Swissnex in San Francisco

🗓️ On December 16, 2024, Swissnex in San Francisco had the pleasure of organizing the “Swissnex Alumni Event for Journalists” in collaboration with the Gebert Rüf Stiftung at the Impact Hub in Zurich. 😊This event, reuniting our program alumni from the journalism field together, was a great opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences, and hear about future programs from Swissnex and Gebert Rüf’s Innovation Fund. ✨We started the evening with a warm welcome from Emilia Pasquier, CEO at Swissnnex in San Francisco, followed by Marco Vencato, Deputy Director at the Gebert Rüf Stiftung, presenting the GRS Innovation Fund for Journalism, initiative aiming to promote science-based multimedia journalism. We want to thank Harry Stitzel, Adina Renner, Chloé Carrière, and Célia Héron, for sharing with us their thought on the program, how it helped them and their current projects. We also want to thank Dr. Ulrike Kastrup for joining us again and this time in person to present Fokusterra and their recent event, and thank you to Juanita Schläpfer-Miller for presenting to our guests the Climate Garden 2085 project. 🙏 A big thank you to everyone for joining us at the Impact Hub Zurich!

🗓️Earlier this month, the Berkeley Fisher Center For Business Analytics & AI Summit brought together leading experts to dive into The New GenAI Deal: Reboot, Reshape, and Re-invent the Future of Business Analytics. 🫂Swissnex team members Sarah Burckhardt, Academic Engagement Program Manager and Maulde Cuérel, AI Program Manager, joined the summit and walked away with inspiring observations. ✨Here are some highlights: 🔷Democratizing AI: From Employee Engagement to Business Innovation Natacha Bouaziz (Rosenberg), Global Head of RSA at Allianz Partners, shared practical strategies to bring your employees on board:  1️⃣Develop: Equip employees with essential knowledge. 2️⃣Empower: Support teams with teacher assistants focused on use cases close to daily operations. 3️⃣Take Root: Normalize AI in everyday work by testing use cases and sharing best practices—celebrating successes. 4️⃣Accelerate: Create AI ambassadors, providing tools and extra training to drive adoption across the organization. 🔷Building a holistic framework for business transformation Christine K., Compute Lead at Google, and her inspiring lessons: Lesson 1️⃣: Always be innovative—never settle. Lesson 2️⃣: Take it personally—intrinsic motivation is key. Lesson 3️⃣: Feed your inner Nancy Drew—identify the pain points and dig deep for solutions. 🥰Christine also shared three exciting AI powered tools from Google to help with self-learning and team work: Notebook LM ; Gemini Code Assist ; and Google Text-to-Speech. 🤩The day was packed with insights and discussions and it was a fantastic reminder of the transformative impact GenAI is having across industries. 🫶A big thank you to Gauthier Vasseur for organizing this event and to the speakers for sharing their expertise and inspiring ideas!

🤩Swissnex in San Francisco has a new Internship Opening: Startup Programs Associate! 🤩 🤔You are passionate about innovation, creativity, and making an impact? 🌐At Swissnex in San Francisco, the Swiss global network connecting the dots in education, research, and innovation, we are seeking an intern to join our dynamic team. 🗓️We have a fantastic internship opportunity starting April 1, 2025: ✨ Startup Programs Associate ✨ You will play a crucial role in supporting in-person, digital, and hybrid formats of our programs, which include startup camps, research sabbaticals, and other programs and mandates. With a focus on entrepreneurship, the Programs Associate will mainly work with the startup program manager, assisting with the design and delivery of ongoing programs, but also the creation of new mission-aligned initiatives and partnerships, performing research as well as creating content (e.g. trends, benchmarking and insight reports). The ideal candidate is excited to be a part of our ever-transforming program offers, and able to adapt as needed to new and changing responsibilities. 💌What does this internship offer? - A chance to shape the future of Swissnex's programs and activities - Unique exposure to Silicon Valley's vibrant innovation ecosystem - Opportunities to learn from and network with industry leaders - A collaborative, fast-paced environment to grow your skills ▶️To apply, check the link: https://lnkd.in/eqrJfjEw Applications close on January 5, 2025. 👉Join us at Pier 17 and help empower the next generation of innovators! ‼️Eligibility criteria: - Swiss citizen or valid Swiss work permit - currently, studies in a university or university of applied sciences in Switzerland towards a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree OR the last university degree (Bachelor/Master) is not older than one year at the beginning of the internship (no exceptions are possible) - has not gained professional experience in the field of his/her studies ▶️To apply, check the link in the bio. Applications close on January 5, 2025. Photo by Stay In Touch Studio Emilia Pasquier Corine Thommen Sophie Bohnen Caitlin Miller Diego Riva Dana Piercy Sarah Burckhardt Matteo Cariglia Maulde Cuérel Julia Kuhn Mirza Amara Cespedes Pascale Speck Gwenaëlle Gisiger

