Swissnex in India, Consulate General of Switzerland

As we mark 75 years of the Switzerland-India Treaty of Friendship, the 4th edition of the National Cartoon and Caricature Festival was the perfect event to capture the spirit of #creativity and #collaboration between our two nations. The highlight was an amazing exhibition titled "Celebrating Cartoons – Switzerland through the Lens of Indian Cartoonists,". Under the initiative “SwitzerlandIndia 75: Success Stories to be continued”, 19 artists showcased a wide range of styles — from classic handmade illustrations to sleek digital creations. Each cartoon offered a fresh and unique take on Switzerland, reminding us of the power of art to transcend borders. Our deputy consul general, Patrick Mueller was thrilled to attend the event alongside the Chairman of ISRO Somanath S. They each shared a few words emphasising the importance of #culturalexchange through art. The festival was a vibrant reminder of how cartoons, with their unique ability to simplify and amplify complex ideas, continue to foster connections between our two nations. Here's to art, imagination, and the lasting friendship between Switzerland and India! 🖌️✨ 

In a recent interview with the The Indian Express, outgoing Swiss Ambassador to India Dr. Ralf Heckner had the opportunity to share his views on India’s role in the ongoing conflict in Europe, navigating the Middle Eastern crisis in Israel and Palestine, the Ukraine Peace Conference and more. During the conversation, Ambassador Heckner didn't hesitate to share some highlights from his journey in India over the last four years He said, “The Free Trade Agreement was signed in March this year after years of negotiations, and that was the highlight of my four years. Last October, we launched the Indo-Swiss Innovation platform, where Indian and Swiss universities and businesses are coming together to do practical innovation for the world.” Ambassador Heckner added, “And the ambition is even bigger. We would like to establish an innovation institute in Bangalore, which would be the first time that the Swiss government would invest in such an institution.” As Ambassador Heckner prepares to say goodbye to India, he wants to extend his heartfelt thanks and best wishes to the Indian people. Swiss Business Hub India The Indian Express Florin Müller Jean-Baptiste Délèze Olivier Fink

We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome the newest member of the ‘Indo-Swiss Innovation Platform’, VIKI.AI! The scope of this collaboration will enable us to innovate in the fields of #sustainability and #digitaltransformation. Viki.Ai is a platform-based digital transformation company that works specifically in the #renewableenergy sector. Through their expertise, they tailor solutions to empower more Indian businesses to adopt #greenenergy solutions. Sabyasachi Biswas, CEO at Viki.Ai , was at the Swissnex office earlier this month to sign the MOU and commemorate the moment, along with our CEO and Consul General Jonas Brunschwig. The objective of the Indo-Swiss Innovation Platform is to expand the collaboration in #innovation and #research between Switzerland and India through strategically directed action. Viki.ai and Swissnex will collaborate under the aegis of the Platform, along with the Swiss Business Hub India, and the Embassy of Switzerland to India. 

The August edition of Anomaly featured a rendezvous with one of India’s most distinguished scientists, Dr. (Vijay) K VijayRaghavan. He has served as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and is a recipient of Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. But beyond the accolades, Dr. Vijayraghavan is a strong advocate for making scientific knowledge accessible to all.  This is just a brief snippet of our interview with him about how we can foster a love for science, innovation and critical thinking amongst students through reforms in our education system. The full interview features Dr. Vijayraghavan’s insights on a number of topics including the most impactful scientific achievements in India, as well as, his vision for shaping the future of science in the Indian context. Read the full interview - https://lnkd.in/gEGHuJuy Sign up for Anomaly - https://lnkd.in/gRM33F-q

🌇 What Role Does Digitalisation Play in India? Join Johanna Seiwald, a science communicator at ZHAW digital, on her journey to Bengaluru—a city with more inhabitants than the entire population of Switzerland. In this bustling metropolis, digital transformation enables communication, payments, e-governance, IT jobs, and much more. “Thanks to the ZHAW mobility programme, I met inspiring people through Swissnex and gained invaluable insights into local life over the course of a month,” says Johanna. Read about her experiences: https://lnkd.in/e_UWpKHi #DigitalTransformation #Digitalisation #India ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, Swissnex in India, Consulate General of Switzerland, Swissnex, Johanna Seiwald

