They had travelled from afar, from Chur. Yet the last few meters up to the stage felt long; they had taken their seats all the way in the back. Or were they perhaps so astonished when their company was announced as the winner of the Digital Economy Award that they first needed a moment to collect themselves? In any case, after a pause, the representatives of Into Technologies, which specializes in IT infrastructures and cloud solutions, did walk onto the stage — beaming.

The Digital Economy Awards are the Oscars of the IT sector: the most prestigious distinction. They honor domestic innovation and exceptional commitment.

On Thursday evening, during the grand gala night at Zurich’s Hallenstadion, this year’s winners were chosen.

Outstanding Commitment 

If one were to take the number of awards as a benchmark for the competitiveness or innovative strength of the Swiss financial sector, this year’s picture would not have been flattering. Banks, insurers, asset managers, and wealth managers all went home empty-handed. Only Suva managed to reach the final with its training programme, but ended up without an award. Last year UBS had still been honored for its commitment to IT talent development.

Technical excellence is not determined by short-term success; it is a continuous task. Persistence pays off. Alina Matyukhina, Head of Cybersecurity at Siemens in Zug, is the best example. For years, she has distinguished herself through her commitment to cybersecurity. She not only makes Switzerland safer, as noted in the laudation, but in her own way also cooler.

Alina Matyukhina, Head of Cybersecurity at Siemens. (Image: Dominik Buholzer)

On Thursday evening, she was honored in the vast arena of the Hallenstadion, where won in the category «The Pascal», which recognizes individuals for their extraordinary commitment. Alina Matyukhina still has ambitious plans: she wants to make Switzerland a centre for cybersecurity.

This would certainly meet with approval and support from banks and insurers, since safety and trust are among the most important parameters in the financial industry.

Opportunity Greater than Risks

According to Federal Councillor Albert Rösti, who attended the event, trust must also be established in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Skepticism or rejection of AI is widespread, he repeatedly observes. He does not deny that this technology also has a downside, but the Federal Councillor is convinced: «The opportunities of AI far outweigh the risks,» he says. Persuasion is therefore needed.

Federal Councillor Albert Rösti during his address at the Digital Economy Award on Thursday. (Image: Dominik Buholzer) 

The list of this year's winners:

ICT Education and Training: 

• 1-20 ICT employees: Into Technologies, Chur
• 21-100 ICT employees: Leuchter IT Solutions, Luzern 
• More than 100 ICT employees: Bühler, Uzwil

Digital Exzellenz Commercial: ISS Schweiz with Akenza

Digital Exzellenz GOV/NPO: Office for Economic Affairs, Canton of Zurich 

Nextgen Hero Female: Nathalia Kern

Nextgen Hero Male: Simon Weigold

Next Global Hot Thing: Mimic Robotic 

The Pascal: Alina Matyuhina