Digital Switzerland celebrates its beacons in the Hallenstadion

In front of representatives from business, administration, politics and research, those projects, organizations and individuals who have had a particularly visible impact in 2025 and have strengthened digital competence in Switzerland were honored in a festive setting on the evening of 13 November 2025. The presence of Federal Councillor Albert Rösti and Federal Chancellor Viktor Rossi underlined the political importance of the topic. In his speech, Federal Councillor Rösti emphasized the role of digital innovation for Switzerland's competitiveness. He also pleaded for openness towards digital progress, particularly in the field of AI, and for transparent rules in order to gain the trust of the population. Keyword: smart governance.

AI as the dominant topic

Once again this year, the use of artificial intelligence was central to many of the projects submitted and the winners. With Akenza, for example, ISS uses AI to respond to the needs of buildings faster, more precisely and in a more resource-efficient manner as a «building whisperer». With its AI sandbox, the canton of Zurich has created an innovation support program for AI that is unique internationally. And mimic robotics combines artificial intelligence with smart robot stations to ensure rapid deployment, increase occupational safety and reduce the shortage of skilled workers.

There was no shortage of emotion either: the finalists in the «NextGen Hero» category once again demonstrated the potential of this generation with their short pitches. This led to lively discussions at the tables during the decision-making process. The most convincing were Nathalie Kern from the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland with her approach to harmonizing digital solutions in the public sector and Simon Weigold from the University of Lucerne for his commitment to democratizing legal knowledge.

Bühler AG won the ICT Education & Training Award, a company that uses hybrid learning approaches to address the preferences of the next generation and successfully merges these with its industry tradition. Last but not least, «The Pascal» award, presented jointly with Inside IT, went to Alina Matyukhina. As CSO, she heads up global cyber security in the Building Products division at Siemens Smart Infrastructure in Zug.

Entertaining evening

The evening also offered a varied dramaturgy. The projects in all categories were presented in an original way before the prizes were awarded. Monika Schärer and Stephan Lendi hosted the program with their customary panache. Comedian Timo Wopp and beatboxer Arthur Henry provided humor and a live soundtrack as they pointedly staged the individual categories, thus bridging the gap between the specialist audience and the show elements.

The important aspect of networking was strengthened with plenty of time for networking. In this way, the fire of the award-winning innovations and the outstanding finalists will continue to burn in everyday life.

Winners in 2025

Digital Excellence Commercial
ISS Switzerland with Akenza

Digital Excellence GOV & NPO
Office of Economic Affairs, Canton of Zurich

ICT Education & Training - 1 to 20 ICT employees
into technologies AG

ICT Education & Training - 21 to 100 ICT employees
Leuchter IT Solutions AG

ICT Education & Training - over 100 ICT employees
Buhler AG

ICT Education & Training Award - overall winner
Buhler AG

Next Global Hot Thing
mimic robotics AG

NextGen Hero
Nathalie Kern and Simon Weigold

The Pascal - IT Personality of the Year
Alina Matyukhina, Siemens, CSO / Global Head of Cybersecurity