André Borschberg

André Borschberg is an entrepreneur, explorer, pilot and speaker from Switzerland. He is the Co-founder and CEO of the Solar Impulse Project. The project achieved the first-ever round-the-world solar flight in 2016.

Born in Zurich, Switzerland, André had dreamt about flight and showed a passion for the industry since childhood. He trained as a pilot in the Swiss Air Force and has flown multiple types of aeroplanes and jet fighters. Alongside this, he earnt numerous aeroplane and helicopter licences. Whilst serving in the Air Force, he earnt an engineering degree in mechanics and thermodynamics from EPFL along with certificates in financial management and business management at HEC Lausanne. He then went on to earn a Master’s degree in management from the Sloan School at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, currently ranked as the #2 university globally. He then joined McKinsey where he spent 5 years as a consultant before launching his own business.

While taking a break from his entrepreneurial career and making time for social work, André met the Dean of Engineering of Switzerland’s leading technology university who explained Bertrand Piccard’s (André’s co-founder) plan to fly around the world using only renewable energy. André was immediately on board. Despite the fair share of equipment failures along the way, with the support of the Solar Impulse team, André and Bertrand completed the flight in 2016. Following his success, André received multiple awards and recognitions. These include Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Mons in Belgium and the Wissam Al Alaoui Distinction from the King of Morocco. Furthermore, his achievements granted him, the Swiss and British Governments’ Medal for Aeronautics and The Explorers Club Medal for Extraordinary Contribution to Aviation Technology.

André is especially recognised for his ability to unite a wide variety of talent, personalities and expertise around launching businesses and managing teams. He had previously received recognition for the first-ever day and night flight in a solar aeroplane when he flew Solar impulse 1 in 2010, followed by the completion of 14 world records. As a leader in pioneering technologies, André enjoys sharing his experiences and expertise as a speaker. He speaks frequently at leadership forums such as the World Economic Forum. If you are looking for an expert on all things aviation, technology and the future, book André Borschberg today!