Connecting Switzerland, North America and the world in science, education, innovation and the arts.
Our Vision
International Collaboration
Swissnex is an initiative of the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation and is part of Switzerland’s network abroad managed by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
Our vision at Swissnex in San Francisco is to connect tomorrow by empowering the next generation of innovators to collaborate and create futures in which the planet and society thrive. We present a variety of programs in collaboration with Swiss partners for the next-gen innovators from Switzerland. The program participants consist of entrepreneurs, students and researchers, artists and designers, policy-makers, and corporate innovators, and are empowered by Swissnex in San Francisco's network of experts in the USA spanning various industries.
Photograph: Myleen Hollero
Our Team
Part of a world-wide network, Swissnex in San Francisco is Switzerland’s innovation outpost in the Bay Area. We are a dynamic, international team connecting the dots in education, research, innovation, and the arts.
Photo: Leyla Ismen
CEO
Emilia Pasquier
Photo: Leyla Ismen
Deputy CEO & Head of Programs
Corine Thommen
Head of Finance & Operations
Caitlin Miller
Photo: Leyla Ismen
Ad Interim Head of Programs
Sharon Ambrosio
Photo: Leyla Ismen
Head of Communications
Sophie Bohnen
Photo: Leyla Ismen
Creative Industry Program Manager
Alicia Rieckhoff
Programs & Events Associate
Amara Cespedes
"The Chameleon"
Will listen to every niche interest of yours like a sponge and then make it her hyper fixation for the next week.
Our Programs & Events Associate, Amara, works with our different programs in academia, creative industries, and startups to connect Swissnex’ various stakeholders across Switzerland and the US. Through event planning and execution, she strives to create a collaborative space in order to make these connections as meaningful as possible.
Before joining Swissnex, she completed her BA in Economics at the University of St.Gallen (HSG). She spent one semester of her studies at USC in LA and has had an “on-off”-relationship with the US ever since.
Facilities & Office Manager
Dana Piercy
"The Hiker"
Always ready to plan the next themed office party.
As the Facilities & Office Manager, Dana ensures that everyone who comes through our office has an excellent experience at Pier 17. She welcomes you not only in English or German but also always with her bright smile and happy attitude. Dana graduated with a Dual Degree in International Business from Northeastern University in Boston and Reutlingen University in Germany. Before starting at Swissnex, she spent six months on the Pacific Crest Trail, hiking from Mexico to Canada.
Our office space — named one of the “coolest workplaces on the planet” by Microsoft News — includes a working area that we share with Swiss academics, scientists, startups, designers, and innovation-driven companies, as well as a public event space and gallery.
Our Hubs
Our Hubs
Swissnex is the Swiss global network connecting Switzerland and the world in science, education, and innovation. Our five locations and outposts established in the world’s most innovative hubs support the outreach and active engagement of our partners in the international exchange of knowledge, ideas and talent.
Boston and New York
Swissnex in Boston and New York, established in 2000, is located at our original Cambridge location in Greater Boston and our Dumbo Brooklyn office in New York City.
Founded in 2014, Swissnex in Brazil connects Switzerland, Brazil and the world in education, research and innovation. We have offices in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, two thriving and dynamic cities.
Founded in 2008, Swissnex in China is located in Shanghai, working closely with the Embassy of Switzerland in China and Consulates-General in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Established in 2010, Swissnex India is located in the heart of Bangalore city, a thriving metropolis and the leading hub of academia and innovation in India.
