Tour suggestion by Katja Christ

Innovation, digitalisation, and future technologies will shape the Switzerland of tomorrow. As a member of the National Council, I am committed to focusing on these critical fields because they ensure our global competitiveness, create jobs, and safeguard our infrastructure. The advancement of artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and cybersecurity are especially key – because these developments influence our economy, administration, and society.

My Industrienacht route will therefore take me to three locations in Arlesheim which bring together these themes, before heading back to the city for some culinary delights.

My first stop will be Axians. Cyber security is essential for communities, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Axians will offer exciting insights into a security operations centre: Where do attacks happen? How are they identified and defended against? I will find out firsthand what it takes to fend off digital attacks and dive into the darknet, where data and identities are traded. Axians will also showcase the diverse professions within the IT sector. Especially in everyday political life, I am aware that well-trained IT specialists are the key to the digital future.

Moving onto QuantumBasel: Quantum computing and artificial intelligence can transform industries. QuantumBasel, Switzerland’s first commercial quantum skills centre, will give you access to this cutting-edge technology. The use of AI has meant that solutions within the pharmaceuticals, logistics, and finance sectors are emerging that are hard for us to imagine. As a politician, I need to understand these developments since they influence our innovation and Switzerland’s status as a research base.

Industry 4.0 becomes a reality at uptownBasel, which combines production, digitalisation, robotics, and IoT to create an innovation hub. Businesses, start-ups, and research institutions work together for the future of the industry. I am particularly impressed by the integration of technology with practical applications. This is the place to see digital transformation and industrial excellence come together.

After exploring so much cutting-edge technology in Arlesheim, we can’t miss out on the artisanal craftsmanship. I’ll make my own beer at Volta Bräu in St. Johann. Amid brewing kettles and the smell of hops, I’ll see the art of brewing combined with an urban flair. The perfect end to a day packed full of innovation – and a toast to the future!