Gendering is rarely a real challenge from a linguistic point of view - but you almost always get it wrong. You can never please everyone.

Too much, too little, too demonstrative, too nonchalant... you get everything thrown at you on the same day. Even in cases that are actually perfectly clear in terms of language and have nothing to do with the topic at all.

That a Bank a employer has nothing to do with subliminal ideology, but with grammar. Nor is there any ideology behind it if members are not gendered. Genus and gendering are not the same thing - there is no leeway with the former and too much with the latter.

Swampy grease trap

The Duden offers possibilities for gendering, but no standard. That is why we are all now gender pioneers and the Duden will hold back until something has finally prevailed on the battlefield of ideologies, so that it can then be crowned the norm.

This pioneering is exhausting and sometimes even requires imagination and adaptability (blörg), has to be constantly adjusted (argh) and discussed (oh no) and requires a strong will (long since broken). A huge, swampy, barely avoidable pit of fat. Understandably, this is too much for most people and at some point simply gets on their nerves.

So anyone who genders and makes an effort to do so is definitely doing pioneering work. And anyone who doesn't genderize definitely hasn't understood anything. Gendering should be non-ideological, of course - normal. But normality requires a standard. So, go for it, Duden.

The Kickstart open innovation program brings together 36 pioneering startups from 14 countries - including a quarter from Switzerland - working on groundbreaking technologies such as real-time deepfake detection, food systems of the future and biological age testing. Building on a ten-year track record that has seen alumni startups raise over 2.8 billion Swiss francs in capital by 2024, this year's cohort will rethink topics such as health, nutrition and technology in a profound, data-driven and consciously responsible way. Partnerships with major Swiss companies such as AXA, the City of Zurich, Coop, la Mobilière, MSD, PostFinance/VNTR, Swisscom and others make this possible.

"These are not just technical experiments. These are solutions that will shape Switzerland's competitive advantage in the coming decade," says Katka Letzing, CEO and co-founder of Kickstart Innovation. From sustainable materials and healthcare to AI-supported innovations, Switzerland offers the perfect stage for this: highly networked, quality-oriented and determined. The recently launched Swiss {ai} Weeks initiative, which Kickstart helped to initiate with its expertise, further strengthens this position.

Swiss start-ups drive global technology breakthroughs

A quarter of this year's cohort consists of Swiss start-ups. Many of them have emerged from university spin-offs and tech hubs. Switzerland is thus consolidating its role as a location for innovation and a springboard for global growth. International start-ups are also part of the program to gain a foothold in Switzerland - a testament to the country's global appeal as a dynamic ecosystem for innovation, collaboration and business growth. These include:

• Genknowme based in Lausanne, offers an epigenetic blood test that reveals biological age and stress-related changes and positions Switzerland at the forefront of global longevity medicine.
• ai based in Zurich, has developed a technology for the real-time detection of deepfakes in audio and video content - a crucial protection, as AI-generated misinformation threatens democratic processes and corporate communication worldwide.
• Meeco based in Australia, has developed a secure data exchange platform that enables individuals and organizations to access, control and share personal data and digital assets. This is done using a privacy-by-design approach and low-code tools.
• WeShop AI based in Hong Kong, offers a platform that uses AI to create product and model images for e-commerce. Users can generate appealing visuals from just one photo - without any time-consuming post-processing. The platform also enables the creation of videos from static images.
• city based in Vienna, offers an AI-supported platform that is revolutionizing environmental modelling in urban planning: Using microclimate simulations, it supports architects and urban planners in designing more sustainable and liveable cities.

Innovation in key industries

The Kickstart Innovation Program supports high-growth start-ups and scale-ups in five key areas: Health and wellbeing, finance and insurance (including cyber security), food and retail, new working environments and learning cultures, and smart urban development concepts. These fields are among the most urgent and at the same time most promising social and economic challenges and promote effective cooperation between startups, leading Swiss corporations and public institutions.

