Tech Tomorrow

Neural networks are the backbone of many AI and machine learning systems. But how can they be applied to real-world scenarios?

Today’s guest is Damian Borth, Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning at the University of St. Gallen. He is also the director of the Computer Science Institute at St. Gallen.

His work on neural networks has taken him to several subject areas including climate change, financial fraud detection, and text-to-speech. He is also the recipient of a Google Research Scholar Award.

We discuss what neural networks are, what they do, and how their application could help us save the world.

00:00 - Intro
02:02 - Damian’s background
03:01 - What is a neural network?
09:21 - Neural networks and climate change
12:44 - Neural networks and text-to-speech
14:56 - Bias in AI training data
12:44 - Academia and the real world
27:12 - Dan's final thoughts

LINKS:
Damian Borth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianborth/?originalSubdomain=ch
Dan Klein: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dplklein
Zühlke: https://www.zuehlke.com/en

Welcome to Data Today, a podcast from Zühlke.

We're living in a world of opportunities. But to fully realise them, we have to reshape the way we innovate.

We need to stop siloing data, ring-fencing knowledge and looking at traditional value chains. And that's what this podcast is about. Every two weeks, we’re taking a look at data outside the box to see how amazing individuals from disparate fields and industries are transforming the way they work with data, the challenges they are overcoming, and what we can all learn from them.

Zühlke is a global innovation service provider. We envisage ideas and create new business models for our clients by developing services and products based on new technologies – from the initial vision through development to deployment, production and operation.

What is Tech Tomorrow?

Tech Tomorrow is your front-row seat to the conversations redefining the future. Each episode explores one big question about data, AI, or emerging tech, giving leaders clear, focused answers they can trust. If you're navigating complex innovation, from AI-augmented delivery to sustainability, this show helps you cut through the noise, connect cross-disciplinary trends, and lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Previously known as Data Today, this podcast has examined how out-of-the-box thinking around data can be used for good in our world. Now, Tech Tomorrow expands its scope, diving into topics like agentic systems, cybersecurity consulting, and AI in product development.

Host David Elliman is Chief of Software Engineering at Zühlke. With 40 years of experience in technology and innovation, David is a global leader and advisor. Specialising in building enterprise-scale solutions and adopting emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and cloud computing, David offers technical consulting worldwide.

About Zühlke

Zühlke is a global transformation partner, with engineering and innovation in our DNA. We're trusted to help clients envision and build their businesses for the future – to run smarter today while adapting for tomorrow’s markets, customers, and communities.

Our multidisciplinary teams specialise in tech strategy and business innovation, digital solutions and applications, and device and systems engineering. We excel in complex, regulated spaces including health and finance, connecting strategy, tech implementation, and operational services to help clients become more effective, resilient businesses.