After a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Winnipeg and a Master’s degree from Queen’s University, Samantha Anderson completed her studies with a PhD from EPFL in 2019. A few months after her thesis, she co-founded DePoly, a startup she currently heads as CEO. DePoly is dedicated to revolutionising plastic recycling through innovative chemical processes. The startup converts PET plastics and polyester textiles into raw chemical components, creating a sustainable circular economy for plastics. In 2023, the company raised CHF 12.3 million to develop its technology, which works without pre-washing or sorting. In 2024, DePoly took 1^st place in the Top 100 Swiss Startup Award and Samantha Anderson received an EPFL Alumni Award in recognition of her unique contribution to the international success of the School.

During her lecture, Samantha Anderson will give an overview of scaling DePoly‘s process from initial research to a growing startup. From early experiments and funding hurdles to hiring the right team and navigating growth pains, she will discuss the key lessons, setbacks and strategies that have helped shape their roadmap.

5:30 pm  Doors open

6:00 pm  Welcome address
Leïla Ojjeh
EPFL Alumni Director

6:05 pm  Introduction
Paul Dyson
Dean of the School of Basic Sciences, EPFL

6:10 pm  Campus Lecture: Samantha Anderson
“From the Bench to a Startup: Growth and Challenges of Scaling Chem Tech”

6:40 pm  Q&A

7:10 pm  Networking aperitif

8:00 pm  End of the event