In addition to working with startups, Kickstart also supports the internal transformation of leading organizations, for example through its academy and intrapreneurship programs, which support employees from brainstorming to founding their own ventures. In addition, Mission 2050 aligns its innovation programs with Switzerland's strategic goals in the areas of the circular economy, sustainability and social inclusion, thereby strengthening an ecosystem that is both future-proof and impact-oriented.

More information: https://www.kickstart-innovation.com/

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/ki-gestuetzte-startups-machen-die-schweiz-zum-innovations-hotspot/

The study "The Future of Product Development - Product Lifecycle Management in Focus" reveals significant weaknesses in supply networks. The survey, commissioned by Aras, a provider of product lifecycle management and digital thread solutions, polled 656 executives from the US, Europe and Japan to find out how industrial companies are adapting their supply chains in the wake of digital transformation.

Inefficient tools in use

"Companies are keen to integrate their suppliers into digital processes. However, the reality is often different. Many still use inefficient tools that delay decisions and increase the susceptibility to errors in communication," says Jens Rollenmüller, Regional Vice President at Aras. According to the survey, 79 percent of companies share information about product design or technology with their suppliers, and 83 percent share compliance and sustainability data. However, the methods used give cause for concern: 52 percent rely on email and file sharing services, 49 percent on face-to-face meetings. Only 43 percent use digital collaboration platforms.

"Traditional methods of communication simply don't meet the demands of today's fast-paced business world," says industry expert Rollenmüller. "Companies need systems that enable the precise, seamless and secure exchange of information. Everyone involved must be able to rely on the data being up-to-date, correct and tamper-proof - and that no errors occur due to manual processing."

Digital collaboration as a competitive advantage

Nine out of ten respondents confirm that supply chain integration is central to their product lifecycle management and digital thread strategy. "An integrated supply chain not only reduces costs, but is also essential for business success in a world of increasing market volatility," explains Rollenmüller. Companies that break down data silos and exchange information in real time are better able to manage crises and meet customer needs in a more targeted manner. The early exchange of development data and strategic goals is becoming a decisive differentiator in highly competitive markets.

However, close integration also poses challenges: Companies must navigate the tension between strategic partnership and operational independence while coordinating heterogeneous IT landscapes and different corporate cultures. At the same time, the requirements for data protection and cyber security are becoming considerably more stringent as networking progresses.

PLM systems close the gap

To overcome these challenges and ensure security, Rollenmüller recommends the use of a PLM system (Product Lifecycle Management). Such a system manages product data centrally and offers network partners secure access to it. "PLM acts like an intelligent distribution node," explains Rollenmüller. "If a malfunction occurs, companies can react immediately with PLM because the data is structured and available at all times - and not buried in some email inbox." The practical benefits are obvious: "Every delay and every miscommunication in the supply chain causes direct costs in the form of production downtime, missed deadlines and angry customers. PLM gives companies the transparency they need and the tools to make quick, well-founded decisions."

"PLM creates trust in the supply network and fundamentally transforms the way companies work together," says Rollenmüller. "It eliminates time-consuming manual coordination, minimizes sources of error and strengthens operational resilience - a decisive competitive advantage in today's volatile markets.

Source: Aras

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/globale-industriestudie-deckt-risiken-in-liefernetzwerken-auf/

Phoenix Technologies AG, a leading provider of sovereign cloud and AI infrastructure in Switzerland, announced the availability of Apertus on its sovereign cloud. Developed by EPFL, ETH Zurich and the Swiss National Supercomputing Center (CSCS), Switzerland's first open and transparent Large Language Model (LLM) can now be deployed on Phoenix Technologies' high-performance infrastructure. This milestone strengthens Switzerland's digital autonomy and establishes the country's first end-to-end sovereign AI solution, according to the statement.

Data is completely subject to Swiss law

According to the company, for the first time, Swiss organizations in sensitive sectors such as finance, healthcare and government can use a state-of-the-art LLM without their data ever leaving Swiss jurisdiction. This approach directly addresses the critical innovation needs of organizations while mitigating the risks associated with foreign AI platforms. It provides a trusted pathway for companies looking to harness the power of generative AI while fully complying with Switzerland's strict data protection standards.

