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#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.
Newcomers
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”.
Catch of the Jury
Inveel GmbH
Inveel GmbH equips robots with advanced sensing capabilities through its revolutionary robotic sensory skin technology, providing robots with the feeling of touch, significantly enhancing their safety, efficiency, and adaptability in various domains.
Lightium AG
Lightium AG offers PIC foundry and design services based on its proprietary Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platform, providing unmatched photonic performance with 2x bandwidth and 4x reduced power consumption, enabling manufacturers to meet the growing demand for higher bandwidth in industries like Telecom and Datacom.
Manukai AG
Manukai AG’s CAM Copilot automates Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) programming, reducing production costs by up to 20% and saving mechanics’ time by 50%, optimizing production speed, part quality, and tool wear, paving the way for fully autonomous factories and delivering an average cost saving of 15%.
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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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.
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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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