Flying Boat Could Transform Amazon TransportIn the Amazon, where rivers are often the only roads, journeys can take hours or even days. Brazilian company Aero R

Technology Podcast · Updated Weekly · Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast - Tech That Actually Matters. If you’re tired of hype, gadgets-for-gadget’s-sake, and the same recycled tech headlines...

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

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...

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 g...

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

Recorded during rehearsals for the very first East Midlands Tech Week, this special edition of Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast celebrates 10 years of the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) ...

435 Million Gig Workers, Secret Pricing Systems & The Global Fight for Transparency in the Digital Economy The 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 worldwide. If you'd like, I can also write a more punchy, viral Spotify title that is optimised for clicks while still being highly searchable. The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.

How AI Agents Could Change Digital Payments Brazil'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.

The Tiny Liquid-Metal Pump That Could Transform Robotics Soft robotics is one of the fastest-growing fields in technology, drawing inspiration from nature to c

What the Collapse of a Global Summit Means for Digital Rights Thousands of delegates were preparing to gather in Zambia for one of the world’s biggest digital

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.

AI takes on marine wildlife traffickers Wildlife 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.

Refrigeration’s Climate Problem and the Startup Trying to Solve It Refrigeration is responsible for a huge share of global carbon emissions but Colombian star

Refrigeration’s Climate Problem and the Startup Trying to Solve It Refrigeration is responsible for a huge share of global carbon emissions but Colombian star

Recorded during rehearsals for the very first East Midlands Tech Week, this special edition of Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast celebrates 10 years of the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) and the Midlands’ extraordinary history of innovation. From Derby, birthplace of the modern factory, to Leicester’s DNA fingerprinting breakthroughs, Nottingham’s MRI and ibuprofen innovations, and Lutterworth’s jet engine legacy, the East Midlands has long shaped the technologies that changed the world. Now, a new generation of innovators is building the future of clean energy, hydrogen, sustainable transport and net zero industry. In this episode, we speak to leaders from ERA and industry partners including Cadent about how the region is helping commercialise breakthrough technologies, develop talent, support startups and drive the UK’s transition to a cleaner, greener economy. The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.

Refrigeration’s Climate Problem and the Startup Trying to Solve It Refrigeration is responsible for a huge share of global carbon emissions but Colombian startup NanoFreeze believes biotechnology could change that. Founder and CEO Isabel Pulido explains how her company’s bio-nanotechnology is designed to dramatically reduce energy use in cooling systems, improve cold-chain access and lower costs for industries from food transport to pharmaceuticals. We also discuss why she’s been selected for the Cartier Women’s Initiative, one of the world’s leading programmes for female entrepreneurs.  Why Is Tech Still Failing People with Disabilities? From inaccessible apps to AI systems that overlook disabled users, inclusive design is still missing from much of today’s technology. Inclusive design expert and author Reginé Gilbert joins us to discuss why accessibility continues to be treated as an afterthought — and how emerging technologies like AI, virtual reality and spatial computing risk deepening exclusion if companies don’t build inclusivity in from the beginning. She’s co-author of a new book: “https://www.routledge.com/Digital-Accessibility-Ethics-Disability-Inclusion-in-All-Things-Tech/Feingold-Gilbert-Fleet/p/book/9781041018681: Disability Inclusion in all Things Tech.” The proramme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.

AI Voice Cloning; Clearer Speech, Growing Risks New research reveals that AI-generated voice clones can be up to 20% more intelligible than real human speech in

Driverless Cars Take the Wheel Driverless taxis are no longer a future concept, they’re already operating in cities worldwide, and even in Zagreb you can now

Driverless Cars Take the Wheel Driverless taxis are no longer a future concept, they’re already operating in cities worldwide, and even in Zagreb you can now book a ride with no driver at all. With the UK preparing for a rollout as early as September, the shift is accelerating fast. Backed by new laws and regulatory frameworks, the technology is moving from trials to real-world adoption. But safety remains the key question, as comparing autonomous systems to human drivers isn’t straightforward. The big issue now isn’t just capability it’s public trust. We were at the launch of the Institute for Driverless Transport to find out more. The Invisible Network Behind It All Behind the rise of autonomous vehicles is a reality most people overlook: the internet doesn’t run on satellites, but on fibre optic cables carrying light across the globe. This physical infrastructure powers the real-time data needed for navigation, communication, and control. And it’s not being replaced, it’s evolving, with innovations like hollow-core fibre pushing speeds even further. As driverless tech scales, it’s this hidden network that will define performance. The future of mobility depends as much on glass as it does on code. The podcast is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.

