Swiss - Korean Innovation week

The Swiss-Korean Innovation Week (SKIW) is a platform aiming to facilitate bilateral cooperation in science & technology between Switzerland and Korea, taking place on a yearly base. In 2026 the focus was on "Unlocking Space - Ideas in Orbit". A wide variety of events took place, including opening reception, symposium, seminars and storytelling night.

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SKIW 2026

Unlocking Space - Ideas in Orbit

Space exploration expands our understanding of the universe while inspiring innovations that shape life on Earth. At the crossroads of science, engineering, and human curiosity, it opens new possibilities for discovery, sustainable development, and international collaboration—from planetary research and precision technologies to space biology and Earth observation.

During this Innovation Week, we explored the expanding frontiers of space and their relevance to our everyday lives. Through scientific exchanges, thematic workshops, panel discussions, and cultural activities, we delved into astrophysics, space missions, technological innovation, and human adaptation to extreme environments. We also addressed space governance and sustainability, bringing Swiss and Korean perspectives together to explore a shared future in orbit and on Earth.

June 9-14. 2026

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SKIW 2025

Human Augmentation

Human Augmentation, at the crossroads of biotechnology, AI, and robotics, seeks to enhance human abilities through transformative technologies. While innovations like glasses and prosthetics have long extended human capabilities, the field now encompasses advanced neuroprosthetics, AI-driven enhancements, and wearable tech.

During this Innovation Week we delved into groundbreaking advancements in human augmentation. Through engaging workshops, insightful panel discussions, and hands-on activities, we explored the latest in biomedical and cognitive enhancement, healthspan extension, and beyond. We also addressed the ethical considerations and cultural dimensions of these technologies, offering a comprehensive perspective on their impact

May 19-23. 2025

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SKIW 2024

The Trust Equation

In our digital age, trust is pivotal. It fuels economic transactions, safeguards privacy, and fosters collaboration and innovation online. Digital trust is the cornerstone of a secure and inclusive digital society, essential for driving progress and prosperity in an interconnected world.

In 2024, we delved into the multifaceted aspects of digital trust. Through engaging workshops, insightful panel discussions, and hands-on activities, explored topics such as digital self-determination, cybersecurity, data privacy, automated decision making and ethical practices and empower stakeholders to navigate the complexities of digital interactions

May 20-24. 2024

SKIW 2023

Enabling Innovation

Innovation is a driver of economic growth. Improvements of living standards and economic activity can be traced back to innovation waves - or what experts call "Industrial Revolutions". Technological breakthroughs disrupted entire industries and businesses. The world is currently experiencing the "4th Industrial Revolution" with the rapid spread of digitization, quantum computing, AI, bio and nano-technologies, advanced materials, bioinformatics and other breakthrough technologies. As countries seek to reap the benefits of innovation, we are seeing unprecedented interest and investment for innovation, both from the public and the private sector.

May 11-23. 2023

SKIW 2022

Diversity for Innovation

An old Korean proverb - 우물 안의 개구리 or "frog in a well" - is used to describe someone who walks through life with their head in the sand when it comes to all the diversity present in the world around them. The SKIW 2022 aims to establish a dialogue about the current status and identify some instruments to "rise out of the well" and create a more diverse, inclusive and innovative society.

June 7-10. 2022

SKIW 2021

Green Transition

With the rising alerts of the environmental threats and calls for joint actions around the globe, efforts have been made to build a more eco-friendly environment of the future. However, the efficiency and effectiveness of the actions are questionable. Are they suitable for sustainable living in the long-term?

June 1-4, 2021

SKIW 2020

Circular Economy

The transformation journey to a circular economy drives across different steps of the value chain. Cooperation between reseach institutions and companies is fundamental to boost circularity. Particular attention is growing towards sustainable materials and engineering, aiming to retain resources instead than managing waste, addressing problems at their source to respond to current and actual challenges.

June 2-5, 2020

SKIW 2019

Smart Technologies and Society

Under the 4th Industrial Revolution, R&D is promoted as innovation growth engine. The key for continuous value creation is to find innovative solutions to social issues by the convergence of existing technologies. Experts from Switzerland and Korea active in academic and industrial worlds share visions and examples for "smart living" through the convergence of technologies in services, which make our cities more sustainable.

May 20-24, 2019

SKIW 2018

Medical Technologies and Precision Medicine

Bringing together professors, medical doctors and entrepreneurs from both countries to discuss about innovation in medical technologies and precision medicine and kick off the Swiss-Korean Life Science Initiative.

February 5-9, 2018

SKIW

The Innovation week takes place once a year and revolves around a theme of interest for Switzerland and Korea

Symposium

Enhance a dialogue between scientific community, young entrepreneurs and large companies to tackle common challenges and highlight opportunities for latest developments in research.
Photo credit: STO Seoul

Startup Workshop

Pitching and speed mentoring sessions by experts belonging to the most active accelerators/hubs in Korea. Opportunity to learn about market entry, R&D strategic partnerships and to get perspectives from investors.
Scientist Workshop

Aiming to bring together players from research and industry. Engaging in a dialogue oriented to analyze current status of research, identify concrete challenges for industrial application and identify opportunities for cooperation.
Student Workshop

Using Design-Thinking to stimulate creative problem-solving
Networking dinners, 1:1 meetings

Invited participants benefit of a free of charge service from STO regarding the organization of 1:1 meetings alone the week with Korean stakeholders of their interests (universities, organizations, companies, etc). Meetings are discussed, planned and organized in advance.
Site visits