design Thinker from the HPI d.school, she seeks to generate innovative solutions with value for users, businesses and society as a whole.
Linda
Alan holds a PhD from EPFL focused on human-centered innovation processes, having been a Visiting Researcher at Stanford's d.school and a participant at Potsdam HPI's d.school. He also holds an M.Sc. in Management and a Dip.Eng. in Mechatronics. Among other things, he is CEO of Sparkademy, previously founded a couple startups and worked for ABB.
Alan
Stefano is the Director of Studies of the D-MTEC and Full Professor of Technology and Innovation Management at ETHZ. Previously an Associate Professor of Applied Economics at Bocconi University, Milan, Italy where he was Vice-Director of the KITeS Institute. His work covers fields such as industrial and innovation dynamics and R&D management.
Stefano
As a skilled Designer with a Bachelor in Graphic Design from the Hochschule Luzern Design & Kunst, Lilian develops the internal visual communication at Spark Works. Additionally, she is a trained Design Thinker from the ETHZ. She enjoys working and experimenting with different design methods to find new, effective ways to communicate.
Lilian
Michael holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Systems and Policy at ETHZ. His research focuses on the use of human-centered innovation processes for policy design. Believing in the benefits of interdisciplinary work, he has experience in coaching student teams to develop and push forward their own innovation projects. At Spark Works, he supports our team in the execution of agile work sessions with our clients through workshop assistance and facilitation.
michael
Daniel is academically trained in innovation management and business development and has previously gained industry experience within the banking and mining industry. He holds a MSc from Copenhagen Business School and a degree from Vienna University of Economics and Business. Innovation as a means of creative problem solving to benefit human, society and environment, requiring freedom, experimentability and diversity – this understanding is at heart when he collaborates with clients.
DANIEL
Sonja is a trained mechanical engineer and business school graduate. Not being able to side with one or the other community, she has since been working at the intersect trying to reveal the constructive forces of interdisciplinary team work. She is also very passionate about applying methods (to herself and others) that shake up routinized behavior to expand individuals’ creative potential.
SONJA
Laura holds a Ph.D. from Maastricht University focused on Personalized Medicine and Public Health. Further, she is a freelance consultant for human-centered innovation methods, certified Design Thinking Coach of the HPI’s D. School in Potsdam, Scrum Master and Systemic Consultant. Laura is an expert at combining analytical skills with empathy, putting the user at center, creating room to experiment, to ultimately inspire innovation.
LAURA
Jiske has a background in Communication, Creative Business Management and Strategic Design. With a heart for creativity, arts and design she additionally developed a passion for (impact) innovation by connecting and working closely with social startup ecosystems across the world. In her current position as business associate she support clients with their innovation challenges on a daily basis. Always making sure to continue to learn and share the innovation mindset inherent to Spark Labs.
JISKE
Daniella is a Senior Researcher at the Technology and Innovation Management Chair at ETHZ. She has ample research and teaching experience in areas related to managerial cognition, innovation and strategy. Her multidisciplinary approach uses cognitive sciences and organizational learning to understand and solve problems related to innovation and strategic change.
Daniella
After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from University of St. Gallen (HSG), Justyna gained her industry experience in market research and marketing working across both startup and corporate environments. Her passion for social innovation and Human-Centred Design and drive to expand her skill set, inspired Justyna to currently pursue her MA in Design Management at University of the Arts London.