How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing the Work of NGOs AI is increasingly shaping the work of non-profits and civil society groups. In this episode we speak w

From streaming royalties to AI tools: how musicians are navigating a rapidly changing industry Artificial intelligence is reshaping the music industry, but not always in the ways people expect. Researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute have been speaking with musicians across several countries about life in the streaming era and how AI fits into their creative work. Many artists say they are using AI as a practical tool, for example to overcome writer’s block or experiment with new ideas, while still believing that human emotion and authenticity remain central to music.  Using artificial intelligence to break communication barriers for deaf communities AI is also being used to tackle accessibility challenges. At Web Summit Qatar, the Polish company Migam showcased technology designed to translate spoken language into sign language in real time. The aim is to make digital platforms - from streaming services to video calls - more accessible for millions of deaf users around the world, demonstrating how AI could expand communication as well as creativity. The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.

How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing the Work of NGOs AI is increasingly shaping the work of non-profits and civil society groups. In this episode we speak w

How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing the Work of NGOs AI is increasingly shaping the work of non-profits and civil society groups. In this episode we speak w

How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing the Work of NGOs AI is increasingly shaping the work of non-profits and civil society groups. In this episode we speak with experts from Access Now about how NGOs are using AI to strengthen cybersecurity analysis and digital protection, while also navigating serious concerns around privacy, misinformation, and the safe handling of sensitive data. Using AI to Reduce Waste in the Global Food Supply Food waste remains a major global challenge, often caused by poor coordination across the supply chain. We speak with the founder of WadyAI, a platform using artificial intelligence to help suppliers and restaurants digitise orders, analyse demand, and order food more accurately - with the goal of reducing waste and improving efficiency in the food system. The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.

313 blackouts. 52 countries. One global crisis Internet shutdowns are no longer just blunt nationwide blackouts. From Uganda to Iran, governments are now using sophisticated tools to cut off Starlink, exempt their own institutions, and silence critics, while ordinary citizens are left completely offline. In Iran, a blackout has now lasted 31 days, on track to become the longest complete internet shutdown ever recorded. We speak to Access Now's Felicia Anthonio and Zach Rosson about the rise of digital authoritarianism, the new tactics governments are using, and the growing resistance movement fighting to keep the world connected. The UK Government Wants to Restrict VPNs for Teens – But Uses Them Itself The UK is considering restricting teenagers from using VPNs to bypass online age checks under its "Growing Up in the Online World" consultation. But a new investigation from TechRadar and VPN Managing Editor Sam Woodhams has found that multiple UK government departments and public bodies regularly purchase and use the very same technology – typically enterprise VPNs for cybersecurity. Critics say the paradox raises a simple question: if VPNs are essential for protecting official data, why shouldn't ordinary citizens have the same right to privacy and security? The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.

🧸 AI Toys for Toddlers: Helpful Tool or Hidden Risk? As AI-powered toys enter the lives of children as young as three, researchers from Cambridge University are asking serious questions. These conversational “GenAI toys” can potentially support language development and engagement - but could they also create emotional attachment to machines, raise privacy concerns, and widen inequality gaps? We unpack what the research says and what parents need to know now. 🚀 East Midlands Tech Week: The UK’s Quiet Tech Powerhouse Awakens From the invention of the jet engine to DNA fingerprinting and MRI scanning, the East Midlands has long been a hub of world-changing innovation. Now, with the first ever East Midlands Tech Week, the region is stepping back into the spotlight —bringing together leaders in AI, energy, space, and beyond. ♻️ AI Recycling Bins: Can Tech Fix Our Waste Problem? What if you never had to second-guess recycling again? One startup is building AI-powered bins that automatically identify and sort waste in real time. Designed for busy public spaces, the technology could dramatically improve recycling rates and cut costs, but can it scale globally? The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast ex BBC

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast

YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast