Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast

di Ania Lichtarowicz

Robots Inspired by Birds, and the Future of Clean Energy: How Technology Is Transforming Our Planet

MIT’s flying and swimming robot takes inspiration from diving birds to explore the oceans of tomorrow MIT engineers have created a remarkable aerial-aquatic robot that can swim underwater, launch through the surface and fly through the air, just like diving birds. Professor Raphael Zufferey explains how nature inspired this breakthrough, why moving between water and air is such a complex engineering challenge, and how these robots could help scientists monitor oceans, collect data and explore places too dangerous for traditional vessels. Vaillant UK on heat pumps, innovation and the technology driving the transition to cleaner heating At East Mids Tech Week, we spoke to James Fowler, Marketing and Strategy Director at Vaillant UK, about the future of home heating. From advanced heat pump technology to improving energy efficiency, he explains how engineering innovation could help reduce carbon emissions, lower energy use and transform the way we heat our homes. The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz. Production manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing. 🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co 📱 Follow us on socials: ➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co) ➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast) If you like our show please rate and review us.

E145

14 lug 2026

19:23

Is AI Rewriting Our Opinions? And Can inDrive Build the Next Global Super App?

Are AI Writing Assistants Quietly Shaping Public Opinion? A new study suggests that the AI tools many of us use every day on platforms like LinkedIn, X and Google may be doing more than improving our grammar and polishing our posts. Researchers found that AI writing assistants can subtly alter the direction of our messages on contested issues—and, over time, those tiny changes could influence collective opinion at scale. Joining us are Professor Sandra Wachter and Kai Rawal to discuss the implications for democracy, online discourse and whether AI is becoming an invisible force shaping what we think and say. The World's Second-Most-Downloaded Ride-Hailing App Wants to Redefine Platform Capitalism You may not have heard of inDrive, but with more than 400 million downloads across 48 countries and 1,200 cities, it's quietly become one of the world's biggest technology companies. Now, the company is expanding beyond ride-hailing into grocery delivery, fintech and its ambitious vision of becoming a global super app. We speak to Andries Smit about the future of mobility, why the next generation of tech giants may emerge from outside Silicon Valley, and whether a different model of platform capitalism is possible. The Programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz . Production manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing. 🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co 📱 Follow us on socials: ➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co) ➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast) If you like our show please rate and review us.

E144

7 lug 2026

28:17

The Hidden Algorithms of Gig Work: Who Really Profits from Uber and the Platform Economy?

435 Million Gig Workers, Secret Pricing Systems & The Global Fight for Transparency in the Digital EconomyThe World Bank estimates there are more than 435 million online gig workers worldwide, yet most have little visibility into the algorithms that determine what they earn. In this special episode of Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast, recorded live at Web Summit Rio, we explore who really benefits from the platform economy and why transparency, worker rights and data ownership have become global issues. Joining host Ania Lichtarowicz are Len Sherman, Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School and researcher on platform economics; Luiz Neves, CEO and founder of GigU, the app helping drivers understand the true profitability of ride and delivery offers; and Angelica Mari, award-winning journalist and CEO covering technology, innovation and the future of work in Brazil and beyond. Together, they discuss Uber's take rates, algorithmic pricing, the battle over driver data, platform regulation, and why governments in 187 countries are debating the future of digital labour. This is an essential conversation on the future of work, the gig economy, AI-driven platforms and the rights of millions of workers worldwideThe programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast--6924871/support.Production manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co 📱 Follow us on socials:➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co)➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast) If you like our show please rate and review us.

E143

30 giu 2026

35:27

AI Is About to Spend Your Money: Pix Payments and the Tech Behind Amazon's Superberry

How AI Agents Could Change Digital PaymentsBrazil's Pix payment system has already transformed how millions of people move money. Now, fintech company Iniciador is exploring what happens when artificial intelligence can initiate payments on behalf of users. We speak with Chief Product Officer Gustavo Bressler about AI-powered transactions, security, regulation and the future of digital commerce.Can Innovation Create More Value from the Amazon?We also meet Tomaz Martins from Maçaix, a Brazilian foodtech company using technology, traceability and regenerative business models to reinvent açaí production. From specialty açaí to biodiversity innovation, we explore how technology could help create economic opportunities while supporting the protection of the Amazon rainforest.The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast--6924871/support.Production manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co 📱 Follow us on socials:➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co)➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast) If you like our show please rate and review us.

E142

23 giu 2026

30:13

AI, Trust and the Future of Money: Plus the Brazilian Drones Replanting Forests

How Trust Became Fintech's Most Valuable Asset As artificial intelligence reshapes financial services, technology alone is no longer enough to stand out. Denise Johansson, co-founder and CEO of Enfuce, explains why trust is becoming one of fintech's most powerful growth strategies. From startup beginnings in Finland to powering payments for global brands including Porsche, Octopus Energy and Circle K, she reveals how credibility, responsible innovation and strong customer relationships can create a competitive advantage in the AI era.Can Drones Restore the World's Forests?Reforestation is attracting billions in climate investment, but restoring ecosystems at scale remains a huge challenge. In Brazil, Ceres Seeding is using drones, aerial mapping and native seeds to help recover degraded landscapes faster and more efficiently. We explore how technology is transforming environmental restoration and whether data-driven reforestation could play a major role in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast--6924871/support.Production manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co 📱 Follow us on socials:➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co)➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast) If you like our show please rate and review us.

