Upcoming events

February 4, 2026
Swiss-Swedish Innovation Initiative 
Venue: ETH Zurich, Hönggerberg campus, Switzerland
Register here
Swiss Nordic Bio 2026
Read more here

SWII 2026 I Agenda

08:00 - 08:25
Registration
08:30 - 08:40
Welcome Address from Switzerland and Sweden

Dr. Christian Schaffner, Director ETH Energy Science Center
H.E Carl Magnus Nesser, Ambassador from Sweden to Switzerland and Liechtenstein

08:40 - 08:45
Introduction to the Swiss-Swedish Innovation Initiative in partnership with Germany and Austria
08:45 - 09:00
EUREKA-Eurostars: Boost innovation across borders

Janique Siffert, Programme Manager, Innosuisse

Peter Lindberg, Eureka National Project Coordinator, International Cooperation, Vinnova

Johanna Scheck, Programme Manager, FFG

Bojan Hörnich, Project Leader, European and International Cooperation, DLR

09:00 - 09:10
Welcome Keynote by ETH as Host (TBC)
09:10 - 10:20
Invitation to innovation collaboration with end-users and MNEs

Swiss, Swedish, German and Austrian MNEs and end-users about their innovation priorities and what innovation collaboration they invite to | 7 keynotes (10 min per keynote)

When will Robots Take the Next Step and Enter Real Work Assignments in Utilities?
Anders Wik, R&D Manager, Nuclear & Asset Digitalization, Vattenfall AB

Synopsis: Robotics and AI are merging quickly together. We can now see that humanoids with communication skills entering the real world. Our aim is to understand how a utility can make use of this technology in a safe and secure way.

Open Innovation & Venturing for profitable growth
Thierry Golliard, Director Open Innovation & Venturing, Swiss Post

Synopsis: Swiss Post has just been awarded “world’s best postal service” for the ninth time in a row but is at the same time facing unprecedented disruption. Where does Swiss Post plan to grow in this challenging environment? How is Swiss Post leveraging foresight, innovation and venture capital to achieve it? And what kind of startups/partnerships is Swiss Post interested in?

VERBUND - accelerating the energy transition
Rudolf Zauner, Senior Innovation Manager,
New Technologies, VerbundX

Synopsis: VERBUND X Ventures is the corporate venture unit of VERBUND AG. This presentation outlines our approach to scouting cleantech startups and showcases VERBUND X Ventures’ current portfolio. We will also share examples of collaborations with business units to demonstrate how we accelerate the energy transition and set new standards for renewable power

Scania, introduction to innovation collaboration opportunities
Jessica Persson, Head of M&A and VC, Scania CV
Johannes Fors Källström, Investment Manager, VC

Digital Twins for the high-voltage grid
David Holdener, Lead Digital Operations Axpo Grid AG

Synopsis: Digital Twins are transforming grid management by integrating BIM-based modeling with advanced condition monitoring. This approach enables utilities to create accurate, dynamic representations of their assets, facilitating real-time insights, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making for a more resilient and efficient grid.

10:20 - 10:40
Networking Coffee Break

Participants are invited to a joint coffee break

10:40 - 11:50
Cont. Invitation to innovation collaboration with end-users and MNEs

Swiss, Swedish, German and Austrian MNEs and end-users about their innovation priorities and what innovation collaboration they invite to | 6 keynotes (10 min per keynote)

Ericsson, introduction to innovation collaboration opportunities
Johan Vallin, Global Head of AI, Quantum and Blockchain Execution

Collaborate with Startups to Reinvent How the World Builds
Bengt Steinbrecher, Head of Holcim MAQER Ventures

Synopsis: We’re partnering with innovative startups to accelerate transformation across the construction industry—from decarbonizing and circularizing materials to leveraging digital technologies and AI. Together, we’re driving new solutions that boost productivity, efficiency, and sustainability across the entire built environment, from design to construction and beyond.

Leveraging AI to Grow Business and Shrink Footprint
Matthias Graeber, Head of AI, Bühler Group

Synopsis: Bühler uses AI in two main areas: To optimize manufacturing processes globally and support the industry achieving their sustainability targets and create tangible value. To enhance business excellence in the Bühler organization and drive profitability. The presentation covers Bühler's AI Strategy and gives examples of use cases.

Siemens-Energy, introduction to innovation collaboration opportunities
Speaker tbc

EKZ, introduction to innovation collaboration opportunities
Tobias Keel, Head of New Business

11:40 - 12:30
Invitation to innovation collaboration with universities and research institutes

Swiss, Swedish, German and Austrian universities and research institutes about their innovation priorities and what innovation collaboration they invite to | 5 keynotes (10 min per keynote)

ETH, introduction to innovation collaboration opportunities
Speaker TBC

AI for Continuous Compliance
Jan Bosch, Professor of Software Engineering and Director of Software Center, Chalmers

Software-Defined Innovation. Assured Success.
Prof. Dr. Mario Trapp, Executive Director, Fraunhofer Institute for Cognitive Systems, IKS

Synopsis: Software technologies such as AI and quantum computing are revolutionizing innovation. But transforming cutting-edge technology into real-world value remains the ultimate challenge. Success demands a unified approach: breakthrough functionality, enterprise-grade quality, and user acceptance must work as one integrated formula to ensure your product wins in the market.

Luleå University of Technology, introduction to innovation collaboration opportunities
Ramin, Karim, PhD, Chair Professor, Industrial AI & eMaintenance, Director of Operation and Maintenance Engineering, Director of Centre for Intelligent Asset Management

EPFL, introduction to innovation collaboration opportunities
Alcherio Martinoli, Full Professor, Director of the Distributed Intelligent Systems and Algorithms Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Engineering (IIE), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), EPFL

12:30 - 13:40
Networking Lunch

Particpants are invited to a joint networking lunch

13:40 - 14:40
Elevator pitches from 20 Swiss, Swedish, German and Austrian Born Globals
14:40 - 15:10
Networking coffee break

Participants are invited to a joint networking coffee break

15:10 - 18.10
One-to-One Matchmaking Meetings

All meetings are booked in advance in the online system

Contact person:
Ms. Viktoria Pletikos, Senior Consultant,
Business Sweden Switzerland

Ms. Jessica Rutley, Consultant,
Business Sweden Switzerland


Direct phone: +43 660 215 77 10
E-Mail: viktoria.pletikos@business-sweden.se

Direct phone: +43 660 740 38 86
E-Mail: jessica.rutley@business-sweden.se