"This is a declaration of Switzerland's digital independence," said Thomas Taroni, Executive Chairman and Founder of Phoenix Technologies. "For too long, Swiss companies faced a difficult choice: either innovate with foreign AI and risk data sovereignty or fall behind. Today, this decision is outdated. By combining the Apertus model with our sovereign, high-performance infrastructure, we offer the definitive Swiss answer to AI. We are empowering entire industries to build the future on a foundation of trust, security and Swiss values."

Advanced safety functions

The technical basis of the solution combines fully open-source AI with Phoenix Technologies' enterprise-grade infrastructure. Apertus is available with up to 70 billion parameters and is characterized by its fully documented development process and multilingualism. This model runs on Phoenix's cloud platform powered by next-generation NVIDIA H100 and H200 enterprise-grade GPUs. The platform is equipped with advanced security features, including Confidential Computing, which protects data not only at rest and in transit, but also during processing, ensuring an unprecedented level of security for sensitive workloads.

Available immediately

The Apertus model can now be provided via the "AI Model as a Service" and "Sovereign LLM Serving" services from Phoenix Technologies. Interested companies can contact Phoenix Technologies for advice.

Source: www.phoenix-technologies.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/erste-vollstaendige-schweizer-end-to-end-loesung-fuer-souveraene-ki/

On September 1, 100 years of HR experience - a good half of it explicitly in filling key human resources roles - came together to form NetExecutive GmbH.

NetExecutive: Trust. People. Impact

The name emphasizes "Net" because everything NetExecutive does is networked in many ways - based on sound development and with a view to long-term impact. "Executive" means not only individual top executives, but all levels that belong together structurally and conceptually in order to create something outstanding.

"Today, leadership needs agility instead of templates. We understand the dynamics in organizations and bring together the personalities that make management teams and family offices fit for the future," explains Daniela Conrad, founder, Managing Partner and trained executive coach.

Hans Hofmann, founder and partner: "Our network has grown, not been sought after. As a Swiss with a keen instinct, I also open doors throughout the German-speaking world that would otherwise remain closed."
Raphaela Höhn, founder and partner, emphasizes: "Quality also comes from within. A clear, consistent and resilient advisory process is the basis for clients and candidates being able to trust us."

"The transformation is technological in nature, but the solution lies with people. We understand both and bring people together to make an impact," says Roger Baur, founder and partner.

Four-person founding team with complementary strengths

- Daniela Conrad: combines systemic thinking with sound aptitude diagnostics and, as an executive coach, also inspires organizational development from the outside.
- Hans Hofmann: rooted in the media and communications landscape for decades; brings a resilient network throughout the DACH region.
- Roger Baur: combines technological foresight with hands-on innovative strength and analyzes early on which skills and leadership personalities are needed for a prosperous future.
- Raphaela Höhn: ensures internal quality and process reliability for clients, the team and everyone involved.

Why NetExecutive?

- Industry depth and breadth: particularly deep in the media, communications and strategic areas, while thinking across industries. Leadership is adaptive, business models change. Valuable impulses often come from outside.
- Network at eye level: conversations do not start with data, but with genuine interest. Access has grown organically and is being expanded in a targeted manner.
- Correct staffing comes from correct understanding: Listening, questioning, carefully analyzing and only then advising. This results in matches that work both professionally and culturally.
- Partnership instead of closure: commitment does not end with the signature. NetExecutive offers feedback, onboarding support and sparring for sustainable development.

Range of services

- Management positions at Partner, C or Group level
- Family Office appointments
- Board of directors and advisory board mandates
- Personalities with a lasting impact

Process and collaboration requirements

NetExecutive works along a clear basic structure and remains individual in its design. Sound recommendations yes, persuasion no. It pays to take your time at the beginning: those who know and trust each other thoroughly will make the right decisions more quickly. And in any case the better ones.
About NetExecutive

NetExecutive GmbH is an executive search boutique based in Zurich and active throughout the DACH region. The four-person team combines technological foresight, systemic depth and operational excellence, with a particular focus on the German and Swiss markets. NetExecutive fills leadership and key roles, accompanies organizations in transformation phases and promotes sustainable connections between people and companies.

