January 2023 - Swiss Blockchain Federation

The Canton of Neuchâtel, a major player in the Swiss blockchain industry, became a member of the Swiss Blockchain Federation on January 1, 2023. By joining forces, Switzerland is to be further strengthened as an internationally recognized blockchain location.

The Canton of Neuchâtel has built its own blockchain ecosystem around industrial applications in recent years. It now includes more than 55 companies that work closely with business players and universities. Now, this pioneering commitment is to be rolled out across Switzerland and the world. An important milestone on this path is the membership and collaboration with the established and internationally renowned Swiss Blockchain Federation.

“Neuchâtel’s accession strengthens the canton on the Swiss map of blockchain technology. This is a recognition of the Neuchâtel community’s continuous commitment to the development of this innovation-enhancing field,” says Alain Ribaux, State Councillor and Head of the Department of Economy, Security and Culture. “The Swiss Blockchain Federation acts as a catalyst between the different Swiss regions. We look forward to the synergies found through this organization.”

The Swiss Blockchain Federation has been growing steadily since its launch in 2018 and is successfully promoting Switzerland as an attractive blockchain location thanks to its now 80 members from diverse industries. The Canton of Neuchâtel strengthens the Swiss Blockchain Federation with its recognized expertise in blockchain, digital currencies, tokens and ICOs. In addition to Neuchâtel, the cantons of Ticino, Zug and Zurich are already members of the Swiss Blockchain Federation.

“We are happy to be able to benefit from the experience and successes of the Canton of Neuchâtel and together strengthen Switzerland as a blockchain location and lead it into a prosperous future. The conditions in the individual ecosystems and cantons are already good. Now we need to make them even more visible and network them with each other,” said Heinz Tännler, President of the Swiss Blockchain Federation. “Experience shows that cantons that have bet on blockchain early on become an attractive location for emerging companies, generate value and enjoy a lot of esteem in the international blockchain scene.”

At this year’s World Economic Forum, the Swiss Blockchain Federation’s global promotion initiative, Home of Blockchain.swiss, is hosting two exclusive events at the House of Switzerland. Participants can look forward to high-profile and cutting-edge panel discussions.

On Wednesday, 18 January 2023 the panel will highlight which blockchain projects central banks, particularly the Swiss National Bank, are currently working on and explore the latest developments in the digitization of financial assets:

The digitization of assets from equity to private market and bonds
Swiss pilot projects from CBDCs, stablecoins to the digitization of bonds
The tokenization of fiat currencies in the form of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC)
Cross-border payments and the role of commercial banks in the future
Blockchain innovation initiatives of Swiss exchange

On Thursday, 19 January 2023, the “Blockchain for Good” event will discuss how blockchain technology can make the world a better place. Using specific examples, we want to showcase how blockchain technology can help improve living conditions: in the reconstruction of the destroyed infrastructure in Ukraine, providing humanitarian aid and fundraising opportunities by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and in giving access for the three billion people who have no access to the traditional financial system, the so-called “unbanked”. At the same time, the challenges will be discussed alongside the opportunities: How will the population take up the new, decentralized technology? What about trust, identity and the protection of privacy?

For more information and how to register for these events, click here.

Canton Neuchatel joins the Swiss Blockchain Federation

Home of Blockchain at WEF 2023