AI is leaving the screen. And entering the real world.
Factories. Robots. Energy systems. Infrastructure.
Asia is deploying AI at scale. Europe is still evaluating.
This event brings both sides together.

China–Asia High-Tech meets Switzerland

Focus: Physical & Industrial AI
An AV mastering China’s dense and complex traffic with precision, confidence, and remarkable control. 🚗
Zürich
Wednesday,
Sept. 30, 2026
1 :30 - 5:30 pm
followed by an apéro
Early-bird pricing available

With contributions from leaders in:

  • Industrial AI & manufacturing
  • Robotics & automation
  • Energy & infrastructure systems
  • AI platforms & deployment
From Asia and Switzerland / Europe
AI is no longer just software. It’s entering the physical world.

➤ AI is becoming an industrial capability.

Most AI discussions focus on software.
But the real transformation is happening elsewhere.

It is:

  • controlling machines

  • optimizing production in real time

  • managing energy systems

  • running physical operations

This is where value is created.
And where competition is accelerating.

This is not a chatbot event.

This is about:
  • AI in factories
  • AI in robotics
  • AI in infrastructure
  • AI in real-world operations

Real deployment. Real constraints. Real results.

You will see:
  • What is already working at scale
  • Where Europe is behind
  • Where opportunities still exist

Each session brings two perspectives

  • One leader from Asia
  • One leader from Switzerland / Europe

Direct comparison:

  • Speed of deployment
  • Technology choices
  • Business impact
No theory.
Only what actually works.

This is not a chatbot event.

  • Smart factories and production systems
  • Real-time optimization
  • Predictive operations

Robotics & Autonomous Systems

  • Smart factories and production systems
  • Industrial robots
  • Autonomous logistics

AI + Hardware

  • Sensors + edge AI
  • Embedded intelligence
  • Real-time decision systems

Energy & Infrastructure AI

  • Smart grids
  • Energy optimization
  • Infrastructure resilience

Deployment Reality

  • Integration challenges
  • ROI vs hype
  • What fails — and why
This is where most AI projects break.

Who Should Attend

This event is designed for:

  • Heads of Operations

  • Heads of Manufacturing

  • CTOs / CIOs (industrial companies)

  • Robotics & automation leaders

  • Energy & infrastructure executives

 Not a generic AI audience

WHAT YOU TAKE AWAY

  • A clear view of how AI is used in real-world systems

  • Understanding of Asia’s deployment speed and approach

  • Practical insights into implementation challenges

  • Concrete ideas for your own organization

➤ No hype. Only execution.

Event Format

  • High-level keynotes

  • Asia × Europe comparison sessions

  • Moderated discussions

  • Networking with senior peers

➤  Focus: clarity, not volume

Top Industrial AI Companies to Watch

A curated selection of:

  • High-impact startups

  • Real deployment cases

  • Proven industrial AI solutions

➤  No pitching. Only relevance.

Speakers

GM of Europe, Tencent Cloud Int'l
Fred Sun
Fred Sun is the General Manager of Tencent Cloud Europe, overseeing the business’s overall development across the region—including strategy, P&L, sales, solutions architecture, and operations. He leads a diverse, cross-functional team based across various locations: France, Germany, Italy, and the UK. Before this role, Fred held senior position within Tencent’s International Business, where he led global expansion and ecosystem partnerships. As Head of Strategy and Strategic Partnerships for Tencent Cloud International, he drove strategic planning and growth initiatives across key markets including Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. Under Fred’s leadership, Tencent Cloud Europe is committed to helping businesses accelerate digital transformation. At the heart of this mission is Tencent Cloud—one of the world’s leading cloud providers—empowering digital-first companies to move faster, scale smarter, and deliver lasting value. Backed by resilient global infrastructure and deep consumer internet DNA, Tencent Cloud Europe supports industries—from gaming and entertainment to healthcare, telecom, and finance—in building future-ready digital experiences and driving meaningful innovation for both Fortune 500 companies and emerging startups.
Transition & Program Manager at HCLTech
Van Long Tu
With over two decades of experience in IT strategy, operations, and technology integration, I currently serve as a Transition & Program Manager at HCLTech. My mission is to drive impactful digital transformation initiatives that align with organizational goals and foster innovation. I am motivated by opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and empower teams to deliver business excellence. My expertise in managing transitions and programs allows me to bring a unique perspective to the table, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with organizational strategies. At HCLTech, I contribute to the seamless transition and implementation of key programs, leveraging my extensive background in IT operations and project management. I collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and deliver results, focusing on technology integration and strategic planning. My ability to navigate complex IT landscapes and implement robust solutions has enabled me to support the organization's goals effectively.
Former Volkswagen CMO, investor, and CEO advisor on AI, brand transformation, and growth.
Jochen Sengpiehl
Jochen Sengpiehl is an investor, advisor, and former Chief Marketing Officer of the Volkswagen Group China, where he led the strategic transformation of the brand in one of the world’s most competitive automotive markets. He played a key role in Volkswagen’s EV and digital transformation, including the launch of the ID. family, the new electric sub-brand ID.UNYX, and the debut of the ID.CODE concept at the Beijing Motor Show 2024. With more than 20 years of international leadership experience at brands including Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz, he has driven global brand reinvention, digital commercialization, and AI-enabled customer engagement. Today, he advises and invests in founders and companies building the next generation of AI-driven marketing, sales, and brand systems — with a focus on adaptive, intelligent, and future-ready organizations.
Head of Region Europe at Neolix
Dr. Yong Geßner
Since June 2026, Yong is leading Neolix’s European business. Previously, he was Head of Region Europe at Baidu’s Intelligent Driving Group. With more than ten years of experience in autonomous driving, AI, and mobility, he focuses on bringing next-generation transportation solutions—including RoboTaxis, RoboBuses, and intelligent mobility systems—to market across Europe.
Founder and President High-Tech Connect
Ralf Haller
With 25+ years in high-tech, I’ve helped companies grow by combining data-driven marketing, strategic partnerships, and hands-on go-to-market execution. My journey from Silicon Valley to Switzerland spans roles in product marketing, business development, and leadership across AI, data engineering, legal tech, and IT infrastructure. I’ve built international teams, launched high-ROI campaigns, and focused on delivering measurable results and lasting market impact. With degrees in Electrical Engineering (KIT) and Data Science (MIT), plus executive education at INSEAD, I’m passionate about scaling AI-first platforms and driving technology adoption in Europe.

Program

China & Asia High-Tech meets Switzerland


TIME

speaker/moderator

topic
13:30
Ralf Haller, Van Long Tu
Opening, How does China in high-tech function?
13:45
EconSight
China/Asia Technology Monitor
14:00
Dr. Yong Geßner,
Baidu

Physical AI at scale. Autonomous Driving enters the world - in Switzerland too.
14:20
Fred Sun,
Tencent

AI Agents in Production: From Chat to Action at Billion-User Scale
14:40
tbd
Lightning Talks
15:00
tbd
Lightning Talks
15:20
Networking Break and live demos ☕️
15:50
tbd
Lightning Talks
16:10
tbd
Lightning Talks
16:30
EconSight
Switzerland & China/Asia realistic collaboration areas
16:45
High-Tech Connect,
Jochen Sengpiehl,
Dr. Yong Geßner

Panel discussion: Europe & China in the AI Era: From Competition to Collaboration
17:30
tbd
Closing Keynote
17:45
Networking Apéro and live demos


High-Tech Connect brings together global technology leaders and Swiss decision-makers to explore the most important shifts in AI, digital infrastructure, and industrial technology.