🔮SXSW London 2025: Be Part of the Change – Vote for Our Panels! The world is shifting, and so must we. That’s why we’re thrilled to present four groundbreaking panel proposals for the upcoming SXSW conference in London. Each panel dives deep into transformative ideas shaping the future of our society, from banking and sustainability to the human-AI dynamic and regenerative finance. But we need YOUR support to make them a reality! To vote for our panels, you’ll need to register on the SXSW London website - it’s quick, easy, and your voice matters! Deadline: December 19 2024 https://lnkd.in/dFXVVDK9 🚀 1. Beyond Growth: Reimagining a Bank’s Role in a Degrowth Future Infinite growth isn’t sustainable in a world facing climate crises and inequality. Degrowth redefines success, prioritizing ecological balance and community well-being over profit. In this panel, we’ll explore: 💡 How can banks champion degrowth? 💡 What does a sustainable financial future look like? 💡 Can banking be a catalyst for equity and resilience? Panelists: 🌟 Emilia Pasquier, Swissnex in San Francisco 🌟 Lasse Jonasson, Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies Moderator: Alice Dal Fuoco, VNTR | Innovation & Venturing 🤖 2. (How to) Stay Human in a World of Bots As AI and bots blur the lines of authenticity, humanity faces a critical question: how do we remain human? This panel tackles the redefinition of trust, exploring: 💡 Strategies to balance AI and human roles. 💡 Tools to verify authenticity in a bot-driven world. 💡 The enduring value of the human touch in technology. Panelists: 🌟 Emilia Pasquier, Swissnex in San Francisco 🌟 Sebnem Erener, Klarna 🌟 Simon Fuglsang Østergaard, Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies Moderator: Alice Dal Fuoco, VNTR | Innovation & Venturing 🏙 3. Beyond Walls: Designing Spaces for a Fluid Future The way we live, work, and interact is changing. Spaces must adapt to reflect our dynamic realities. This session will uncover: 💡 The rise of multi-purpose, fluid environments. 💡 Real-world examples of innovation and sustainability in design. 💡 How adaptable spaces unlock creativity and collaboration. Panelists: 🌟 Marc Steimer, Campbell & Jones GmbH 🌟 Raphael Gielgen, Vitra Moderator: Olivier A. Weiss, VNTR | Innovation & Venturing 🌱 4. ReFi in Action: Bridging Science, Finance & Impact How can finance regenerate the planet instead of just mitigating risks? Regenerative Finance (ReFi) bridges science, sustainability, and social impact. Topics include: 💡 How ReFi aims to build a better future for the planet. 💡 Collaborating across sectors to unlock ReFi’s potential. 💡 Real-world examples of impactful ReFi initiatives, grounded in cutting edge science. Panelists: 🌟 David Dao, GainForest.Earth 🌟 Emilia Pasquier, Swissnex in San Francisco Moderator: Franziska Steiner, VNTR | Innovation & Venturing #SXSWLondon #FutureOfFinance #Degrowth #HumanAI #RegenerativeFinance

