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hero-image-Flashback of startup days 2024

Flashback of startup days 2024

30 May 2024 | Kursaal, Bern

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Attendees

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Speakers

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Sessions

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1:1 meetings

#SUD24 in a nutshell

On 30 May 2024, a total of 1,300 participants gathered at the national networking and business event in Switzerland. This gathering sought to facilitate interactions among startups, investors, corporates, and SMEs, offering them the opportunity to acquire knowledge, establish connections, and address prevailing industry challenges.

Attendees customized their conference experience by selecting from a diverse array of over 50 sessions and gaining insights from more than 140 speakers. Furthermore, the event facilitated over 750 pre-arranged 1:1 meetings and hosted a marketplace with over 30 exhibitors, thereby fostering additional avenues for support and collaboration.

This year, we had some exciting highlights: Renowned AI expert Stuart Russell kicked off the event in the morning. Federal Council Guy Parmelin joined for a roundtable. For the first time, participants could join two extra stages in the exhibition: Unplugged and AI Stage. Additionally, the Collective community gathered for the first time with its own insightful program of AI and innovation experts a day before.

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Making AI safe vs. making safe AI

Stuart Russell, Professor at Berkeley University, welcomed the startup days attendees with a captivating keynote speech. He discussed the potential and problems of general-purpose AI systems. Russell emphasised that such systems must be safe by design from the outset, meaning that they must always pursue further human interests and not their own goals. Innovation within a framework of safety and trust is essential. The renowned AI expert said clearly: “If it’s too difficult to show that your technology is safe then you have a bad technology!”

Watch the keynote speech

The #SUD24 program

For startup founders, investors, enablers, or corporates alike, our 40+ diverse sessions promised to ignite innovative thinking and elevate the expertise. Participants built their personalized schedule and reap the full benefits of achieving their goals by choosing the sessions that suit best.

18 outstanding startups in the pre- or seed phase pitched their innovative #DeepTech or #AppliedTech ideas live at #SUD24. Three of them caught the jury’s special attention – called the “Catch of the Jury”.

Networking experience transformed

During startup days, attendees are encouraged to enhance their networking experience with the unique matchmaking feature. Over 750 1:1 meetings were scheduled in advance, ensuring purposeful and productive connections. Participants explored attendee profiles and pre-discussed needs and motivations, leading to meaningful face-to-face interactions at the 1:1 meeting area during the conference. This smart networking approach maximizes valuable connections and significantly reduces inefficiencies.

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Explore our past speakers

125+ speakers from the Swiss startup ecosystem and around the world enhanced the event with valuable insights.

Dominique Gruhl-Begin
Dominique Gruhl-Begin

CEO, Serpentine Ventures

Carlo Loderer
Carlo Loderer

Co-Founder & CEO, Zippsafe AG

Lea von Bidder
Lea von Bidder

Founder, Expeerly

Pascal König
Pascal König

Co-Founder, Malaica AG

Guy Parmelin at #SUD24

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin took part in a roundtable discussion with 16 representatives from the Swiss startup ecosystem during the startup days. The focus of the discussion was on how Switzerland can ensure that local AI startups play a leading role worldwide. The consensus from the discussion was that AI presents new opportunities. It was emphasized that if Switzerland swiftly and convincingly addresses its tasks, it is well-equipped to continue its role as a global innovation leader as a DeepTech nation.

Watch video statement

Collective Gathering

On May 29, 2024, 120 female decision-makers, thought leaders, investors, board members, entrepreneurs, and researchers gathered for the first time at the Collective Gathering. The program was diverse: Marisa Tschopp, Rita Sevastjanova and Isabelle Siegrist delved into the deep intersection of artificial intelligence and technology with empathy. Ursula Oesterle shared personal stories highlighting a life full of innovation. The Gathering provided a powerful platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and trust-building among individuals who are actively shaping the Swiss startup ecosystem.

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Eye catcher

Slide through our #SUD24 gallery.

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