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Innovation Tour

Innovation Tours

Gain exclusive access to leading Swiss companies and innovation labs at the Innovation Tours, where participants will have the unique opportunity to experience cutting-edge projects and developments. These visits offer a deep dive into the latest trends and technologies driving innovation, providing invaluable insights.

2024 Innovation Tour Partners

Google

Accenture & Google Cloud

Prompt Engineering Lab: How to Create Business Value with GenAI

ngi

Bern University of Applied Science

Privacy, Identity and Payment in the Next Generation Internet at BFH

BIS

BIS Innovation Hub

Exploring the frontier of central banking

bgin (1)

Blockchain Governance Initiative Network

Blockchain Governance Initiative Network (BGIN) Layer2 Meetup@Zurich

BX

BX Digital

Innovating Digital Asset Trading - The Blockchain Bridge Experience

CV Labs_400 x 200

CV Labs

A Deep Dive into the World of Blockchain and Web3

DEC & Trust Square (Innovation Tour)_400 x 200

DEC Institute

Mastering Digital Assets - PZF Unplugged

DFN

DFINITY Foundation

Third Generation Blockchain Transforming AI, Cybersecurity and Sustainability

ETh (1)

ETH Zurich - FinsureTech Hub

Columbia - ETH - NUS FinsureTech Conference

gbbc

Home of Blockchain

Alpine Tech Forum: At the cutting-edge of digital assets, blockchain and AI.

IBM

IBM

Securing and Scaling out Regulated Digital Assets, Currencies and Networks

Metrika

Metrika & Axelar

Interoperability Unlocked: Bridging Blockchain for Finance With Citi, Deutsche Bank & Mastercard

ETH

Quantum Center at ETH Zurich

Experiencing State-of-the-Art Quantum Technologies at ETH Zurich

Swisscom (1)

Swisscom and e.foresight

How Swisscom is Fostering Innovation in the Swiss Banking Sector

Tenity_400 x 200

Tenity

Fintech Futures: The Next Wave of Innovation

swiss

University of Zurich, Swiss Fintech Innovation Lab

Global Sustainable Digital Finance Forum

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Google

Accenture & Google Cloud

Prompt Engineering Lab: How to Create Business Value with GenAI

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Google Office, Tech Talk, Petersplatz 9th Floor, Europaallee 24, 8004 Zurich
 
Synopsis:
Unleash the transformative power of GenAI with a compelling real-world business case.
Join forces with industry leaders from Google and Accenture and learn how to craft advanced and powerful prompts and gain invaluable insights into how GenAI is revolutionizing the modern business landscape.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity—subscribe now and step into the future of work!
 
Agenda:
3:00pm - 4:00pm: Introduction to GenAI with a focus on Google’s Gemini, principles of prompt engineering, and GenAI in business
4:00pm - 5:30pm: Hands-on real-world business case
  • How to use GenAI for different tasks
  • How to receive reliable and good-quality output
  • Limitations and risks
5:30pm - 6:00pm: Discussion, Learnings & Outlook
6:00pm: Apero
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ngi

Bern University of Applied Science

Privacy, Identity and Payment in the Next Generation Internet at BFH

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 10:00am - 12:30pm
Location: Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne, Aarbergstrasse 46, Biel
 
Synopsis:
We will showcase the privacy-preserving GNU Taler payment system along with its various applications and extensions – as well as other payment- and digital identity related projects – that are currently being developed at the Bern University of Applied Sciences and its international partners as part of the NGI TALER EU project.
 
Agenda:
10:00am - 10:05am: Welcome by Peter Brunner, Head of Research Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Engineering and Computer Science
10:05am - 10:30am: NGI TALER: Payments with Informational Self-Determination for the Next Generation Internet by Prof. Dr. Christian Grothoff
10:30am -10:45am: The Vital Role of Protected Confirmation by Prof. Dr. Benjamin Fehrensen
10:45am - 11:00am: Demonstration: Limits of Hardware Key Protection by Prof. Andreas Habegger
11:00am - 12:00pm: Posters, Demonstrations, Networking and Refreshments
12:00pm - 12:30pm: Input from Patrick Breyer, Member of the European Parliament
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BIS

BIS Innovation Hub

Exploring the frontier of central banking

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 1:30pm - 6:00pm
Location: Metropol, Fraumünsterstrasse 12, 8001 Zürich
 
Synopsis:
This tour uncovers how the BIS Innovation Hub is pushing the technological boundaries of central banking and shaping the future of the financial system together with partners around the globe. Attendees have the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into BIS projects covering topics such as advanced data analytics, CBDC and tokenisation of financial instruments and learn more about central bank innovation in interactive ways.
 