🗓️ On December 11, 2024, Swissnex in San Francisco had the pleasure of hosting “Earth Out of Balance” in collaboration with the Fonds national suisse FNS. 🌎This event was dedicated to exploring the pivotal role of CO₂ in climate change while also examining the future of climate action and the vital role museums play in raising awareness. “Earth Out of Balance” was a special event celebrating the Keep it CO₂OL exhibition, winner of the 2023 SFNS Agora award. 🤩We were delighted to welcome: Katrin Sievert, PhD Researcher at Stanford and ETH Zurich Prof. Dr. Timothy Ian Eglinton, Professor at ETH Zurich Dr. Ulrike Kastrup, Director of focusTerra at ETH Zurich Kerstin Bircher, Science Communicator at ETH Zurich and focusTerra Erica Barrueto, Vice President of Learning at The Tech Interactive 📊Prof. Dr. Timothy Ian Eglinton talked about the Anthropogenic Perturbation of Earth’s Carbon Cycle, mentioning that “Land-use change was the dominant source of annual CO₂ emissions until 1950, now Fossil CO₂ emissions is the dominant global changes”. 🤝Katrin Sievert shared with us the Role of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) in climate change mitigation, mentioning that “Even with ambitious CO₂ reductions, emissions between now and 2050 will exceed the "carbon budget" for well below 2°C, meaning that CDR will be required, in addition to dramatic decarbonization”. Multiple solutions exist, among them Afforestation/Reforestation, Bioenergy plantations, Ocean alkalinization, and Air filter systems. 🖼️Dr. Ulrike Kastrup, shared with us her work at Focus Terra, with the exhibition Keep it CO₂OL, aiming to demystify CO₂ and explain its relevance to daily life, showcase potential solutions to mitigate excessive emissions, empower audiences to be part of the solution, and foster hope for a sustainable future. 🧘We also had the pleasure to start the event with a meditation, guided by Joseph Gabriel Ilustrisimo, allowing our guests to learn about breathwork exercises to apply into their everyday life. 🙏 A big thank you to everyone who joined us and our panelists. You can find pictures of the event via the link: https://lnkd.in/exVQ8xmM 📸 by Stay In Touch Studio

🎓 Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of welcoming Axel Silvast and students from the LUTES Entrepreneurship Society from Finnland to Pier 17 🚀 Their top talent traveled to San Francisco to learn about entrepreneurship and make connections in the Bay Area. During their stop at Swissnex, they joined our Entrepreneurship Program Manager, Matteo Cariglia, for an intense conversation around Swiss startups and the infamous Silicon Valley Mindset. Key Takeaways from the trip include: ⭐️ Fall in love with the problem, not the solution, but find the right market first. ⭐️ Be ready to pivot a thousand times—and do it quickly. ⭐️ Regulations are among the biggest challenges when expanding geographically. ⭐️ Don’t spread yourself too thin—focus on what matters most. ⭐️ Anyone can be your mentor as long as you make them one. Matteo Cariglia gave them a tour of our space and an introduction to what Swissnex in San Francisco does here in the Silicon Valley ecosystem. 🔎 Are you interested in learning more about our academic programs? 👉 Connect with Sarah Burckhardt, our Academic Engagement Program Manager, to learn more about our offers for the academic ecosystem.

Which iconic San Francisco building can be seen from our home at Pier 17, spans an entire block, and has shaped the city skyline since 1972? If you guessed the Transamerica Pyramid, you’re right. Designed by architect William Pereira, the building was ahead of its time, redefining the idea of the workplace and leaving a lasting mark on the urban landscape. At Swissnex in San Francisco, we’ve explored the role of iconic architecture in shaping sustainable urban futures. Last year, as part of our 20th-anniversary celebration, our Metropolis – Sustainable Futures Under Construction program examined how buildings like the Transamerica Pyramid and its public park influence the evolution of cities. Fast forward to today: for its 50th anniversary, Foster + Partners led an ambitious renovation, reactivating the building and the surrounding Transamerica Redwood Park. This revitalization plays a key role in the broader efforts to reimagine Downtown San Francisco. We were honored to join a tour of the updated space, guided by architectural designer William Monterroso from the Foster + Partners San Francisco office. Seeing first-hand how the building and park have been transformed gave us a renewed appreciation for its legacy and potential as a cornerstone of a lively, sustainable city of San Francisco. Thank you to the Foster + Partners team for an inspiring experience—bringing urban visions to life, one design at a time. Pascale Speck, Amara Cespedes, Edwin Schmidheiny, Sanja Schmidheiny, Gwenaëlle Gisiger, Sophie Bohnen

