Prof Mirko Meboldt studied mechanical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe (KIT) in Germany and launched his academic career at the Institute of Product Engineering Karlsruhe (IPEK), where he completed a doctorate in the field of product development. He embarked on his industrial career at Hilti AG in Liechtenstein, where he was globally responsible for CAD/PDM systems, standardisation and development methods. In his last position at Hilti, he was responsible for global technology and product development processes. In 2012, he was appointed Full Professor of Product Development and Engineering Design at ETH Zurich. His main research focus is on the development of new products in the field of mechanical engineering industries, biomedical applications and associated technologies. Since spring 2020, he has been a driving member of the helpfulETH initiative, which develops technical solutions for the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted, among other things, in the BRCCH-supported CoVent project, where he is a member of the organising committee and assists with the development of the low-cost ventilator.