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Swetha Suresh, PhD, Head of Innovation at Swissnex in India, Consulate General of Switzerland, to the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi Techceleration 2024. At Swissnex, Dr. Suresh plays a pivotal role in bridging Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem with India, fostering groundbreaking advancements in healthtech, sustainability, digitalization, and corporate innovation. With a rich background in setting up India’s first life-sciences umbrella organization and extensive experience in fund management and bilateral initiatives, Dr. Suresh brings a wealth of knowledge in innovation management and business development. Join us on August 29th, 2024, at Denissons Hotel, Hubballi, to gain insights from Dr. Suresh on driving impactful innovation across diverse sectors. Register now to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/gkgJtB3s To register as a delegate, visit https://lnkd.in/gkgJtB3s Interested in participating as a speaker, exhibitor, or partner? Please reach out to our teams  Suvin Narayan - [email protected] Kiran Kulkarni - [email protected] #Techceleration2024 #Innovation #Networking #Startups #Technology #DigitalEconomy #KarnatakaTech #IndustryLeaders #GlobalConnections Belagavi Technology Companies Association | BCIC Karnataka | Deshpande Startups | Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry| Friends Union For Energising Lives (FUEL) | Indian Institute of Information Technology Dharwad | Indian Institute of Technology, Dharwad, India | KARNATAKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY | KLE Technological University - Hubballi (India)| Mikro Grafeio (Beyond Workspaces) | STPI - Software Technology Parks of India | Semiconductor Fabless Accelerator Lab (SFAL) | TiE Hubli | KLS Institute of Management Education and Research | KLS Gogte Institute of Technology, Belagavi, Karnataka, India

While we may disagree on what counts as “standard time” 😛, there’s one thing the Swiss and Indians are united on. And that is our commitment to the spirit of independence, individuality and freedom. 🇮🇳🇨🇭 As we join our friends in India in celebrating their 78th Independence Day, we're reminded of the strong and growing bonds between our two nations. Especially in the light of the milestone Free Trade Partnership Agreement negotiated between our countries this year. At Swissnex, we are lucky to play a key role in furthering collaboration and mutual growth through exchanges of culture, education and technology. We’re excited to see where the spirit of Indo-Swiss innovation and friendship will take us in the years to come!

In our monthly newsletter 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐲, we feature some amazing startups, organisations or research initiatives. And in the section 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞?, we discuss how they got their names and what it means to them. In Vol. 12 of Anomaly on Science x Society, we hear from 𝐂𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 about how the humble cactus represents their key values. Being in the #ScienceCommunication space, the founders Abhishek Goel (He/Him) and Anurag Goel chose the cactus because they believe it mirrors the company’s ethos of providing incessant support and nurturing success in the scientific research ecosystem. Trust us, their story is worth the read. So make sure to check out the latest edition of Anomaly here: https://lnkd.in/gEGHuJuy And sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gRM33F-q

Let us remember that a free and independent media is not just a pillar of democracy, but a vital tool for ensuring that the voices of the people are heard, that injustices are exposed, and that the truth prevails. Switzerland's dedication to promoting free and independent media is rooted in its strong belief that a free press is vital for transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights. This commitment is evident in several key areas: 1. Advocacy and Diplomacy: Switzerland actively participates in international forums and organizations, advocating for the protection of journalists and the promotion of press freedom. Through its involvement in bodies such as the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Switzerland consistently underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights of journalists and media workers worldwide. 2. Support for Journalistic Initiatives: Switzerland provides financial and logistical support to various initiatives aimed at strengthening independent journalism. This includes funding for media development programs, training for journalists, and support for investigative journalism projects. By empowering journalists with the tools and resources they need, Switzerland helps to ensure that the media can operate free from undue influence and censorship. 3. Legal Framework and Protection: Within its borders, Switzerland upholds a robust legal framework that protects freedom of expression and the press. The Swiss constitution guarantees these freedoms, and the country has implemented laws and regulations that create a safe environment for journalists to work. Moreover, Switzerland offers asylum to journalists who face persecution in their home countries, providing them with a safe haven where they can continue their important work. 4. Promotion of Digital Freedom: In an increasingly digital world, Switzerland recognizes the importance of protecting freedom of expression online. The country supports initiatives aimed at combating digital censorship, ensuring online privacy, and promoting open access to information. By addressing the challenges posed by the digital age, Switzerland helps to create an environment where free and independent media can thrive both offline and online. 5. Collaborations and Partnerships: Switzerland collaborates with various non-governmental organizations, media watchdogs, and international partners to monitor and report on press freedom violations. Through these partnerships, Switzerland contributes to a global network of advocates working to hold governments and other actors accountable for actions that undermine media freedom. In promoting free and independent media, Switzerland exemplifies the principles of transparency, accountability, and human rights that are essential for a just and democratic society.

🌍 Exciting news from Bangalore! Earlier this week, the Deputy Consul General Patrick Mueller visited Christ University, Bangalore to deliver the keynote address at their Media Model United Nations 2024.  Instilling a sense of political leadership among our youth is vital for global progress, and events like MUN are a perfect platform for inspiring the leaders of tomorrow. Patrick spoke to them about the importance of improving media literacy to foster critical thinking and international cooperation.🌟 A big thank you to Christ University for hosting us! Let's continue to support the change-makers the world needs.