#8 Silicon Valley Meets Switzerland

Reserve Ticket
ETH Zürich
Thursday,
May 7, 2026
9 am - 6 pm
followed by an apéro
Entrance Fee
Early bird: 450 CHF.
Startup and student discounts

Event focus topics

Five Hot Trends in Silicon Valley — with the Best Startups from the US, Switzerland & Europe

At this unique gathering, we bring together some of the brightest minds from Silicon Valley and Switzerland/Europe to explore the technologies that will shape the next decade. Each of the five hot topics — Generative AI & Enterprise Agents, AI Infrastructure, Robotics & Physical AI, Climate & Space Tech, and Quantum Computing — will feature a dual perspective:
One pioneering startup from Silicon Valley presenting their breakthrough approach and one leading Swiss or European  

company showcasing how they are applying or advancing these innovations locally.
The program is complemented by exclusive panel discussions and workshops (in the morning), where Swiss and Silicon Valley experts share insights, debate opportunities and risks, and highlight collaboration potential across the Atlantic.

#8 Highlights

Event Highlights

Dual Perspectives: Each hot topic is presented by one leading Silicon Valley startup and one Swiss/European innovator, giving you a rare side-by-side view of global approaches.

World-Class Panels
: Swiss and Silicon Valley experts debate opportunities, risks, and collaboration potential in AI, Robotics, Climate Tech, and Quantum Computing.

Cutting-Edge Demos: See live demonstrations of technologies that are reshaping industries—from GenAI agents in the enterprise to humanoid robotics and climate satellites.

Networking Without Borders: Connect with founders, executives, investors, and researchers from two of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems.

Audience

C-level and their direct reports from Switzerland’s enterprises.
Startups and students from ETH Zürich and other Swiss and European universities.

Inspiration Meets Action: Learn not only what’s next, but also how to apply it in your own organization and market.

The event is neutral.
So we do not side with e.g. one cloud provider or just one consulting firm's limited view of the market and its future development.
We are also aware of the challenges that the current US administration brings to global markets and do not support their views nor actions. For us respecting trade agreements, and fair global partnerships are key for all to prosper and we have friends and former colleagues in Silicon Valley who fully share our views.

SPEAKERS

Media and supporters

Program

Silicon Valley Meets Switzerland

In the morning workshops we will discuss the experiences, opportunities, challenges, both the successes and failures and best practices of corporates working with startups early on.

In the afternoon, each of the five hot topics will be explored through a unique dual perspective: one pioneering startup from Silicon Valley alongside one leading Swiss or European startup. Together, they will showcase breakthroughs in:

- Generative AI & Enterprise Agents
- AI Infrastructure
- Robotics & Physical AI
- Climate & Space Tech
- Quantum Computing

TIME
speaker/moderator
topic
Morning Workshop Program
9:00-9:15
Ralf Haller, tbd
Welcome and Opening Remarks from the Organizers
9:15-10:15
Jan Reinhart
From Risk Aversion to Ambition - Deeptech

Goal:
Challenge Switzerland’s cautious mindset & build a culture of bold tech bets.

Topics:
corporate venture experiences, opportunities, challenges, failures & successes, best practices

Outcome:
Draft of a SwissTech Risk Manifesto 2026.
9:15-10:15
Lucian Wagner
From Risk Aversion to Ambition - LifeScience
- ditto
Networking Break ☕️
10:45-11:45
ETH Entrepreneurship Club
tbd

Afternoon Event Program
1:20
Ralf Haller
Welcome remarks from the organizer, Swiss and US governments, and supporters.
1:40
Keynote
tbd
Generative AI & Enterprise Agents
2:00
tbd
tbd
2:20
tbd
tbd
AI Infrastructure
2:40
tbd
tbd
3:00
tbd
tbd
Networking Break ☕️
Robotics & Physical AI
3:30
tbd
tbd
3:50
tbd
tbd
Climate & Space Tech
4:10
tbd
tbd
4:30
Yury Vasilkov, Gamaya
The future of agriculture Starts Here - Artificial Intelligence for Sugarcane Farming
Quantum Computing
4:50
Fernando Dominguez Pinuaga, SandboxAQ
Beyond Quantum:
How AI and Quantum Principles Are Powering the Next Wave of Enterprise Solutions
5:10
Markus Pflitsch, Terra Quantum
The quantum key to your next level performance -
How we tackle your most complex problems

Final Discussion
5:30
Tech Business Experts
AI Without Billions?
How Europe and Switzerland Can Compete in an AI World Dominated by U.S. and Chinese Tech Giants

6:00 Apéro and Networking🍷