E141

15 giu 2026

28:48

How AI Is catching Marine Wildlife Traffickers and Also Making Tax Easi

AI takes on marine wildlife traffickersWildlife trafficking doesn't just involve rhino horn and elephant ivory. Marine species such as shark fins, seahorses and sea cucumbers are also smuggled around the world, threatening vulnerable ecosystems. Researchers in Australia have developed an AI system that can identify these species in CT scans of luggage and parcels. We speak to Dr Vanessa Pirotta about how the technology works and how it could help customs officers detect illegal shipments. Can AI become every small business owner's accounting assistant? Many small businesses struggle to afford professional accounting support, while new tax reporting requirements are increasing administrative workloads. At the same time, the accounting sector is facing a shortage of experienced professionals. We hear from WiseMind AI, a startup using artificial intelligence and official tax guidance to help business owners get quick answers to bookkeeping, VAT and compliance questions.The programme is presenter by Ania Lichtarowicz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast--6924871/support.Production manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz  Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co   📱 Follow us on socials:➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co)➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast)    If you like our show please rate and review us.

E140

9 giu 2026

25:35

The Future Is Soft: Tiny Robots, Smart Prosthetics and the Rise of Neurodiversity Tech

The Tiny Liquid-Metal Pump That Could Transform RoboticsSoft robotics is one of the fastest-growing fields in technology, drawing inspiration from nature to create machines that are flexible, adaptable and safer for human interaction. In this episode, we explore a breakthrough liquid-metal micro-pump that could help eliminate the bulky compressors traditionally needed to power soft robotic systems. The technology could pave the way for advanced wearable devices, responsive prosthetics, immersive virtual reality experiences and even future medical applications, bringing us closer to a world where robots are softer, smarter and more integrated into everyday life.Can Technology Solve the Neurodiversity Support Crisis? As awareness of neurodiversity continues to grow, demand for assessments and support is outpacing available services. With waiting lists stretching into years for many people seeking diagnoses such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia, technology is emerging as a potential solution. We examine how digital platforms, virtual assessments and personalised support tools could help people access guidance faster, secure workplace accommodations and better understand how their brains work. The conversation highlights both the opportunities and challenges of using technology to improve accessibility and inclusion in education, employment and daily life.The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast--6924871/support.Production manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz  Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co   📱 Follow us on socials:➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co)➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast)    If you like our show please rate and review us.Production manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz  Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co   📱 Follow us on socials:➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co)➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast)    If you like our show please rate and review us.

E139

2 giu 2026

27:11

The AI Contact Lens That Could Prevent Blindness and The Women Rewriting Silicon Valley

The Smart Contact Lens That Could Change Medicine ForeverGlaucoma affects around 80 million people worldwide and remains one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. But what if managing chronic disease no longer required constant hospital visits, manual medication schedules or invasive monitoring? This week on Somewhere on Earth, we explore a groundbreaking AI-powered smart contact lens capable of continuously monitoring eye pressure, automatically delivering treatment and remotely sharing real-time health data with clinicians, all without batteries or electronics.Why Silicon Valley Still Doesn’t See Women as “Founder Material”We also dive into one of the biggest conversations shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship: why women remain underrepresented in the venture capital world despite building some of the world’s most successful companies. From AI and digital healthcare to leadership, mentorship and the changing culture of startups, this episode explores where innovation meets humanity and who gets to shape the future.The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast--6924871/support.Production manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co 📱 Follow us on socials:➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co)➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast) If you like our show please rate and review us.Production manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co 📱 Follow us on socials:➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co)➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast) If you like our show please rate and review us.

E136

12 mag 2026

26:09

RightsCon 2026 Cancelled Last Minute: Global Tech Summit Shock + The New Gateway to Doing Business in Africa

What the Collapse of a Global Summit Means for Digital RightsThousands of delegates were preparing to gather in Zambia for one of the world’s biggest digital rights events until it was abruptly cancelled days before kickoff. Nikki Gladstone, Director of RightsCon at Access Now, explains how months of planning unravelled in a matter of hours and what triggered the decision.Why Nigeria Could Be Your Launchpad into AfricaWith access to a large market and growing regional trade links, Nigeria is increasingly seen as a gateway to the continent. Victor Famubode discusses how Itana, a digital platfrom, is helping companies not just enter Nigeria, but scale across Africa using partnerships and new trade frameworks.The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast--6924871/support.Production manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co 📱 Follow us on socials:➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co)➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast) If you like our show please rate and review us.

E135

5 mag 2026

22:54

AI Voice Clones Are Clearer Than Humans, and Satellites Are Transforming Fishing

AI Voice Cloning; Clearer Speech, Growing RisksNew research reveals that AI-generated voice clones can be up to 20% more intelligible than real human speech in noisy environments. While this could revolutionise public announcements, accessibility, and communication, it also raises serious concerns. Experts warn that cloned voices can sound more authoritative and trustworthy, making them a powerful tool not just for innovation, but also for scams and audio deepfakes that are increasingly hard to detect.Space Tech Meets the Sea; AI Tools for Sustainable FishingA new generation of startups is using satellite Earth observation and AI to support fishing communities facing climate change, regulation, and economic pressure. By combining real-time ocean data with insights from fishers themselves, companies like Orbiventure are helping to track catches, protect marine ecosystems, and improve long-term coastal resilience, showing how space technology can deliver practical solutions on the ground.The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast--6924871/support.Production manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: hello@somewhereonearth.co ➡️ Email: hello@somewhereonearth.co 📱 Follow us on socials:➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co)➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast) If you like our show please rate and review us.

E134

28 apr 2026

23:37

1 di 18