swissnexDay’18: blockchain technology in Switzerland and worldwide

Bern, 11.12.2018 - Today in Zurich, swissnexDay served as a forum for a wide range of actors to discuss blockchain. The event entitled Connecting the blocks, unchaining the blockchain provided a global perspective to define the challenges and opportunities of a technology for which Switzerland is one of the main centres of excellence. The event, which was organised by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation and swissnex China, was attended by around 400 representatives from the field of education, research and innovation.

swissnexDay 2018 was opened by Ambassador Mauro Moruzzi, Head of the swissnex network, Dr Thomas Heiniger, President of the Zurich Cantonal Council, and the professors Michael Hengartner, Rector of the University of Zurich, and Lino Guzzella, President of ETH Zurich (ETHZ).

The event, which brought together Swiss and international experts, aimed to provide a better understanding of the global challenges posed by blockchain and of its impacts on Switzerland. It offered a broad overview of the various applications of this technology, ranging from the fight against climate change to fintech and training. In a panel discussion, moderated by CNNMoney Switzerland, international blockchain experts from a number of disciplines discussed their opinions and current national and international trends. Finally, regulatory aspects were addressed by FINMA, following the example of what is being done in Switzerland.  

The event was organised in partnership with the University of Zurich (UZH), which has a centre dedicated to this technology – the UZH Blockchain Center – ETHZ and the Crypto Valley Association, based in Zug.

swissnex is the Confederation’s global network for education, research and innovation. It supports its partners in their international networking and engagement in the global exchange of knowledge, ideas and talents. The five swissnex sites and their satellites are located around the world’s leading innovation hubs. With the support of around twenty science counsellors in Swiss embassies, they contribute to strengthening Switzerland’s international reputation as a hub for education, research and innovation.

The swissnex network is affiliated to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI and forms part of the Confederation’s international network coordinated by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Swissnex’s activities are based on a collaborative approach and are funded via a number of public and private partnerships.

swissnexDay is held every year as a side event of swissnex’s annual conference.

Address for enquiries

Mauro Moruzzi, Ambassador
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI
Head of International Relations Division
T +41 79 659 99 10
mauro.moruzzi@sbfi.admin.ch

Publisher

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation
http://www.sbfi.admin.ch