Safespace Research

We are delighted to introduce Dr. Chiara Natalie Focacci, a collaborator at Safespace Research and the voice behind our monthly blogs. Chiara is not only a researcher and writer with a PhD in Economics from the University of Bologna, but also a storyteller at heart 🧡 Through her work as a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford and her creative endeavors as a novelist, poet, and podcast host, Chiara explores the depths of human connection. In her blogs, she shares heartfelt reflections on mental health, blending personal experiences, expert insights, and a touch of storytelling magic ✨ This month, Chiara brings a piece close to her heart about Christmas — her memories, traditions, and what this season means to her. We’re sure her words will resonate with you 🎄

Proud to be a BRIDGE Fellow and to celebrate Safespace Research's first funding of CHF 130’000 🌱 I'm the first university student in my family and a Swiss immigrant. Financial insecurity is a big obstacle to entrepreneurship: six out of ten founders have at least one parent with an academic degree and many of them come from entrepreneurial families. That’s why I couldn’t be more thankful to Swiss National Science Foundation SNS and Innosuisse for their work, and for supporting my vision 🙏 Safespace is on a mission to change the way society looks at mental health. We want to improve students' connection to their peers and help them reflect on their own, with the help of AI. Human counsellors and therapists cannot be replaced, and we will support their work 🐰 A big mission needs big support. A heartfelt thank you to my PhD supervisor Elliott Ash, Geoffrey Besnier and ETH Student Project House, Andrea Lidberg and Talent Kick, Isabelle Siegrist and ETH AI Center 🧡 #firstgen #firstfunding #mentalhealthmatters #studentsmentalhealth #digitalinnovation #safespaceresearch

It’s time to reintroduce one of the key people behind Safespace Research — Oliver Aschwanden, our Co-Founder & CTO! 🛠️ With a strong background in Artificial Intelligence as a MSc. student in Informatics at the University of Zurich, Oliver has been at the heart of Safespace's software development. From implementing our AI designs to making sure everything runs smoothly. Beyond coding, Oliver is a plant dad, a passionate cyclist who loves exploring new trails, and if you’re wondering about his spirit animal — it’s the eagle 🦅 We’re so grateful for Oliver’s dedication, sensitivity, and the many hours he’s put into improving Safespace. We’re excited to keep building something meaningful together! 🚀

Let a new journey begin — I’ve joined Safespace Research as Co-Founder & COO 🐰 Mental health is a topic that doesn’t receive enough attention, especially when it comes to students. It’s easy to let mental well-being take a back seat while navigating academic pressure, personal growth, and the uncertainties of life. That’s why I’m so excited to join Safespace Research — a startup dedicated to making mental health support more accessible, stigma-free, and effective 🌱 At Safespace, we’re working to ensure students have the tools they need to prioritise their mental well-being. Using AI-enhanced technology, we’re helping them share, reflect, and connect with the right support — whether that’s through journaling or peer support. A heartfelt thank you to Matteo for trusting me to take on this role. I’m inspired by your vision and can’t wait to work alongside you and the amazing team at Safespace to create meaningful change 🧡

At Safespace Research we are NOT building an AI therapist. Period 🚫 Yesterday, I explained our mission at one of our network universities. A stakeholder shared with me the story of a student struggling with their mental health. They advised the student to reach out to the university's counselling service. When the student saw the image of a therapy armchair featured on the website, they were overwhelmed with anxiety and did not seek help 🪑 So, why then is there a need for the Safespace app? 🐰 Safespace’ AI represents a low barrier entry to mental health support, it's accessible to those with social communication challenges, it's private, it's in your pocket. It encourages its users to reach out to peers and to destigmatize professional help 🌱 At this early stage of our start-up journey, the best thing you can do is #ListenToYourStakeholders. #studentsmentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #safespaceresearch #digitalhealth #aiforsocialgood #earlystagetechnology ETH Student Project House Talent Kick

Are you looking to work in a mental health startup with a mission-driven team? 🔥 Stop by the ETH Entrepreneur Club #startupspeeddating event and look for Safespace Research’s bunny! 🐰 #Speedating #Networking #MentalHealthMatters #SafespaceResearch #StartupLife #DigitalHealth #ETHZürich

We are thankful to the Trilogos Stiftung for donating CHF 5,000 to support our mission in enhancing mental health among ETH Zürich students! 🎉 This support will contribute to our ongoing effort in creating a safespace for students' mental health. Thank you for believing in our vision! A special thank you to the ETH Student Project House and Geoffrey Besnier for their support on this 🙌 #Students #MentalHealthMatters #Funding #SafespaceResearch #Startup #DigitalHealth #ETH #ETHZürich

Are you a driven individual and a brilliant Software Engineer?📱 Join us at Safespace Research to help us revolutionize mental health by improving people's connection to their peers and self-reflection 🌱 We're looking for a Technical Co-Founder to lead our frontend development and make a real impact. If you're motivated, empathetic, and have an eye for design, we'd love to hear from you! Let's make a difference together ☀️

Mindfulness isn’t one-size-fits-all 🌿 Some may connect through meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises, while others might benefit from creative activities. The key lies in finding what resonates best with you 🧘♂️ What practice helps you feel most grounded and connected — meditation, yoga, journaling, or something entirely your own? 👉 check out the new blog post about it, written by Chiara Natalie Focacci  #Mindfulness #WellnessJourney #Blog #MentalHealthMatters #SafespaceResearch

🔎 Have you heard of #Movember? November is dedicated to men’s health, bringing attention to critical issues like mental health challenges and suicide prevention. Safespace Research is committed to working toward a world where seeking help is seen as a strength 💫, not a weakness. Mental health is a priority, and support must be accessible to everyone who needs it. 🐰 #MentalHealthMatters #SupportMen #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness #SafespaceResearch