Upcoming events

March 13, 2025 
Swiss Nordic Bio
Read more here.

September (TBC) 2025,
Swiss-Swedish
Innovation Initiative 

More information coming soon.

Agenda I 2024

08:00-08:30
REGISTRATION
08:30 - 08:40
OPENING OF CONFERENCE

Dr. Tanja Zimmermann, CEO, Empa (5min)

H.E. Carl Magnus Nesser, Ambassador of Sweden to Switzerland & Lichtenstein (5min)

08:45-08:55
INTRODUCTION TO SWISS-SWEDISH INNOVATION INITIATIVE AND THE PARTNERSHIP WITH GERMANY AND AUSTRIA

Ms. Maja Zoric, Trade & Invest Commissioner, Business Sweden

08:50-09:05
INTRODUCTION TO CO-FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATION CO-CREATION WITH SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA AND GERMANY

EUREKA-Eurostars: Boost innovation across borders

Mr. Janique Siffert, Programme Manager, Innosuisse

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

Ms. Johanna Scheck, Programme Manager, FFG

Dr. Oliver Fitzau, Programme Manager, DLR

EUREKA-Eurostars: The SME Perspective, Mr. Igor Martin, CEO, Hydromea

Presentation
09:05-09:20
HOST WELCOME KEYNOTE

Accelerated Thin Film Development in the Age of AI and Automation
Dr. Sebastian Siol, Head of the Coating Technologies Group, EMPA

Synopsis: This presentation gives insight into our current efforts in high-throughput thin film development. In recent years we have established a comprehensive infrastructure for combinatorial synthesis and advanced automated characterization. Coupled with streamlined data processing this infrastructure allows us to rapidly screen the phase formation of new materials, co-optimize multiple properties in multi-functional thin films, but also test the operational stability of new semiconducting materials.

09:20-10:00
INVITATION TO INNOVATION COLLABORATION WITH SWISS, SWEDISH, AUSTRIAN & GERMAN MULTINATIONAL ENTERPRISES | 4 á 10 min

Innovations Depending on AI Technologies
Göran Backlund CTO at Saab Dynamics AB - One of Four Saab Business Areas

Synopsis: This presentation will present within which areas that Saab is interested in innovation, which is using AI and Automation technologies. Saab is interested in applications in Development/Design, Production and Products.

Gas Turbines Decarbonization Program - Industrial Demonstrator of Gas Turbines Decarbonization Triggered by AM and Digital Technologies
Dr. Vladimir Navrotsky, AM CTO, Siemens Energy, Gas Service 

Synopsis: This presentation will be focusing on application of additive manufacturing technology for gas turbine components design to reduce gas turbine's emission, to enhance their  performance, operation flexibility and durability. The proposal for cooperation across Academia/OEM/ Operators to accelerate Industry decarbonization will be presented and discussed. Proposed cooperation will be focusing on building Gas Turbines Industrial Demonstrator of development (GT components and materials) and quick validation of low/Zero emission and high-performance GTs enabled by AM technology. 

Presentation

Introduction to Innovation Collaboration with Georg Fischer Machining Solutions
Yvan Meyer, CTO, Georg Fischer Machining Solutions

Synopsis: This presentation will introduce to Georg Fischer Machining Solutions and the type of innovation collaboration it invites to.

Introduction to Innovation Collaboration with Swisscom

 

10:05-10:35
NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK

Individual coffee break

10:35-11:35
ACADEMIA AND RESEARCH INSTITUTES PRESENTATIONS | 4 á 10 min

Challenges for Effective Human-AI Collaboration

Victor Kolominsky-Rabas, University of Bayreuth

Synopsis: Human-AI collaboration is crucial in high-stakes domains, where human oversight is essential to ensure safety and accountability. Achieving the right balance of trust in AI systems is no easy task, as both over-reliance and under-reliance can impair performance.  Successful collaboration depends on creating systems that go beyond the algorithm-centric perspective. We will take a closer look at the behavior of humans collaborating with AI and the role of XAI in human-AI collaboration systems.

Read more

Bridging Two Worlds: Navigating Research Frontier and Real-World Relevance
Slawomir Nowaczyk, Professor, School of Information Technology, Halmstad University

Synopsis: In my talk, I will showcase selected examples of high-impact AI and Machine Learning research done in recent years in collaboration with our industrial partners. I will particularly highlight how advanced algorithms and models can be developed and refined to address practical problems faced by companies across several industries. Through collaborative projects and case studies, I'll illustrate how cutting-edge research directly contributes to real-world solutions, effectively bridging the gap between academic research and innovative industrial applications.

AI for Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
Francesco Crivelli, Head of R&BD, CSEM

Synopsis: This presentation will focus on: What are the main challenges when transferring AI-based solutions into industry? What is the role of CSEM in this process and the key to success presented through real use cases.

