Professor Veena Sahajwalla is an internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer, and inventor revolutionising recycling science. She is renowned for pioneering the high temperature transformation of waste in the production of a new generation of ‘green materials’ at the UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre, where she is Founding Director. Professor Veena is the inventor of polymer injection technology, known as green steel, an eco-friendly process for using recycled tyres in steel production. In 2018, Professor Veena launched the world's first e-waste MICROfactorieTM and in 2019 she launched her plastics and Green Ceramics MICROfactoriesTM, a recycling technology breakthrough. Veena is the director of the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for ‘microrecycling’, and is the Leader of the national Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub. In 2021, Professor Veena featured in the ABC’s Australian Story and she was named the 2022 NSW Australian of the Year in recognition of her work. She was also awarded the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) Clunies Ross Innovation Award. In 2023, Professor Veena was awarded the Engineering Australia Chemical College Chemical Engineer Achievement Award and the Good Design 2023 Women in Design Award. In 2025, Professor Veena was awarded the ‘Office of the Order of Australia’ (AO) for distinguished service to science, sustainable materials research and technology and waste management on Australia Day.
Rico Baldegger is an accomplished entrepreneur, professor of Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Innovation at Sawyer Business School, Suffolk University in Boston, USA, and President of the Swiss Sustainability Foundation's board of trustees. He holds a Master's in Business and Economics from the University of St. Gallen and a Ph.D. in SME and entrepreneurship from the University of Fribourg, bringing deep expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Professor Baldegger's extensive professional experience, including leadership roles in human resources, IT, and branding, and his entrepreneurial ventures in Europe and the US, highlight his versatility and broad expertise. His tenure as the CEO of a management consultancy and his current service on several boards of directors and as business angel further underscore his leadership in the field. His prolific authorship, with over a hundred publications including several best-selling books, is a testament to his thought leadership. His latest book on the Future of Business Schools, a best-seller, is a significant contribution to the field. His research, which focuses on entrepreneurs' innovation processes, the internationalization of start-ups and SMEs, new venture creation, and growth management, further demonstrates his influence in the business landscape.
Professor Baldegger is known for his strategic thinking and ability to innovate within global contexts. He regularly delivers lectures and keynotes across Europe, the USA, Singapore, and Australia, sharing insights on strategic innovation and global business trends. He has spoken multiple times at the United Nations for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, particularly addressing the connection between MSMEs and sustainability. His contributions underscore his commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and innovation in achieving sustainable development goals.
In addition to his other achievements, Professor Baldegger has successfully shepherded the School of Management Fribourg through the extensive accreditation process of AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
Rico Baldegger is a distinguished entrepreneur and professor with expertise in Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Innovation. He currently serves as a faculty member at Sawyer Business School, Suffolk University in Boston, USA, and as President of the board of trustees of the Swiss Sustainability Foundation. With a Master's in Business and Economics from the University of St. Gallen and a Ph.D. in SME and Entrepreneurship from the University of Fribourg, Professor Baldegger brings a wealth of academic and professional insight to his work.
Throughout his career, Professor Baldegger has demonstrated remarkable versatility and leadership. His professional background includes prominent roles in human resources, IT, and branding, complemented by his entrepreneurial ventures across Europe and the United States. As the former CEO of a management consultancy and a current business angel and board member for several organizations, he is deeply engaged in fostering innovation and strategic growth.
A prolific author, Professor Baldegger has penned over 100 publications, including multiple best-selling books. His latest work on The Future of Business Schools has garnered significant acclaim, reinforcing his thought leadership in the business and academic worlds. His research delves into areas such as innovation processes, internationalization of start-ups and SMEs, and new venture creation, addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by businesses today.
In addition to his academic and entrepreneurial accomplishments, Professor Baldegger is a sought-after speaker, delivering lectures and keynotes globally, including Europe, the USA, Singapore, and Australia. Notably, he has addressed the United Nations on MSMEs Day, advocating for the critical role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in achieving sustainability goals. His presentations emphasize the intersection of strategic innovation and sustainable development, aligning with his mission to empower SMEs worldwide.
One of Professor Baldegger's standout achievements includes leading the School of Management Fribourg through the rigorous AACSB accreditation process, further solidifying its reputation as a center of excellence in business education.
Driven by his passion for strategic innovation and global business trends, Rico Baldegger continues to shape the future of entrepreneurship education and inspire leaders around the world.
Rico Baldegger is an accomplished entrepreneur, and professor of Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Innovation. His extensive professional experience, including leadership roles in human resources, IT, and branding, and his entrepreneurial ventures in Europe and the US, highlight his versatility and broad expertise. His tenure as the CEO of a management consultancy and his current service on several boards of directors and as a business angel further underscore his leadership in the field. His prolific authorship, with over a hundred publications and several best-selling books, is a testament to his thought leadership. His latest book on the Future of Business Schools, a best-seller, significantly contributes to the field. His research, which focuses on entrepreneurs' innovation processes, the internationalization of start-ups and SMEs, new venture creation, and growth management, further demonstrates his influence in the business landscape.
He regularly delivers lectures and keynotes across Europe, the USA, Singapore, and Australia, sharing insights on strategic innovation and global business trends. He has spoken multiple times at the United Nations for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, particularly addressing the connection between MSMEs and sustainability. His contributions underscore his commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and innovation in achieving sustainable development goals.
As the founder of Space Centre Australia, James has over 20 years’ experience as a Chartered Engineering Executive Leader.
James began his career as a submariner in the Royal Australian Navy. During this time, he gained extensive experience in engineering vehicles to withstand hostile conditions, both deep underwater and in space.
As CEO and Owner of Space Centre Australia, James specialises in project management, engineering, environmental science, land management, and of course, space systems. James’ educational achievements include a Master of Philosophy from the Queensland University of Technology, a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Australia, and a Master of Engineering Management from Southern Cross University.