In Zurich, Innovation World's What's Next Forum invites you to discuss the "Intelligence Shift". The event at Kuble - House of Intelligence will highlight how technology and people are shaping change together. Experts from industry, research and education will present best practices from everyday life, practical insights and strategic perspectives for decision-makers and visionaries. The focus is on how the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and mixed reality (XR) is influencing not only processes, but also corporate culture, collaboration and leadership concepts.

Ewa Ming, initiator and organizer, emphasizes: "Intelligence Shift means using technology in a meaningful and responsible way for the benefit of people." The program includes contributions from industry giants such as François Rüf (Geberit), panels with key speakers from various companies and live demonstrations where participants can actively experience XR and AI solutions. The transformation of working environments and leadership will also be highlighted - with discussions on how technological complexity can be mastered and transformation implemented step by step.

The target group includes managers, HR managers, innovation managers and education stakeholders who are looking for impetus for their own role in change. The forum sees itself as a platform for inspiration, exchange and concrete implementation. Tickets are available for 195 francs, all further information can be found online at whatsnext-connect.ch.

Responsible at Innovation World Switzerland: Ewa Ming (initiator, management), ming agentur ag. Responsible at Kuble - House of Intelligence: Gustavo Salami (CEO, Transformation Lead), Roger Oberholzer (Partner, Academy Lead), Team Kuble AG.

The Holzbau Plus quality label focuses on people. The label certifies companies that actively cultivate an employee-oriented corporate culture that goes beyond the basic provisions of the Collective Labor Agreement for Timber Construction. The label promotes the sustainable development of companies and makes a significant contribution to competitiveness and job security. Certified companies can be recertified after three years. 

60 timber construction companies carry the Holzbau Plus label 

In 2025, four new companies were awarded the quality label. These include Jampen Holzbau AG from Hittnau (ZH), rebreg AG from Oey, Allenbach Holzbau und Solartechnik AG from Frutigen (both BE) and Holzbau Jäggi Dulliken AG from Dulliken (SO), see below.

16 companies that already carry the label underwent successful recertification and secured the label for a further three years. With the new additions, a total of 60 Swiss timber construction companies are now holders of the Holzbau Plus label.

"We are proud to recognize new companies with our award every year. Each individual certification is a significant success - both for the companies and for their customers as well as the entire timber construction industry," says Stefan Strausak, Managing Director of the Swiss Joint Professional Committee for Timber Construction (SPBH), which is responsible for awarding the label.

The four newly certified companies in 2025 

• Jampen Holzbau AG, Hittnau (ZH), jampen-holzbau.ch
• rebreg AG, Oey (BE), rebreg.ch
• Allenbach Holzbau und Solartechnik AG, Frutigen (BE), solarholzbauer.ch
• Holzbau Jäggi Dulliken AG, Dulliken (SO), holzbaujaeggi.ch

Source: www.holzbau-plus.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/vier-betriebe-neu-mit-qualitaetslabel-holzbau-plus-zertifiziert/

The atmosphere was characterized by amazing speeches, inspiring stories and lively exchanges.

The Genderbox association won the LGBTQIA+ Inclusion category with its "Pride Tour Basel". A queer city tour, which was created in cooperation with students from the University of Basel, leads through the city, supported by foundations such as the Swisslos Fund. In the Gender Equality category, Claire Garwacki Froget won the prize with "In Her Chair" - a humorous film about unconscious prejudices in management.

In the Age Diversity category, the UZH Healthy Longevity Center scored points with "Every age counts", a digital platform against age discrimination. The Neurodiversity Support Network Switzerland (NSNS) was recognized for its commitment in the field of disability. Grace Lokako received the award in the Education & Social Background category on behalf of the global Women Who Master movement, which encourages more girls to enter STEM professions.

With About Us!, the jury awarded the prize to a project that actively involves people from a wide range of backgrounds. Offene Kirche Elisabethen received the prize in the Religion & Spirituality category for its decades of inclusive work, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community. The Swisscom Entrepreneurship Award went to Autism Switzerland, the largest non-profit organization in the field of autism.

