Dr. Edouard Bugnion

Professor

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Biography

Edouard Bugnion is a Full Professor in the School of Computer Science and Communications at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). His primary focus in teaching and research lies in data center systems. He joined EPFL in 2012 after spending 18 years at Stanford University, where he earned his PhD. He co-founded several startups, including VMware and Nuova Systems, which was acquired by Cisco. Bugnion has served in significant positions such as CTO of VMware and VP/CTO at Cisco's Server and Access Virtualization Technology Group. He is a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and a member of the Swiss Academy of Technical Sciences. His current research interests include aspects of data center efficiency and infrastructure support for network and data planes, as well as system security focused on building solutions that offer Trusted Execution Environments. Bugnion has authored numerous publications and remains actively involved in teaching at EPFL, guiding PhD students through their research.

Research Interests

Experience

Co-founder & CTO

1998-01-01 — 2005-01-01

VMware • Palo Alto, CA, USA

Co-founded VMware and served as CTO.

Co-founder

2005-01-01 — 2008-01-01

Nuova Systems • San Jose, CA, USA

Co-founded Nuova Systems, acquired by Cisco.

VP & CTO, Data Center Division

2008-01-01 — 2011-01-01

Cisco Systems • San Jose, CA, USA

Oversaw technology for the data center division.

Vice President Information Systems

2017-01-01 — 2020-01-01

EPFL • Lausanne, Switzerland

Served as Vice President managing information systems.

Director

2017-01-01 — 2024-01-01

InnoSuisse • Switzerland

Director role involving innovation and startup support.

Independent Director

2015-01-01 — 2025-01-01

Logitech International • Switzerland

Independent director on the board of Logitech.

Independent Director

2018-01-01 — 2025-01-01

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) • Switzerland

Independent director on the board of ICRC.

Awards

#2009

ACM Software System Award

2009-01-01
#2017

ACM Fellow

2017-01-01
#2018

Member SATW

2018-01-01

Requirements for École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field Strong foundation in Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Probability Proficiency in programming (Python, Java, or C++)
Application Checklist
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Copy of University Degree(s)
  • Official Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Copy of Passport or Identity Card
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Proof of English Proficiency
Specialization Notes

Standard requirements for Engineering and Basic Science Master's programs. Architecture requires an additional portfolio.