Agenda:
1:30pm - 2:00pm: Registration / Beverages, snacks
2:00pm - 2:50pm: Panel on privacy enhancing technologies
2:50pm - 5:00pm: Display of BIS Innovation Hub projects
5:00pm - 6:00pm: Networking and drinks
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bgin (1)

Blockchain Governance Initiative Network

Blockchain Governance Initiative Network (BGIN) Layer2 Meetup@Zurich

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 8:30am - 1:00pm
Location: Seminarraum KOL-H-317, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 71, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
 
Synopsis:
The Blockchain Governance Initiative Network (BGIN), a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing best practices and standards in blockchain governance through providing neutral multistakeholder dialogues, will host a meetup event featuring workshop sessions on cutting-edge topics and a networking lunch co-hosted with the Association for Women in Crypto.

Agenda:
8:30am - 8:45am: Registration & Morning Coffee
8:45am - 9:00am: Opening
9:00am - 10:00am: Workshop session: The Harmonisation of CBDC, Deposit Token, Stablecoin, Crypto Assets, and DeFi 
10:00am - 10:15am: Coffee Break
10:15am - 11:15am: Workshop session: The Mutual Impact and Improved Outcomes of Blockchain & AI as Synergistic Technologies 
11:15am - 12:00pm: Fireside Chat: Blockchain, AI Governance, and Capital Markets: How to Advance Regulation, Standards, and Security 
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Networking Lunch cohosted by the Association for Women in Crypto

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BX

BX Digital

Innovating Digital Asset Trading - The Blockchain Bridge Experience

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: BX Swiss AG, 50 Talacker 8001 Zürich Switzerland
 
Synopsis:
Explore the cutting edge of digital asset trading on this innovation tour. Begin with a comprehensive overview of central limit order book trading and gain insights into BX Digital's unique decentralized settlement on public blockchain with a bridge to the Swiss national bank fiat system. Witness live demonstrations of asset trading and settlement. Cap off the journey with a hands-on session where you'll delve into the world of Web3 by programming an application that interacts with an EVM-based smart contract. Embrace the future of finance with us.
 
Agenda:
  • Overview of trading Digital Assets with decentralized settlement
  • Live demo of trading & settlement - smart contracts in action
  • Hands-on session: Programming of a web3 application which is interacting with an EVM-based smart contract
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CV Labs_400 x 200

CV Labs

A Deep Dive into the World of Blockchain and Web3

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: CV Labs, Liquid Lounge, Damstrasse 16, Zug, 6300

Synopsis:
Embark on an immersive journey through the heart of Zug's Crypto Valley, the world-renowned hub of blockchain innovation. Our blockchain program offers two dynamic program blocks featuring presentations from pioneering companies, each followed by engaging Q&A sessions. Immerse yourself in networking opportunities before, during, and after the tour, connecting with industry leaders and fellow enthusiasts. Explore the cutting-edge developments shaping the future of decentralized technology in this unique and vibrant ecosystem.

Agenda:
8:30am - 9:00am: Doors Open
9:00am - 9:05am: Welcome to Crypto Valley

9:05am - 9:20am: Guido Buehler, Non-Executive Director Board Member - Zonda Crypto
9:20am - 9:35am: Risks and opportunities of restaking in Ethereum, Miguel Prada,  Nektar Network
9:35am - 9:50am : TBC
9:50am - 10:05am:David Long, CCO, CV VC (Confirmed)

10:15am: Coffee Break

10:45am - 11:00am: Taking Trust Beyond Blockchains, Provably, Shyam Duraiswami, Co-Founder and CEO
11:00am - 11:15am: Unlocking the Decentralized Social Web: LUKSO & Universal Profiles, Allison Fromm, CFO, Lukso
11:15am - 11:30am: Blockchain Tech startups driving ESG Impact, Brenton Naicker, Director for Capital Formation and Growth, CV VC Africa

11:30am - 11:45am: Wrap up and end

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DEC & Trust Square (Innovation Tour)_400 x 200

DEC Institute

Mastering Digital Assets - PZF Unplugged

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 3:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: TRUST SQUARE Bahnhofstrasse 75, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
 
Synopsis:
Join us for the annual DEC Summer Event in Zurich, Switzerland, where the DEC community and the Point Zero Forum participants will gather to discuss all about Digital Assets. This event will bring together industry leaders, practitioners, employers, regulators, and academia for expert panels and networking opportunities.

