AI’s Hidden E-Waste Crisis and the Rise of CyberParent: The Growing Cost of Our Digital Lives

From breakthrough tech to startup reality Great ideas are only the beginning. This episode explores what happens next - how deeptech founders try to turn scientific breakthroughs into real companies. We attended a pitch night at London Business School where startups were presenting their ideas to investors. Among them were Nanoloom, developing sustainable graphene-based fibres for textiles, and Auralytica, building chemical sensors that can detect food spoilage. But raising money isn’t easy. Research shows female founders still receive only around 2% of venture capital funding - despite strong evidence that women led businesses often perform as well as or better than male-led ones.So how do you get investors to believe in your idea? The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.  SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/  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: [email protected] ➡️ Email: [email protected]  📱 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)   ➡️ Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast/id1713408769)   ➡️ Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/65YZwVfA03MSdZ3198yLdb)   If you like our show please rate and review us.

The AI Boom Is Fuelling a New Wave of E-WasteArtificial intelligence may feel invisible, but the hardware powering it is very real - and short-lived. As companies race to deploy powerful AI servers, turnover of specialised chips and equipment is accelerating. Yet major tech firms rarely disclose AI-specific hardware figures, making it difficult to track where outdated machines end up. With less than a quarter of global e-waste recycled, the expansion of AI infrastructure could quietly add to a growing waste crisis - an angle we’re reporting on for the first time. The Digiconomist, Alex de Vries-Gao, explains his latest research.Can AI Also Be Part of the Solution? Tackling Cyberbullying in Real TimeWhile AI raises environmental concerns, it’s also being deployed to solve urgent social challenges. With more than one in three young people globally reporting experiences of online bullying, according to UNICEF, the need for early intervention is clear. Serbian startup CyberParent says its AI-powered app can detect signs of cyberbullying on a child’s phone and alert parents in real time - aiming to stop harm before it escalates. Nemanja Stojmenovic, founder of Cyberparent is on the show.The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz. SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ 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: [email protected]➡️ Email: [email protected] 📱 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) ➡️ Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast/id1713408769) ➡️ Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/65YZwVfA03MSdZ3198yLdb) If you like our show please rate and review us.

🌍 When Satellite Images Lie: The Rise of Space DeepfakesDeepfakes are no longer just fake celebrity videos - they’re moving into orbit. AI can now generate or manipulate satellite images, potentially fabricating disasters, military sites, or climate events. In a world that relies on satellite data for journalism, science, and security, that’s a serious threat. Shoaib Burq, AI Researcher Project Lead at Verisat AI explains how they can detect hidden “fingerprints” left by generative models. Backed by the European Space Agency, the project is building tools to help governments and media separate real imagery from artificial deception - before misinformation spreads. 🗣️ African Languages Go Digital: The App Reclaiming Identity Through TechEsther Imogu, Founder CEO, NaijaTeach Technology, is preserving and teaching African languages using an app. NaijaTeach helps users learn African languages like Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin with accurate pronunciation, cultural context, and interactive lessons designed for both children and adults. Built with native educators rather than automated translations, the platform supports tonal learning and real-life usage. With plans to expand into Arabic, NaijaTeach is part of a growing movement using tech to strengthen identity, heritage, and connection. The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz. SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ 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: [email protected]➡️ Email: [email protected] 📱 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) ➡️ Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast/id1713408769) ➡️ Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/65YZwVfA03MSdZ3198yLdb) If you like our show please rate and review us.