🎉 Don't miss your chance to apply! 🎉 🌟 Our Startup Camp powered by Innosuisse and managed by Swissnex in San Francisco is back, and open to startups from all industries! 🤩 From April 14 to April 25, the program will offer two weeks filled with toolbox sessions, fireside chats, networking events, demo nights, and even more. 😎This unique opportunity gives startups strategic advice to internationalize, visibility, and a home base to succeed in the US. 🥸With over a decade of experience accelerating the international success of companies, Swissnex is equipped to support Swiss startups at various stages of their journey. 💪We've supported nearly 200 startups in San Francisco, and three of them became unicorns. Now it's your turn, so don’t miss this chance to become the fourth one! 👉Tap the link to apply now and be part of our Startup Camp (Mixed)! https://lnkd.in/gwfTkMxi ⚠ Applying startups have to be part of the Innosuisse coaching program. Matteo Cariglia

🚀 Swissnex in San Francisco has a new Internship Opening 🚀 🤔Are you passionate about innovation, creativity, and making an impact? 💪We at Swissnex in San Francisco, the Swiss global network connecting the dots in education, research, and innovation, are seeking an intern to join our dynamic team. 🤩We have a fantastic internship opportunity available starting April 1, 2025: - Startup Programs Associate Internship - You will play a crucial role in supporting in-person, digital, and hybrid formats of our programs, which include startup camps, research sabbaticals, and other programs and mandates. With a focus on entrepreneurship, the Programs Associate will mainly work with the startup program manager, assisting with the design and delivery of ongoing programs, but also the creation of new mission-aligned initiatives and partnerships, performing research as well as creating content (e.g. trends, benchmarking and insight reports). The ideal candidate is excited to be a part of our ever-transforming program offers, and able to adapt as needed to new and changing responsibilities. 💖The internship offers: - A chance to shape the future of Swissnex's programs and activities - Unique exposure to Silicon Valley's vibrant innovation ecosystem - Opportunities to learn from and network with industry leaders - A collaborative, fast-paced environment to grow your skills ▶️To apply, check the link: https://lnkd.in/eqrJfjEw Applications close on January 5, 2025. 🥳Join us at Pier 17 and help empower the next generation of innovators! Eligibility criteria:  - Swiss citizen or valid Swiss work permit - Currently studies in a university or university of applied sciences in Switzerland towards a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree OR the last university degree (Bachelor/Master) is not older than one year at the beginning of the internship (no exceptions are possible) - Has not gained professional experience in the field of his/her studies Emilia Pasquier Corine Thommen Sophie Bohnen Caitlin Miller Diego Riva Maulde Cuérel Matteo Cariglia Sarah Burckhardt Dana Piercy Julia Kuhn Mirza Pascale Speck Amara Cespedes Gwenaëlle Gisiger Département fédéral des affaires étrangères DFAE Swissnex Embassy of Switzerland in the United States of America

It's award season! 🏆 Senior Communications Manager Julia Kuhn Mirza and Head of Communications Sophie Bohnen attended the San Francisco Press Club Gala to celebrate the achievements of San Francisco journalists. The San Francisco Press Club is a nonprofit organization and a forum for the interchange of ideas and opinions between professionals in the various news and public relations media, providing an organization in which to share fellowship, promote professional competence and knowledge, encourage students entering journalism and increase public knowledge of the media through workshops and other exchanges of information. For the past two years, Swissnex in San Francisco hosted a Multimedia Lab For Journalists to foster the Swiss-US discourse about the future of the profession and their craft. Over the course of their two-week stay in the Bay Area, they took part in interactive workshops and connected with experts in the field of AI and multimedia storytelling, as well as local journalists from KQED and San Francisco Chronicle . Participant Benjamin Magnin, Commissioning Editor & Producer at SRF - Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen, said: “The program and my stay in SF have contributed to adopting elements of the California entrepreneurial mindset in general and for my project. In California, there’s a strong culture of learning, experimenting, and looking ahead with optimism. This attitude towards risk and failure, combined with a focus on continuous growth, has inspired me to approach challenges with a broader vision and a willingness to dream big. I want to take this mindset back to Switzerland, particularly the idea of ‘Embrace new technology, don’t fear it’ and help foster this approach within my own projects and professional environment. ” We are committed to creating long-lasting connections that will support and empower our participants far beyond our program. We are looking forward to a 2025 edition of the program and to further fostering transatlantic dialogue.