About Me

Building integrated solutions across hardware and software

At a Glance

Current Focus

  • › Completing BM2 (vocational baccalaureate)
  • › Developing AxonotesCore platform
  • › Building production IoT systems
  • › Learning Japanese for Japan 2026

Background

  • › 18 years old, Bern, Switzerland
  • › 9 years of programming experience
  • › Electronics Technician (highest score, Canton Bern)
  • › 130+ GitHub repositories

Technical Expertise

  • › Embedded systems (STM32, C8051x, ESP32)
  • › Full-stack development (SvelteKit, Go, TypeScript)
  • › Hardware design (circuits, PCBs, IoT)
  • › Production systems and APIs

Interests

  • › Salsa & hip-hop dancing
  • › Snowboarding & scuba diving
  • › Open source software
  • › Teaching and mentoring

Hi, I'm Oliver Seifert

I'm 18 years old, based in Bern, Switzerland, and have been programming for about 9 years. My journey into technology started when I became curious about what my two older brothers, both software engineers, were working on. This early exposure gave me a head start that has shaped how I approach technical problems.

What sets me apart is my ability to work across the full technology stack. I design and build hardware systems with microcontrollers and custom PCBs, then write the software that runs on them. I also develop full-stack web applications and production systems. This dual expertise allows me to create integrated solutions that most developers wouldn't attempt because they specialize in only one domain.

Hardware and Software Engineering

I completed my Electronics Technician certification at TFBern, achieving the highest score in Canton of Bern (tied first place). My training covered circuit design, PCB layout, and embedded systems programming. For my IPA project, I built a complete audio system from the ground up: custom PCB design, STM32 microcontroller programming with FreeRTOS for multitasking, DMA implementation for audio processing, and multiple communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART).

On the software side, I've built production web applications with SvelteKit and TypeScript, developed backend systems in Go, and created developer tools that are actively used. I've also worked extensively with C8051x microcontrollers, even programming the Chrome Dino game to run on them to better understand their capabilities and limitations. Whether I'm writing low-level C for embedded systems or high-level TypeScript for web applications, I approach each project by understanding the underlying principles rather than just applying frameworks.

Projects and Production Systems

I focus on building systems that solve real problems and are used by actual people. Currently, I'm working on a production IoT application for a client that reads sensor data over BLE, stores it locally with proper error handling and logging, and syncs to Thingsboard. This project pushed me to learn Go more deeply and understand production system requirements beyond what personal projects typically demand.

I've also published an Apple Vision Pro game on the App Store (built with Unity), contributed the backend infrastructure for Syrup (an open-source ethical alternative to the Honey browser extension), and created TFUtils, a command-line tool that other students at TFBern use for project setup automation. My compiler project, BFScript, translates C-like syntax to Brainfuck and taught me about parsing, AST construction, and code generation. During that project, I independently discovered and implemented the "tagless final" pattern.

My current main focus is AxonotesCore, a note-taking and collaboration platform designed for students. I'm building it because existing tools are either too slow, don't work offline, or don't respect user privacy. This isn't meant to be a business—it's something I want to use myself and share with other students who are frustrated with bloated, cloud-dependent solutions.

Learning Approach

I learn by building projects that require me to solve real problems, not by following tutorials or courses. When I needed to build a backend API, I learned Go by implementing one. When I wanted to understand how compilers work, I built BFScript. This project-driven approach means I develop practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

I have over 130 repositories on GitHub because I'm constantly experimenting and building. Not every project needs to be polished or complete—some are learning exercises, others are tools that solve a specific problem I had. This approach has given me experience with a wide range of technologies and taught me when to use each one appropriately.

Tools and Philosophy

I run Fedora Linux as my primary operating system, use JetBrains IDEs for most development work, and NeoVim for quick edits and remote work. I care about open source software and user privacy, which influences the tools I choose and the way I build software. I believe tools should work for users, respect their privacy by default, and function offline when possible—not require constant internet connectivity or collect unnecessary data.

That said, I'm pragmatic about technology choices. I'll use tools from companies I don't particularly like if they're genuinely the best option for the job. TypeScript is a good example: it's from Microsoft, but it's open source and solves real problems, so I use it extensively. The goal is always to build something that works well, not to make purely ideological choices.

Beyond Coding

Outside of technical work, I'm currently learning Japanese in preparation for a half-year trip to Japan with EF in summer 2026. I stay active through salsa and hip-hop dancing, snowboarding, scuba diving, and volleyball. I've previously practiced Muay Thai and played Ultimate Frisbee. These physical activities help me maintain focus and bring fresh perspective to technical challenges.

I also enjoy teaching and mentoring others in areas where I have expertise. Explaining concepts to someone else deepens my own understanding and helps me stay connected to fundamentals as I work on more advanced topics.

Technical Skills

Understanding My Metrics
  • Years — duration working with each technology, based on GitHub repositories and project history.
  • Proficiency — my confidence and expertise level, regardless of time spent.

Years may be slightly underestimated for earlier technologies. Accurate as of October 2025.

Hardware & Embedded Systems

C8051x MCUs
2 years Advanced
STM32 Family
1 year Intermediate
Circuit Design & PCB
3 years Advanced
FreeRTOS
1 year Intermediate
Arduino & ESP32
2 years Intermediate
IoT & Thingsboard
0.75 years Intermediate

Programming Languages

Python
4.3 years Advanced
TypeScript
2.9 years Advanced
C
3.2 years Advanced
Go
0.75 years Advanced
Kotlin
3.4 years Advanced
C#
4.2 years Advanced
Java
1.4 years Intermediate
Rust
0.1 years Beginner

Web Development

SvelteKit
2.8 years Advanced
JavaScript
3.7 years Advanced
TailwindCSS
2.8 years Advanced
Node.js
2.5 years Intermediate
HTML/CSS
3.7 years Intermediate

Desktop & Specialized

Tauri
1 year Intermediate
Unity
1.5 years Intermediate
Docker
1.6 years Intermediate
Git
4.3 years Advanced

My Journey

2025 - Present

BM2 (Berufsmaturität) at TFBern/Gibb

Currently completing full-time vocational baccalaureate after finishing my Electronics Technician apprenticeship. Working on AxonotesCore, a student-focused productivity platform, while developing production IoT systems. Also learning Japanese for an upcoming half-year stay in Japan planned for summer 2026.

2022 - 2025

Electronics Technician Apprentice at TFBern

Completed 3-year apprenticeship with the highest score in Canton of Bern (tied first place). My IPA project involved designing a custom PCB with STM32 microcontroller, implementing FreeRTOS for real-time audio processing with DMA, and integrating multiple communication protocols. This experience solidified my interest in projects that bridge hardware and software.

2016 - Present

Programming Journey

Started coding at age 9, inspired by my two older brothers who are both software engineers. Progressed from Scratch and Java to building compilers, IoT systems, and full-stack web applications. Have developed over 130 GitHub repositories, ranging from experimental projects to production tools used by real users.

2019 - 2022

Oberstufenzentrum Worbboden, Sekundarstufe

Completed secondary education with a final-year individual project similar to an IPA. Developed a physics and graphics engine in Kotlin using LWJGL, showcasing advanced programming skills. More details available on the projects page.

2012 - 2019

Unterstufenzentrum Rüfenacht, Primarstufe

Early education where my curiosity for technology first emerged. Started exploring basic computer concepts during this time, setting the stage for my later technical pursuits.