An emotional highlight was the awarding of the Allianz Lifetime Award to Aids-Hilfe Schweiz for four decades of commitment to education, care and equal health opportunities.

The Swiss Diversity Awards 2025 once again demonstrated how diversity in practice builds bridges and has a lasting impact on Switzerland.

In 2013, the software manufacturer Opacc, based in Rothenburg LU, was the first IT company in Switzerland to be awarded the "Friendly Workspace" quality label. The renewed award this year confirms the company's consistent commitment to systematic and practiced occupational health management. The current recertification focused on the framework conditions, continuity and strategic anchoring within the company.

Opacc once again received top marks in this year's recertification. The assessors from Health Promotion Switzerland, which awards the label, particularly emphasized the clear anchoring of BGM in the course of the year and in everyday working life. The active further development by the internal "Friendly Work Space" working group, the transparent internal communication, the large number of benefits and the targeted management training were also praised. 

Sabrina Cabiddu, responsible for OHM at Opacc, emphasizes: "If our employees are motivated and healthy, not only they benefit, but also our customers and our company". Cris Wouters, Managing Partner at Opacc, emphasizes the strategic benefits of the label: "We make targeted investments in a working environment that is not only efficient, but also sustainably healthy - for our employees, our corporate culture and our joint success."

Source: Opacc

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/friendly-workspace-2025-erneut-bestnoten-fuer-softwarehersteller-opacc/

Holistic communication solutions that combine voice, email, chat, video and collaboration are seen as the model of the future in strategy and marketing. In reality, however, most companies work with separate systems. IP telephony, whether in the cloud or locally, usually runs separately from email and collaboration tools, while chat platforms are rarely integrated. For many companies, the aspiration of a standardized platform remains a goal, not a reality.

Market analyses show a high level of interest: The European market for Unified Communication & Collaboration (UCC) is estimated at 49 billion US dollars, with 18% annual growth until 2030. Over 65% of companies in Western Europe use cloud-based tools to some extent, but only just under half are pursuing a mobile-first strategy. In the majority of cases, systems that can only be used on mobile devices remain in place - without any real integration of voice, video, chat and email.

Underestimated stumbling blocks

One reason is the high complexity of implementation. A central platform requires far-reaching interventions in existing structures, consolidation of systems, training, process adjustments and clarification of compliance and data protection issues. In Europe in particular, the GDPR makes it difficult to integrate sensitive voice and video data. The effort involved is enormous, and the efficiency gains often only become apparent in the long term.

The costs are also a deterrent. Licenses, ongoing fees, training programs and adjustments to the IT landscape make UC platforms expensive. Many companies therefore prefer to rely on specialized systems. Studies also show that modern IP telephony platforms enable savings of up to 30-40 percent compared to traditional telephone systems. A strong voice solution can therefore be cost-efficient and future-proof without the complexity of complete UCC environments.

In addition, specialized tools such as Microsoft Exchange, Google Workspace, Slack, Teams or Zoom have long been established. Switching to a monolithic platform would often create duplicate structures and additional costs without noticeably improving the quality of communication. Especially in the area of voice, companies value the stability and reliability of specialized IP solutions over complex integration attempts.

IP voice solutions for modern communication

Language remains at the heart of business communication anyway. It enables precision, a personal approach and fast responses. Modern IP telephones offer HD audio, integration into existing IT systems, remote support and compatibility with common platforms - in other words, precisely the functions that are crucial for efficient processes. For many companies, a strong IP telephony infrastructure provides more practical benefits than a fully integrated UCC solution. In practice, this is demonstrated by telephones with integrated Wi-Fi or as robust DECT end devices. The German manufacturer Snom refers here to its Snom D865 model, for example. Such devices not only offer reliable telephony, but can also be integrated into systems for alerting, localization or AI transcription. Especially in environments such as production, logistics or healthcare, their stability and high voice quality ensure clear communication - even for AI-supported applications.