Introduction to Innovation Collaboration with AI Center at ETH Zurich (TBC)
Daniel Naeff, Head of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the ETH AI Center

Synopsis: This presentation will introduce to ETH Zurich’s AI Center and the type of innovation collaboration it invites to.

Digital Energy: When AI Meets the Energy Transition
Rafael Carrillo, Expert, CSEM

Synopsis: How can AI help to secure a sustainable energy system? CSEM’s role in the digitalization of energy and real use case cases will be presented in this talk.

Presentation

Smart 3D Printing: AI Solutions for Complex Manufacturing Challenges

Dr. Elia Iseli, Group Leader Intelligent Manufacturing, Empa

Synopsis: The quality of 3D-printed parts is influenced by multi-physical effects that span several orders of magnitude across both length and time scales. Additionally, many parameters show stochastic behavior, making robust processing a significant challenge. Advanced AI-based models are used to address these complexities, enabling adaptive processing.

11:35-11:55
PITCHES BY SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, GERMANY AND AUSTRIA’S MOST IN-NOVATIVE SME TECH FRONTRUNNERS IN TRANSFORMATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES | 4 á 3 min

Federated Learning enables Collaborative AI and Fleet AI
Andreas Hellander, CEO Scaleout Systems, Associate Professor in Scientific Computing

Synopsis: Traditional centralized AI development poses privacy, security, and regulatory issues by requiring sensitive data to be gathered in one place. Scaleout's FEDn framework enables federated machine learning, allowing AI training on distributed data without moving it, ensuring data security. Originating from Uppsala University, Scaleout specialises in federated machine learning solutions for developing powerful AI models while maintaining data privacy.

AI Superior: Transforming Industries with Custom AI Solutions
Dr. Sergey Sukhanov, CEO, AI Superior

Synopsis: AI Superior is a data science and AI solutions company that provides custom AI-driven services across multiple industries, with expertise in machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. They specialize in predictive analytics, automation, and developing tailored AI applications to solve complex business challenges. Notably, AI Superior focuses on delivering innovative AI solutions in fields like SpaceTech, InsureTech, Pharma, and other verticals while adapting these technologies for everyday use.

Klepsydra AI - Put Intelligence at the Edge
Pablo Ghiglino, CEO, Klepsydra

Synopsis: Development of a unified and highly efficient framework for Intelligent Robot Application, enabling a wide adoption of intelligent robotic applications based on Klepsydra framework. Based on lock-free programming techniques, Klepsydra enables highly efficient (Low power, high throughput) implementation of AI algorithms and across a wide variety of hardware solution. This helps to implement a SW based AI approach to avoid vendor lock-in with dedicated HW accelerators such as GPUs, and more.

Revolutionizing Edge Intelligence: Federated Learning and ML Model Lifecycle Management
Rikard König, CTO, Ekkono Solutions

Synopsis: Ekkono Solutions leads in edge machine learning, enabling real-time learning on devices with minimal memory. Our new framework includes federated learning and anomaly detection, optimising devices without transmitting raw data. As a fully funded EIC project, our solutions are at the forefront of industrial IoT. We seek partners to develop this framework into a robust product, driving efficiency and operational excellence.

11:55-13:00
NETWORKING LUNCH
13:00-13:40
PITCHES BY SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, GERMANY AND AUSTRIA'S MOST INNO-VATIVE SME TECH FORERUNNERS WITHIN TRANSFORMATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES | 13 á 3min

Harnessing Quantum Machine Learning for Superior Predictive Maintenance
Julius von Selchow, Business Development Manager, Terra Quantum

Synopsis: Quantum Machine Learning (QML) is transforming the field of predictive maintenance, offering unparalleled accuracy and reliability in predicting the longevity of industrial systems. This talk will explore the latest advancements in QML algorithms and their application to improve the remaining useful life (RUL) of aircraft engines, demonstrating how this cutting-edge technology outperforms classical approaches today.

Video-Based Early Fault Detection and Automatic Intervention Powered by AI
Karim Saleh, CEO, Cerrion

Synopsis: Cerrion develops AI-powered digital workers to ease staff workloads and address the skilled labor shortage in manufacturing. Our digital workers use standard cameras to detect disruptions and deviations from predefined production processes and can autonomously respond to them according to best practices. Customers have reduced process faults by up to 48%, preventing equipment damage, accidents and significantly reducing downtime.

Model-Based Systems Engineering in an Agile World: Configuration Management of System Architecture Models 
Thomas Schoenher, Senior Account Executive, LieberLieber and Bettina Dutler, Senior Key Account Manager & Ambassador, Sparx Systems Europe

Synopsis: In the (model-based) development of complex cyber-physical systems it is essential to systematically track changes during development and maintenance.

Therefore, standardizing the process of making changes to a system is crucial for preventing unwanted side effects, since a systems model is an extensive mesh of diagrams, elements, and relationships.

Our tool LemonTree enhances modeling processes thanks to 3-Way-merging capabilities for system architecture models, graphical reviews of model changes and the possibility to integrate this way of working into existing development processes.