🎙️ Agentic AI, Audio Ads the Future of CreativityAt Web Summit Qatar in Doha, the marketing world asked a bold question: when AI starts planning, creating, and deciding - what’s left for humans? Wilfrid Obeng, Co-Founder of AudioMob talks about how AI is transforming advertising in real time. From hyper-personalised audio ads generated on the fly to emotion-powered voice cloning inspired by tools like ElevenLabs, Wilfred explains how brands are reaching audiences faster, cheaper, and more creatively than ever before - without losing the human spark. 💼 Fighting Job Scams in Nigeria: Mission to Empower Women in the Job MarketWe head to Nigeria, where Adeife Adeoye, Founder and CEO of “Remote WorkHer”, is tackling one of the country’s biggest challenges: employment fraud and job insecurity. With over 23 million Nigerians unemployed or underemployed, Remote WorkHers is building a verified, all-in-one career platform designed specifically for women. By manually vetting both employers and candidates - and refusing to rely solely on AI – tech is creating a safer, smarter pathway to meaningful work in one of Africa’s toughest job markets. The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz. SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ 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: [email protected]➡️ Email: [email protected] 📱 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) ➡️ Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast/id1713408769)➡️ Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/65YZwVfA03MSdZ3198yLdb) If you like our show please rate and review us.

🌍 Scaling Local Innovation Into Global InfluenceRecorded at Web Summit Qatar in Doha, we explore how organisations build global relevance without losing their local roots. As markets become more interconnected, AI and strategic leadership are essential to scaling beyond borders. Yasmin Kayali, Chief Marketing Officer and Societal Impact Leader at Deloitte Middle East, and Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, unpack how global brands localise strategy, why Serbia is emerging as a tech hotspot, and how teaching coding and AI early is fuelling next-gen innovation. 💡 Nigerian Women Using AI Health Tech to Save LivesAfrica has some of the world’s highest rates of delayed diagnosis for conditions like breast and cervical cancer. Now a new app uses AI triage, virtual consultations, and hybrid services to shrink the gender health gap - helping millions of women access care earlier and with confidence. Victoria Okundaye, Operations Lead at Débbo Africa, shares how her team is building a new health platform - designed to connect women with the right care as quickly and as safely as possible. The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz. SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ 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: [email protected]➡️ Email: [email protected] 📱 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) ➡️ Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast/id1713408769)➡️ Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/65YZwVfA03MSdZ3198yLdb) If you like our show please rate and review us.

How Mobile Money and Open Tech Are Bringing 1.3 Billion People Into the Financial SystemTechnology isn’t just evolving - it’s rewriting the rules of entire economies. In this episode of Somewhere on Earth, we explore how mobile technology, open-source payments, and digital finance are helping to “bank the unbanked.” With around 1.3 billion adults still without access to a bank account, we look at how mobile money and open systems are leapfrogging traditional infrastructure and giving millions their first real access to savings, payments, and opportunity. Why Ethiopia’s Bold Ban on Petrol Cars Could Redefine Transport Across AfricaEthiopia has become the first nation to ban the import of petrol and diesel vehicles, pushing full speed into an electric future. From battery-swapping motorcycles to renewable-powered transport, Ethiopia is betting on clean tech to transform its economy and environment. We connect the dots between financial inclusion and electrification — and ask how emerging tech ecosystems are reshaping lives, cities, and nations. The programme was presented by Ania Lichtarowicz. SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ 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: [email protected] ➡️ Email: [email protected]  📱 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)  ➡️ Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast/id1713408769)➡️ Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/65YZwVfA03MSdZ3198yLdb) If you like our show please rate and review us.

Trump and our Internet Freedoms – it’s not looking goodThe United States has pulled out of key international internet freedom organizations, calling them wasteful and ineffective — but digital rights experts say Americans should be concerned. In this episode, we break down why the US made the decision, what it means for online privacy and free expression, and how the shift could impact everyday internet users around the world. From surveillance to censorship, we explore what’s really at stake for the future of digital freedom.🤖 AI Swarms and the Future of DemocracyA new political threat is emerging online: AI swarms - vast networks of human-like artificial agents that can infiltrate social media, mimic real people, and influence opinion without detection. These aren’t simple bots. They use slang, join communities, post irregularly, and slowly persuade at scale.Researchers warn they could be used to destabilise elections, spread confusion, and push citizens toward disengagement rather than direct propaganda. We examine how real this danger is, how easy AI armies are to build, and what governments, platforms, and users can do to defend democracy in a world of synthetic voices.  The programme was presented by Ania Lichtarowicz. SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Production manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania LichtarowiczSomewhere 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: [email protected]➡️ Email: [email protected]  📱 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)  ➡️ Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast/id1713408769) ➡️ Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/65YZwVfA03MSdZ3198yLdb)  If you like our show please rate and review us.