Although many IT managers see UCC as a long-term vision, they are currently relying on proven modular architectures. The combination of IP telephony, collaboration tools and email systems is the more pragmatic solution for most companies. This means that UCC will remain more of a pipe dream in 2025, while modern IP voice solutions are already making a decisive contribution to clear, reliable and efficient communication today.

Source: Snom Technology GmbH

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/unified-communication-collaboration-bleibt-zukunftsmusik/

The Swiss Out of Home Awards 2025 recognize the most creative Out of Home campaigns in Switzerland. Solidar Suisse with the image campaign "Inequality" (category "Public Service"), Denner with "Save the rest." ("Commercial National" category), Hiltl with the "Mother's Day Campaign" ("Commercial Local & Regional" category) and EWZ with the "Energy Campaign 2025" ("Digital Out of Home" category) won gold, while the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich won both gold in the "Culture" category and the main "Campaign of the Year" prize with "Japanese Graphics Today". The award-winning campaigns show the different areas of application of Out of Home Media: From public service to local and national advertising to digital and cultural implementations.

154 works submitted

On September 4, 2025, a top-class jury of 14 experts from the fields of advertising, culture and design selected the winner of the WOOHW! award night At the StageOne Event & Convention Hall in Zurich, the 15 winning campaigns of the "Swiss Out of Home Award", the largest creative competition for analog, digital and innovative outdoor advertising, were announced and awarded in gold, silver and bronze. A total of 154 entries were submitted in advance, 27 of which were nominated by the jury. The award ceremony took place as part of the industry event WOOHW!, which is organized by the Swiss Outdoor Advertising Association (AWS) and supported by APG|SGA, Goldbach Neo and Horizon. 

Supporting program with keynotes, panel and award party

The industry event WOOHW! was preceded by the conference. The specialist part began in the late afternoon with striking keynotes by Prof. Dr. Errichiello (brand sociologist and consultant) and Regula Bührer Fecker (two-time "Advertiser of the Year" and owner of La Stratégiste). The subsequent panel discussion focused on credibility, attitude, trust and attention in successful brand management. In addition to the two keynote speakers, the panel featured Nathalie Forrer (Head of Marketing at Lidl Switzerland) and Christian-Kumar Meier (Head of Transformation and member of the management team at mediatonic). The lively discussion was moderated by Anna Kohler (Editor-in-Chief and Journalistic Director of m&k Das Magazin für Markt und Kommunikation).

The entire WOOHW! event was hosted by Bigna Silberschmidt (presenter and journalist). Sponsors such as Setaprint AG, Richnerstutz AG, Burri Public Elements AG and Media Focus provided highlights with their presentations. The sound for the dinner and party was provided by "sax o' conga" with singer Tanja Dankner. The more than 300 invited guests partied in high spirits until late into the evening.

The winners

Campaign of the Year & Gold Culture: Museum für Gestaltung

Gold Commercial National: Denner

Gold Local & Regional: Hiltl AG

Gold Public Service: Solidar Suisse

Gold DOOH: EWZ

 

 

The agency from Liestal and Zurich is thus further expanding its position in the energy sector and contributing its own expertise to the Europe-wide network of experts.

The EPN has been an established platform for exchange and networking in the energy sector for over two decades. Monthly conferences with top-class speakers ensure practical knowledge transfer among experts. The focus is increasingly on forward-looking topics such as renewable energies, flexibility management through battery storage and digitalization in the Swiss and European electricity market.

Even after the takeover, Klaus E. Schewe, the founder of EPN, will remain in the network as an advisor. The managing partners of the IEU, Fabian Cortesi and Hans Jörg Luchsinger, will manage the platform and emphasize the importance of joint solutions for the energy sector. "We see it as our role to build bridges between research, business and society," says Cortesi. The IEU sees itself as a service provider in strategic communication management and promotes the personal exchange of important future topics with new formats.

With nine employees, the owner-managed agency specializes in the areas of energy, construction, real estate, sustainability and innovation. The acquisition of the energy platform EPN is intended to drive the agency's growth and provide further impetus for the transformation of the energy industry.