The value of opportunity

Casale CEO Federico Zardi reflects on the importance of supporting young talent and on carrying forward a philosophy his father, Umberto Zardi, strongly believed in.

Mr Zardi, you studied Chemical Engineering at ETH Zurich. What has stayed with you from that time?

FEDERICO ZARDI – More than anything, a way of thinking. Engineering teaches you to approach complex problems systematically: to look at the evidence, question assumptions and keep improving what already exists. It also teaches you that meaningful challenges are rarely solved alone. Collaboration across disciplines is an essential part of engineering.

Does this way of thinking still influence you today?

Very much so. For me, engineering is not simply a profession; it is a way of approaching problems. The same principle shapes how I think about leadership. Technologies are created by people working together. Leadership means creating the conditions in which talented people can do their best work, continue learning and contribute to something meaningful.

Casale supports the ETH Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP). Why is supporting education important to you?

There are two reasons – a very personal one, and a corporate one. On the personal one: My father, Umberto Zardi, strongly believed in the power of education, technical excellence and opportunity to create progress. He believed that supporting young talent is one of the most meaningful contributions a company can make to society. With our commitment to ESOP, I would like to honor and carry on my father’s legacy.

And from the corporate side?

The scholarship embodies our belief that scientific excellence, engineering and innovation are among the most powerful drivers of long-term progress. Progress in science and engineering depends on people having both the knowledge and the opportunity to develop their potential. That is why we see supporting education as a commitment for the long term.

You support the scholarship of Victor Ribeiro Sanctis, who studies Chemical and Bioengineering. Why do you focus specifically on young engineers?

Because the technologies we will need tomorrow depend on the people we educate today. Institutions such as ETH Zurich give talented young engineers the foundation to think critically, work across disciplines and translate research into innovation. Supporting their education means investing in the people who will shape the solutions of tomorrow. These solutions need to be technically robust, economically competitive and scalable if they are to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Where do you see the relationship between universities and industry in this?

They have different roles, but they complement each other. Universities create knowledge, while industry can translate knowledge into applications. Together, they can enable innovation that benefits society. Supporting education is part of that relationship for me. If industry benefits from generations of highly educated engineers, it also has a reason to contribute to the development of those who come next.