🌍 AI’s Carbon and Water FootprintArtificial intelligence feels invisible, but its infrastructure is massive. From data centres and specialist servers to cooling systems and power grids, AI is driving a surge in energy and water use around the world. Now research suggests global AI systems may already produce carbon emissions comparable to a city like New York, while the water required to run and cool them could exceed total global bottled water consumption. In this segment, we explore why big tech companies disclose so little about AI’s true footprint — and what that means for users, sustainability, and the future of digital growth. The Digiconomist Alex de Vries-Gao joins us on the show. 💊 The Smart Pill RevolutionOne of the biggest problems in healthcare isn’t new drugs - it’s getting people to take the ones they already have. In the US alone, around 50% of patients don’t follow prescriptions properly, costing the system more than $100 billion every year and contributing to tens of thousands of premature deaths. Now researchers have created a dissolvable electronic “smart pill” that can confirm when medication has actually been taken. It’s safe and biodegradable. We look at how ingestible technology could transform treatment, accountability, and patient care worldwide. Professor Giovanni Traverso, who led the team at MIT explains the tech.The programme was presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ 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: [email protected] ➡️ Email: [email protected]  📱 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)  ➡️ Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast/id1713408769) ➡️ Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/65YZwVfA03MSdZ3198yLdb) If you like our show please rate and review us.

The latest on Iran: nationwide communications blackout deepensIranian authorities imposed an unprecedented communications blackout as protests spread nationwide. The internet monitoring group NetBlocks shows that connectivity remains at around one percent of normal levels, with mobile data, phone calls, text messages and fixed-line services all heavily disrupted. Digital rights groups say the scale of the shutdown goes far beyond previous internet blackouts used during unrest. Amir Rashidi, Director of Internet Security and Digital Rights at the NGO, the Miaan Group and Felicia Anthonio, Access Now’s #KeepItOn Global Campaign Manager explain how the shutdown is being enforced and what it means for people inside Iran. How AgriTech Is Cutting Food Waste: Tracking Produce from Farm to TableUp to 50% of fresh produce is lost before it ever reaches our plates - often because critical information disappears after harvest. In this episode we speak with Kacper Dach, Co-Founder of Agrocontracts, about how digital tracking, QR codes, and RFID technology are helping farmers and distributors trace produce from field to table. We explore how small data mistakes can lead to massive food waste, why agriculture needs better tech infrastructure, and how smarter supply chains can reduce losses, costs, and environmental impact worldwide. The programme was presented by Ania Lichtarowicz. SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ 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: [email protected]➡️ Email: [email protected] 📱 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) ➡️ Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast/id1713408769)➡️ Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/65YZwVfA03MSdZ3198yLdb) If you like our show please rate and review us.

Could AI Chatbots Influence Elections?Could a chatbot change the way you vote? In this episode, DPhil candidate Kobi Hackenburg from the Oxford Internet Institute explains how AI is already capable of persuading people on political issues. From short, personalised conversations to fact-packed arguments, these systems can shift opinions in minutes - and the effects can last for weeks. We explore the implications for democracy, elections, and what it means when machines can influence minds as effectively as human campaigners.Protect Your Digital Life After You’re GoneWhat happens to your digital life after you die? Pawel Soproniuk, CEO of Legacy App, joins us to discuss how digital assets — from bank accounts and investments to insurance policies - are often left inaccessible to loved ones. Legacy App provides a secure, encrypted way to map out your digital estate, ensuring that the right people inherit what you leave behind. This conversation highlights why planning your digital legacy is becoming as essential as writing a will.The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.SUBSCRIBE FOR THE PODEXTRA HERE: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/Production manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania LichtarowiczSomewhere 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: [email protected]➡️ Email: [email protected]📱 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)➡️ Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast/id1713408769)➡️ Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/65YZwVfA03MSdZ3198yLdb)If you like our show please rate and review us.