Agenda:
​Panel Topics:
  • ​Technology debate: are we delivering the promise?
  • ​Economics debate: are incentive models right?
  • ​Regulatory & Compliance debate: where are the gatekeepers?
Debate type: AMA discussions between panel speakers, moderators, and event audience under Chatham House rules. These debates are programmed to deliver knowledge sharing, close misconceptions and share best practices. Submit your AMA question in the registration process.

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DFN

DFINITY Foundation

Third Generation Blockchain Transforming AI, Cybersecurity and Sustainability

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Genferstrasse 11, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland
 
Synopsis:
The DFINITY Foundation is a Swiss non-profit and major contributor to the Internet Computer blockchain. A third-generation blockchain and one of the most advanced networks in existence today. DFINTIY boasts some of the most widely regarded cryptographers, researchers and engineers in the world. We welcome you to join us in our HQ and discuss the intersection of blockchain and AI cybersecurity and sustainability.
 
Agenda:
9.00am - 9.30am: Arrival & Welcome Coffee
​9:30am - 9:40am: Keynote: Welcome & Introduction to the DFINITY Foundation
​9:40am - 10:15 am: Panel: Sovereignty & Security in the Age of Cloud
​Banks and financial services providers face significant challenges with cyber threats as the cost and frequency of data breaches continue to rise. As such, cybersecurity has come to play an increasingly important role in managing and safeguarding a variety of digital “assets’, from sensitive/business critical data to actual financial assets. This panel discussion dives into potential value of and key considerations for blockchain powered infrastructure from a cybersecurity perspective.
​10:15 - 10:50 AM: Panel: Tokenization of Digital Assets
​Tokenisation has long persevered as a highly promising application of blockchain technology that often struggled to gain sufficient traction. However, with some of the world’s key institutional players now actively exploring innovative use cases for traditional asset classes, tokenisation could finally be at a critical inflection point, ushering in improved capital efficiency, operational cost savings and enhanced compliance/transparency. This panel sheds light on this changing tokenisation landscape.
​10:50am - 11:25am: Panel: The Future of AI in Finance: Key Applications & Challenges
​The rise of GenAI offers a unique blend of opportunities and risks for the financial sector. As the fintech world races to implement AI-powered solutions, this panel examines how AI and blockchain can play a complementary and instrumental role in enhancing security, personalizing user experiences, detecting and preventing fraud.
​11:25am - 11:30am: Closing Remarks
​11:30am - 12:00pm: Networking
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ETh (1)

ETH Zurich - FinsureTech Hub

Columbia - ETH - NUS FinsureTech Conference

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 9:45am - 6:15pm
Location: ETH Zurich, CAB Building, Room G11
 
Synopsis:
The Columbia - ETH - NUS FinsureTech Conference is a yearly conference organised jointly by the Center for Digital Finance and Technologies, Columbia University, the Asian Institute of Digital Finance at National University of Singapore and the ETH FinsureTech Hub.
 
