After a welcome message from Stefano Rizzi, Head of the Canton of Ticino Economics Division, State Secretary Martina Hirayama opened Swissnex Day '23 together with Rémy Hübschi, Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI. SERI organises the annual event, which was attended this year by around 300 representatives from the education, research and innovation sector.

Four national and international experts focused on the possibilities and limits of future health research. Topics included the 'silent pandemic' of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and how to ensure the validity of medical data for sustainable research. The panel discussion with Dr Katrin Crameri (Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics SIB), Dr Marc Gitzinger (BioVersys), Dr Anand Anandkumar (Bugworks Research Inc) and Dr Princess Nothemba Simelela (MD/obstetrician) emphasised the enormous potential of international collaboration in the healthcare sector.

Switzerland plays a key role in strengthening cooperation between research stakeholders in the field of public health, at both national and international levels. For example, some of Swissnex's main locations have placed health at the heart of their multi-faceted initiatives and programmes, which strengthen global networks and promote innovation. Swissnex Day also provided a platform for selected start-ups and spin-offs to present the diverse innovations they are working on to push the boundaries in health technology. The start-ups use robotics and artificial intelligence to develop innovative products and services aimed at maintaining and further promoting public health in the future.

Swissnex is the global network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research, and innovation. Its mission is to support the outreach and active engagement of its partners in the international exchange of knowledge, ideas and talent. The six main Swissnex locations are established in the world’s most innovative regions. Together with around 20 Science Offices and Counselors based in Swiss Embassies, they contribute to strengthening Switzerland’s profile as a world-leading innovation hotspot.

Swissnex is an initiative of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation and is part of the Confederation’s network abroad managed by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The Swissnex activities are based on a collaborative approach, relying on public and private partnerships and funding.

Innovation and health at Swissnex Day '23