Under the theme “From Heidi to High-Tech”, the Swiss Pavilion showcased how Switzerland connects tradition, sustainability, and innovation. Swissnex in Japan played a central role, connecting Swiss and Japanese researchers, startups, and artists, and fostering collaboration around the Expo’s overarching theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

The timing of Expo 2025 coincided with an extraordinary moment for the Kansai region, which celebrated two Nobel Prizes, in Medicine and Chemistry, underscoring Japan’s continued leadership in scientific discovery.

The Swiss Pavilion’s architecture, ultra-light, interconnected spheres, reflected Switzerland’s commitment to sustainable and innovative design. The programme explored three thematic chapters: Augmented Human, Life, and Planet.

From the opening Augmented Human chapter in April to the closing Planet chapter in October, Swissnex hosted more than 30 events and exhibitions, from pitch nights and art–science showcases to panel discussions tackling global challenges and numerous delegations.

Highlights included:

• Swiss-Japan Energy Days 2025: A two-day conference convening leading experts, researchers, startups, and policymakers from both countries to explore innovations in energy transition, decarbonization, and climate resilience, including contributions from ETH Zurich, EPFL, and Japanese industry leaders.
• Medicine of Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow: An interdisciplinary symposium that reflected on health crises past and future, comparing Swiss and Japanese approaches to resilience, ethics, and medical innovation. The event explored how digital platforms and historical insights can inform the healthcare systems of tomorrow.
• Future of Air Traffic: A symposium featuring experts from the University of Tokyo, JAXA, and Swiss research institutions, focusing on next-generation air mobility, automation, and human-centered design. The event included a “Highway in the Sky” simulation and discussions on sustainable air transport.
• Friendship with AI: A cross-disciplinary workshop exploring the possibility of “friendship” between humans and artificial intelligence. With participation from ZHAW, Keio University, and GROOVE X, the event blended robotics, philosophy, and art, highlighting how emotional technologies could transform human–machine relationships.

Swissnex extended its presence beyond the Swiss Pavilion, collaborating with Presence Switzerland, the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, universities, and private partners to strengthen Swiss–Japanese exchange. During a scientific mission to Japan, State Secretary Hirayama visited the Expo and delivered remarks at an event hosted by the Governor of Osaka at Nakanoshima Qross.

Additional Highlights:

• Swiss Alumni Sakura: This special edition gathered over 150 Swiss university alumni from across Japan to celebrate the launch of the Expo and renew professional ties between the Swiss and Japanese communities.
• Augmented Farming: Exploring the future of agriculture and food security, this event brought together innovators from both countries to discuss AI, robotics, and sustainability in farming. It also marked the 10th anniversary of the friendship agreement between Nara Prefecture and the Canton of Bern.
• SusHi Tech Tokyo: Swiss deeptech startups joined the Tokyo innovation showcase, connecting with Japanese investors and partners through Swissnex’s facilitation.
• Reimagining Traditional Crafts: Artists and technologists from Switzerland and Japan explored how cultural heritage can be reinterpreted through digital technology, featuring work by Takafumi Matsunaga and the Swiss duo Get It Studio.
• Connected Human: An exhibition presenting cutting-edge Swiss research on the interface between bodies, minds, and machines. Projects from EPFL and partner startups demonstrated advances in neurotechnology, prosthetics, and soft bioelectronics.
• Swiss Horizons Beyond Earth: A space-science themed exhibition highlighting Switzerland’s contribution to international missions with ESA and JAXA, showcasing the country’s innovation in satellite systems and planetary research.
• Converging Waters: A transdisciplinary exchange where artists and scientists from Switzerland and Japan explored the symbolism and science of water in the context of climate change and ecology.

Expo 2025 illustrated Swissnex’s mission: connecting Switzerland and the world through science, education, and innovation. As Dr. Felix Moesner, CEO of Swissnex in Japan, said:

Expo 2025 was more than a showcase — it was a living laboratory of collaboration. The encounters and projects initiated here will continue to grow well beyond.

Swissnex in Japan will continue nurturing the partnerships, ideas, and collaborations sparked in Osaka, ensuring that Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem remains strongly linked with Japan.