Agenda:
9.45am - 10:15am: Registration
10:15am - 10:25am: Welcome
Session 1-
10.25am - 11:05am: Ke-​Wei Huang, NUS: "Adapting Deep Survival Analysis for Enhanced Financial Risk Predictions"
11.05am - 11:50am: Ying Chen, NUS: "Leveraging Quantum Algorithms for Large-​Scale Dynamic Portfolio Optimization with Market Frictions"
11:50am - 1:20pm: Lunch Break
Session 2-
1:20pm - 2:00pm: Agostino Capponi, Columbia: "The Microstructure of Decentralized Exchanges"
2:00pm - 2:40pm Urban Ulrych, EPF Lausanne: "Kernel Conditional Factor Models"
2:40pm - 3:00pm: Break
Session 3-
3:00pm - 3:40pm: Enrique Alfonseca, Google Zurich: "Large Language Models and Web Search: History and Applications"
3:40pm - 4:20pm: Josef Teichmann, ETH Zurich: "Large Language Models speak Finance: A Perspective on Foundations"
4:20pm - 4:45pm: Break 
Session 4- PhD Session
4:45pm - 6:15pm: 
  • Keane Ong Wei Yang, NUS: "Explainable Natural Language Processing Methods for Sustainable Finance"
  • Kenneth See Dehui, NUS: "PSSimPy: A Design Science Approach to Constructing and Implementing a Large-​Value Payment System Simulator"
  • Jason Milionis, Columbia: "The Economics of Decentralized Exchanges and LVR (loss-​versus-rebalancing)"
  • Mohammed Jamal, Columbia: "Machine Learning Methods for Continuous Time Stochastic Control"
6:15pm: Apero
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gbbc

Home of Blockchain

Alpine Tech Forum: At the cutting-edge of digital assets, blockchain and AI.

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 12.30pm - 8:00pm
Location: Kantonsschulstrasse 3, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
 
Synopsis:
Switzerland is renowned for its innovation and financial expertise. A day-long event delving into the crucial intersection of data in digital assets, blockchain, finance, robotics, and the future of digital worlds amidst the rise of generative AI. Expert panels will explore Switzerland's role as a hub for cutting-edge technologies and its impact on global digital landscapes. Understanding innovation in shaping financial markets, digital assets, and the evolving realms of generative AI is paramount in navigating the complexities of today's digital economy.
 
Agenda:
12:30pm: Doors open
1:00pm - 6:00pm: Alpine Tech Forum - From the cutting-edge of AI to Digital Assets & Blockchain
6:30pm - 8:00pm: Launch of the Swiss Digital Asset Custody Report 2024 (2nd Edition) & Apéro by Hyperledger Foundation
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IBM

IBM

Securing and Scaling out Regulated Digital Assets, Currencies and Networks

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Zunfthaus zur Schmiden, Marktgasse 20, 8001 Zürich
 
Synopsis:

In this tour you will have the opportunity to explore the cutting-edge technologies for tokenized assets and currencies bringing together Hyperledger projects (Hyperledger Fabric, Token SDK, Smart Client, and Cacti) and IBM products. Banque de France will be co-presenting with IBM the DL3S platform that is based on open source projects IBM have contributed to the community, and continue to evolve!

In particular, this tour uncovers IBM’s full-stack offerings for Central Bank Digital Currencies (retail and wholesale), Tokenized Deposits and Securities, that bring together solutions to the first of a kind requirements around transparency, privacy and regulation compliance in a highly scalable and programmable setup. And this is done considering quantum-readiness throughout the full stack.

Live demos will be offered throughout the tour, giving insights to IBM’s technology stack in the space including

  • libraries for regulated, privacy-respectful and audit-compliant token exchange, compatible with KYC operations,
  • a highly-scalable framework for Distributed or Centralised Ledger Technologies based on Hyperledger Fabric and Hyperledger Fabric Smart Client, able to reach 100K+ TPS for payment transactions with privacy enabled,
  • interoperability mechanisms between the IBM stack and other (open) blockchain systems
  • secure custody infrastructure based on IBM Hyperprotect Crypto Service.

A traditional player in the permissioned Distributed Ledger Technology space, and cryptography, with strong presence in the Hyperledger Foundation, and expertise in trusted/confidential compute services, IBM in this tour will demonstrate how Hyperledger projects can be used to build highly differentiated critical infrastructure for financial services of the future.

Agenda:
2:00pm - 2:30pm: Registration & Kickoff
2:30pm - 6:00pm: Ongoing live demonstrations of IBM technologies & projects
Coffee, beverages and snacks will be served throughout the innovation tour.

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Metrika

Metrika & Axelar

Interoperability Unlocked: Bridging Blockchain for Finance With Citi, Deutsche Bank & Mastercard

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
 
Synopsis:
Join us for an evening of exploration into blockchain interoperability. Coinciding with our upcoming May 2024 report on this topic, the tour will feature insights from leading industry players. Expect an engaging panel, interactive demos, and networking opportunities, all aimed at advancing the future of blockchain interoperability.