Cutting the Cord to Democratise Submerged Asset Integrity Workflows
Igor Martin, CEO, Hydromea

Synopsis: The integrity assurance of submerged assets today is a highly inefficient process: it is costly, polluting and unsafe. Hydromea develops a vertically integrated solution aimed at affordable and continuous data flow from submerged assets to the cloud. Edge AI computing, bespoke communication technologies and portable subaquatic robots all come together in a seamless data platform to reduce costs and democratise submerged asset integrity workflows

Real Digital Twin and AI Technologies to Optimize your Flow and KPI
Amos Ng, Senior Research Scientist, Simulation and AI, Evoma

Synopsis: Most production managers and engineers struggle to optimise their production lines, as trial and error and AI without simulation can't predict the effects of changes. Evoma provides simulation-optimisation solutions that predict and find optimal changes in production lines and supply chains. Proven in the automotive and aerospace industries, our technology once improved a production line's capacity by 50% by identifying the best 7 changes out of 464 options..

Data ownership & Streamlined Integration for IoT/AIoT
Alan Rae, Head of Sales, Loriot

Synopsis: The presentation focuses on the value of IoT data and how it will be vital for the feeding AI/ML models. It provides insight how national/global organisations can build and manage their own IoT networks to secure data ownership. It takes examples from existing organisations such as Shell, Tatasteel, Porsche, Rentokil, Roche and other clients who are implementing this model.

Reduce CO2 Emissions and Enhance Thermal Process Efficiency with a Unique AI-Based Digital Twin
Dr. Amin Rostamian, Novamet

Synopsis: We have a unique combination of expertise in software development, digitalization, and a deep understanding of industrial and thermal processes. This distinctive skill set enables us to develop cutting-edge industrial tools based on highly accurate and fast digital twins for complex applications such as melting. Our new R&D project is focused on the digitalization and optimization of industrial burners and combustion systems. We are actively seeking industrial end users interested in joining us in a Eurostars project to test our pilot and collaborate on reducing energy consumption while improving process efficiency. Additionally, we have just launched another innovative project aimed at removing hydrogen from solid or liquid metallic alloys. This has significant potential for aluminum casting houses and for enhancing hydrogen pipelines or vessels.

Mixed Reality for AI Synthetic Data Generation
Rahul Tomar, Managing Director, Nuromedia

Synopsis: Mixed Reality for AI Synthetic Data Generation leverages immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality to create realistic, diverse datasets for training AI models. By blending physical and virtual environments, this approach enables scalable, cost-effective data generation, reducing reliance on real-world data collection while enhancing simulation accuracy for applications like autonomous driving and robotics.

From AI to Space - Securing Critical Assets
Yannick Roelvink, R&D Manager, CYSEC

SynopsisCyber threats increasingly endanger critical infrastructures, causing data breaches, system failures, and compromised operations. These risks are especially present in high-stakes environments like space systems and the rapidly expanding field of AI. To combat these challenges, CYSEC SA delivers cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that safeguard sensitive data while maintaining seamless operational performance, empowering organizations to innovate securely in today’s vulnerable digital landscape.

Presentation

ARTI - Autonomy for Robots
Lena Franke, Project Management

Synopsis: ARTI focuses on high-end AI navigation software for autonomous mobile robots. ARTI has unique, comprehensive perspective and considers not only the robotic vehicle, but also its operational environment. As a result, ARTI creates unique modular software solutions for indoor as well as outdoor operation that are extremely flexible and easily adaptable. This opens an incredibly wide range of applications and immense innovation potential for our customers.

Presentation

Hakan Girgin, Innovation Manager, Swiss Cobotics Competence Center 

Inveel Robotic Sensory Skin
Barbara Horvath, CEO and Co-founder, Inveel

Synopsis: Our next R&D project focuses on developing high-resolution sensory skins that give robots a lifelike sense of touch. By integrating nanometer-precise sensors onto large-area, flexible artificial skins, this groundbreaking technology enhances robotic tactile perception, enabling detection of object presence, positions, and forces during grasping. This innovation paves the way for sensor-rich, flexible robotic hands with fine motor control, revolutionizing robotic interaction and versatility across industries.

Presentation

MBrain by MTEK: The Manufacturing System of the Future
Mattias Andersson, CEO & Founder, MTEK Industry

Synopsis: MBrain is a no-code, modular digital production system that harnesses AI and advanced analytics to revolutionize manufacturing. By seamlessly integrating real-time data collection, analytics, and decision-making, MBrain empowers manufacturers to optimize processes, reduce waste, and unlock new efficiencies. From predictive analytics to cross-industry scalability, MBrain delivers the tools manufacturers need to drive innovation and stay ahead in a dynamic market.

13:45-14:00
NETWORKING BREAK
14:00-18:00
ONE-TO-ONE MATCHMAKING MEETINGS

Each time slot is 20 minutes, all meetings are booked online in advance.

17:00-18:30
APERO

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


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