We all feel that the future, our future, is incredibly delicate, rich, and unpredictable. Swissnex is one of its most relevant seismographs. Beyond the trends and dynamics at play, Swissnex understands and knows who are the people and networks that are contributing and will contribute to influencing this future. In these troubled times, this is vital.

The challenges for our society have become so complex that only concerted efforts across disciplines, cultures, and locations will mobilize the required energy and creativity needed to find sustainable solutions. Swissnex not only embodies this transversality, it also successfully encourages others to act out of their comfort zone, to mix genres, and compare perspectives. Since fostering different perspectives and scholarly traditions is also a main aim of the University of Zurich, we are grateful for our strong and long-lasting cooperation with Swissnex.

Who would have thought that a vision I learned about in a Cambridge backyard 20 years ago would come to fruition so powerfully? A hub of innovation, exchange, and connection, where academics, entrepreneurs, artists, students, and leaders from politics, business, and civil society from Switzerland, the US, and around the world, come together to learn, debate, and innovate!

The founders of Swissnex realized 20 years ago that for Swiss science and technology to be heard and seen on American soil, new platforms for exchange and collaboration had to be established. Boston and the other Swissnex locations have kept their innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, proving to be invaluable partners for Swiss academia in connecting the dots.

Twenty years ago Swissnex in Boston was established as the world’s first scientific consulate, the realization of a bold idea to use "science diplomacy" to create a global network dedicated to the exchange of knowledge and ideas necessary for a changing world. This has been a mutually beneficial investment, and we look forward to Swissnex in Boston and New York continuing to be an integral member of the Commonwealth's diplomatic, innovation, and scientific communities.

Seedstars is a big advocate of the great team and mission behind Swissnex in Boston and New York, which was one of our first supporters worldwide. From Boston to Brazil, China and India, the powerful Swissnex network has acted as an incubator of Swiss talents globally, an activity which we believe has become even more relevant during these uncertain times!

Swissnex provided ICRC with a timely and strategic venue to engage world-class thinkers and experts, and convene conversations ranging from the impact of artificial intelligence to effect of conflict on humanitarian health response. We are appreciative of Swissnex in Boston and New York's continued energy to cultivate innovation and for inspiring all of us to think differently and creatively.

Over the past 20 years, Swissnex has embodied the best of Switzerland: open-mindedness, scientific excellence, and dialogue. We need more of that – especially in the coming 20 years!

Gebert Rüf Stiftung and Swissnex's collaboration goes back to the early days of both organizations. In 2000, we co-created and launched NETS, a groundbreaking training program for entrepreneurs coming out of Swiss universities. This was in fact the very first program for either of our organizations! Since then, our foundation has continuously benefited from the Swissnex network. As a thought leader and agenda setter, Swissnex identifies and makes sense of relevant trends and transformations. By making them available to Swiss education, research, and innovation, it contributes to maintaining Switzerland’s position as a world-leading innovation hotspot.

The complex challenges ahead of us will require the convergence of a wide range of actors from academia, politics, and the economy. The Swissnex model, which was largely made possible through the visionary philanthropy of Thierry Lombard, is a case in point for how these different worlds can work hand in hand towards a greater good: openness and prosperity through the global diffusion of science and technology!

To develop a prosperous and sustainable future, and to tackle the grand challenges facing our society, we need to bring the best minds and ideas together. For the last 20 years, the Swissnex network has worked towards this goal, connecting Switzerland with established as well as developing research and innovation hubs worldwide. Openness and exchange is vital for Swiss science and the Swiss economy. For it is from today's research and innovation that tomorrow's competitiveness will arise.