Speakers:

  • ​Boon-Hiong Chan, Industry Applied Innovation Lead & Head APAC Market and Technology Advocacy, Securities Services, Deutsche Bank

  • ​Sorcha Sullivan-Williams, SVP, Digital Assets Product Manager, Citi

  • ​Martin Etheridge, SVP, Blockchain & Digital Assets, Mastercard

  • ​Georgios Vlachos, Director, Axelar Foundation & Co-Founder, Axelar Protocol

  • ​Nikos Andrikogiannopoulos, Founder & CEO at Metrika

Agenda:
5:30pm - 6:30pm: Refreshments & Networking
6:30pm - 7:30pm: Panel Discussion with Q&A
7:30pm - 8:00pm: Demos & Networking
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ETH

Quantum Center at ETH Zurich

Experiencing State-of-the-Art Quantum Technologies at ETH Zurich

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Venue: ETH Zurich, Hönggerberg Campus
 
Synopsis:
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities in the field of quantum science and technology. With the ongoing second quantum revolution, where unique properties of quantum physics are exploited to create new technologies for computing and sensing as well as novel materials, researchers in the Quantum Center at ETH Zurich have continued their leading role in research and education. Join this visit to learn more about the current developments in quantum science and technology.
 
Agenda:
2:00pm - 2:45pm: Welcome, introduction and input talks.
2:45pm - 4:00pm: Lab Tours
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Swisscom (1)

Swisscom and e.foresight

How Swisscom is Fostering Innovation in the Swiss Banking Sector

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Venue: Swisscom Hub, Konradstrasse 12, 8005 Zürich

Synopsis:
Discover how Swisscom, the number one telecom and IT facilitator in Switzerland, fosters innovation within the Swiss banking sector through: harnessing their vast AI capabilities and utilizing the leading Swiss/Liechtenstein banking trendscout e.foresight.
 
Agenda:
10:00am - 10:15am: Welcome and Intro
10:15am - 10:40am: e.foresight's banking trendscouting and AI in finance as a trend
10:40am - 11:10am: Swisscom AI initiatives and innovative solutions
11:10am - 11:15am: Q&A
11:15am - 11:30am: Open discussion
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Tenity_400 x 200

Tenity

Fintech Futures: The Next Wave of Innovation

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Location: Tenity Group AG - Pfingstweidstrasse 110, 8005 Zurich (in SIX building first floor)
 
Synopsis:
Step into the future with us at Tenity's Innovation Tour in Zurich for the Point Zero Forum. Dive into the heart of financial innovation with groundbreaking startups, uncover Tenity's investment strategies, and mingle with the brightest minds in finance. This isn't just another event
it's your gateway to the next big thing in finance. Ready to see where the future is headed? Join us for an afternoon of discovery, insight, and networking opportunities.
 
Agenda:
2:30pm - 3:00pm: Registration and Welcome Drinks
3:00pm - 3:15pm: Tenity Welcome
3:15pm - 3:30pm: Pannel LGT
3:30pm - 3:45pm: Inside in Tenity Investment Strategy
3:45pm - 4:30pm: Startup pitches
4:30pm - 5:30pm: Networking & Apéro
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swiss

University of Zurich, Swiss Fintech Innovation Lab

Global Sustainable Digital Finance Forum

Details:
Date: 1 July 2024
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: University of Zurich
 
Synopsis:
The Global Sustainable Digital Finance Forum is an international and interdisciplinary conference focusing on novel approaches in sustainability driven by financial technology (FinTech) and insurance technology (InsurTech).
The Global Sustainable Digital Finance Forum focuses on research and innovations that addresses challenges in the field of banking and finance, insurance, IT, business management, law, regulation, society and many others. The examples range from using artificial intelligence to analyse sustainability data along value chains for improving risk management to central bank digital currencies which enable financial inclusion. Together we will explore how organizations and people can leverage FinTech and InsurTech to develop a more sustainable world. By considering myriad disciplines and research fields, the conference participants from academia, business, non-profit, and government share concepts how sustainability can lead to innovative solutions that address today's challenges.
The Global Sustainable Digital Finance Forum takes place on July 3rd at the University of Zurich.