The first years felt a bit like flying a rocket to the moon while building it. We were simultaneously searching for a location, recruiting a team, and establishing administrative structures, while engaging stakeholders and trying to understand where Switzerland could add the most value in Japan’s highly sophisticated innovation landscape. What struck me most was the openness of the Kansai region. Whether it was universities, innovation hubs, or local governments and fellow diplomats, there was genuine curiosity about what a “Science Consulate” could become. Looking back, Swissnex in Japan’s announcement with Swiss President Guy Parmelin in 2021 and the groundbreaking ceremony with Swiss President Ignazio Cassis in 2022 was an important milestone. But perhaps the most memorable moments were the small ones: the first university visit, the first startup pitch, the first exhibition, the first event when people started saying “Swissnex is becoming part of the ecosystem.” That was when the vision started turning into reality.

I would say first the grand opening of Swissnex in Japan in 2023. Building a brand-new Swissnex location from scratch is a rare opportunity. Over five years, we transformed an idea into a vibrant platform connecting Switzerland and Japan across education, research, and innovation. What makes me particularly proud is not the physical office itself, but the community that formed around it. Today, Swissnex is recognized as a trusted partner and bridge-builder in Kansai and beyond.

The second would be Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai. Expo was so much more than a six-month event. It was a true catalyst for long-term collaboration. We had the privilege of hosting numerous high-level delegations, connecting Swiss startups and researchers with Japanese partners, and contributing to Switzerland’s visibility at one of the world’s largest gatherings of the decade. The legacy of Expo will continue through the collaborations that were born from it.

Third, the back-to-back wins at SusHi Tech Tokyo, Asia’s leading startup conference. For two consecutive years, Switzerland received the Most Innovative Pavilion Award, standing out among more than 50 international pavilions.

My hope is that Swissnex in Japan continues to think boldly and serve as a trusted bridge between Switzerland and Japan. The foundations are now in place. The next chapter should focus on deepening impact, particularly in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, the future of health, sustainability, the energy transition, and science diplomacy. I also hope Swissnex continues to champion Kansai on the international stage. Expo 2025 demonstrated to the world what this region is capable of. Most importantly, I hope Swissnex remains curious, interdisciplinary, and optimistic. The world needs places where people from different backgrounds can come together to imagine and build better futures. Swissnex is one of those places.

The people. What made these five years truly special was not the buildings, the events, or even Expo—it was the people behind them. The colleagues who turned ambitious ideas into reality. The university leaders who opened doors. The entrepreneurs willing to take risks. The fellow diplomats, artists, scientists, students, and friends who believed in the power of international collaboration. I will also miss the unique energy of Kansai. There is a warmth, openness, and entrepreneurial spirit here that makes things happen. Relationships often begin with curiosity and grow into genuine friendships.

And finally, I will miss the feeling that every day brought a new conversation, a new perspective, or a new possibility. That is the magic of Swissnex: standing at the intersection of people and ideas. It has been a privilege to be part of that journey.

After 25 years abroad, I will return to my roots in Switzerland. In many ways, I am coming full circle, bringing home the global perspective I have gained over the years. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you find yourself in Switzerland. It would be a pleasure to reconnect, and I would be delighted to welcome you there.