Switzerland-Estonia Cyber-Century

Two innovative nations, one shared goal: shaping a secure and sustainable digital future. To celebrate 100 years of trade relations between Switzerland and Estonia, decision-makers, thought leaders and companies from both countries are coming together for a high-level discussion about cybersecurity, digital innovation and international collaboration.

100 Years of Swiss-Estonian (Cyber) Cooperation

A day full of innovation and cross-border collaboration: To celebrate 100 years of Swiss–Estonian trade relations, digital thought leaders from Switzerland and Estonia are coming together to jointly shape the future of cybersecurity, digital innovation, and talent development.

In collaboration with the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, digitalswitzerland, the Office for Labor of the Canton of Zurich, ICT Estonia, and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland, we have created an exciting program for you. In addition to a stimulating panel discussion, you can look forward to various short presentations by Estonian companies, followed by targeted matchmaking sessions.

To round off the day, the Digital Economy Award will take place at Zurich Hallenstadion. This prestigious award night offers a valuable opportunity to grow your professional network and forge new partnerships. (Please note: A separate ticket is required to attend the gala evening)

Where & when

13 November 2025, from 11:00 AM
Conference Center, Zurich Hallenstadion

Tickets are limited.

Program

11:15 AM Welcome & sandwich lunch

12:30 PM Opening & introduction

Estonian Delegation, digitalswitzerland, Office for Labour Canton of Zurich, ICT Estonia and swissICT

12:50 PM High-profile panel discussion with Mihkel Tikk, Ralf Schneider and Presenter Lukas Mäder

Strategic Cyber Resilience: Aligning Industry and National Defense
In an era of hybrid threats, ensuring Europe’s digital security and strategic autonomy is of the utmost importance. The discussion addresses the urgent need to strengthen the continent’s cyber defense capabilities by examining the critical intersection between private industry and national security. We will explore how companies must adapt to counter emerging threats and align with strategic priorities for a stronger, more independent European defense.

13:30 PM Pitch presentations by Estonian Companies

14:00 PM Matchmaking sessions

15:30 PM Networking & Apéro

17:30 PM Digital Economy Award 2025

Register now

Contributors

Mihkel Tikk
Deputy Commander, Cyber Command, Estonian Defence Forces

Mihkel Tikk leads cyber and ICT operations and capability development within the Estonian Defence Forces. Previously, he coordinated cyber and defence policy as well as information security management across the Ministry of Defence. He represented Estonia in NATO and EU committees and at the NATO Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. Earlier, he was responsible for Estonia’s State Portal, which was recognised by the EU Commission as the best of Europe. Tikk is also co-founder of Estonia’s Cyber Defence League.

Ralf Schneider
Head Cybersecurity- und NextGenIT Think Tank, Allianz

Ralf Schneider is Head of the Cybersecurity and NextGenIT Think Tank at Allianz. In this role, he advises the Group’s executive board on future IT and security strategies. Previously, he served for over 13 years as Group CIO of Allianz, where he shaped key digitalization and security initiatives. He holds a PhD in computer science and is active in several national cybersecurity organizations, including DCSO, the Digital Society Institute, and the cybersecurity platform CSSA. As a senator of the National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech), he also contributes his expertise to academic and scientific bodies.

Lukas Mäder (Presenter)
Editor for technology & geopolitics, NZZ

Lukas Mäder is an editor for technology & geopolitics at the NZZ and focuses on the topics of cyber security, technology in war and influence operations. Mäder was born in St. Gallen in 1978 and studied Eastern European History, German Studies and Computer Science at the University of Zurich. From 2007, he worked for various media outlets as a political editor and parliamentary correspondent, always reporting on digital topics as well. From 2013, he worked for Radio SRF as an editor and producer of news programmes. From 2017 he worked for the NZZ in the Federal Parliament and as domestic editor, in November 2020 moved to the Science and Technology department as editor specialising in cyber security. Lukas Mäder joined the NZZ Pro team in October 2024. (Source: NZZ)

The Estonian Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland serves as a vital bridge between Estonian and Swiss businesses, fostering bilateral trade, investment, and innovation. It provides a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships, supporting Estonian companies in entering the Swiss market and vice versa. The Chamber actively promotes Estonia’s digital strengths and entrepreneurial spirit while facilitating cross-border collaboration across the sectors.

As the umbrella organisation for digitalisation in Switzerland, digitalswitzerland unites business, academia, civil society and public authorities to lay the foundations for responsible digital transformation, harnessing its opportunities while identifying and addressing potential risks. In close collaboration with its members, digitalswitzerland drives forward digital initiatives, fosters cross-sector cooperation, and promotes dialogue between the private sector, academia and the public sphere.

ICT Estonia is the leading voice of Estonia’s digital sector, uniting companies and organizations across the ICT industry. Its mission is to foster innovation, support the development of a competitive digital economy, and promote Estonia as a global leader in digital transformation. ICT Estonia drives collaboration between businesses, academia, and government, with a strong focus on internationalization, digital skills development, and the creation of smart, scalable e-solutions. Key areas of expertise include e-Governance, intelligent transport systems, cyber and industry digitalization.

The Office for Labour of the Canton of Zurich plays a key role in shaping the regional labor market by supporting workforce development and employment integration. Through targeted programs and partnerships, it promotes digital upskilling, vocational training, and talent mobility. The office collaborates with industry stakeholders to align labor market needs with future competencies, ensuring that Zurich remains a competitive and inclusive hub for digital and economic growth.