EU-Startups Podcast | Episode 148: Karim Saleh, Co-founder and CEO of Cerrion (2026)

Get ready for an eye-opening journey into the world of AI and manufacturing with our latest EU-Startups Podcast episode! We're thrilled to introduce you to Karim Saleh, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Cerrion, a Zurich-based company that's revolutionizing factory safety. But here's where it gets controversial: Karim's AI isn't just about efficiency; it's about saving lives and preventing costly mistakes.

In this episode, we explore the inspiring story behind Cerrion's mission. Karim, who grew up in a manufacturing family in Egypt and later became the captain of the national water polo team, shares his unique perspective on how AI can transform factories. With his background in electrical engineering from ETH Zurich, he's built an AI system that's changing the game across 15 countries and three continents.

Cerrion's technology is like having a vigilant guardian watching over factory lines 24/7. By connecting to standard cameras and understanding production flows, it can intervene in real-time to prevent safety incidents, scrap, and downtime. Factories using Cerrion's AI report a 50% faster resolution of issues and a significant reduction in stress levels for frontline teams.

But how does this AI work, and why is it so effective? We delve into the details, uncovering how agentic AI can safely step in during production without causing disruption. You'll hear real-life examples of Cerrion's AI catching issues that humans might have missed, and you'll understand why keeping humans in the loop is crucial for success.

Karim also shares his unique insights from the world of elite sports, revealing how his experience as a team captain taught him about hypergrowth and the importance of discipline over adrenaline.

Key takeaways from this episode include the idea that AI is not about replacing jobs but about reducing stress for frontline workers. Agentic AI is shifting factories from a reactive to a proactive mindset, and real-time intervention works best when humans and AI collaborate.

So, are you ready to envision a future where factories are calm, predictable, and safe? Join us for this insightful conversation with Karim Saleh, and don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments!

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This episode is brought to you by Vanta, the trust management platform that helps companies like Nando's, Allica Bank, and Granola build secure and trusted operations. Learn more at http://vanta.com/eustartups and discover how Vanta automates compliance frameworks and GRC workflows to save time and improve visibility.

EU-Startups Podcast | Episode 148: Karim Saleh, Co-founder and CEO of Cerrion (2026)
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