Dare to Shape Tech

Who gets to shape the future of technology?

Many highly skilled tech professionals with a migration or refugee background bring valuable expertise, international experience, and fresh perspectives to Switzerland. Yet too often, they face barriers such as limited local networks, unfamiliar hiring practices, and a rapidly changing job market shaped by AI.

Dare to Shape Tech 2026 brings together migrant and refugee tech professionals, employers, mentors, and community organizations to explore how international talent can thrive—and help shape the future of technology in Zurich.

During the evening, we'll discuss career opportunities in the age of AI, building professional networks, the value of diverse perspectives in innovation, and how companies can better attract and support international talent.

We will also officially launch the Dare Two Mentorship Program, connecting experienced professionals with migrant and refugee tech talent to support long-term career growth and integration into Zurich's tech ecosystem.

This event is for you if...

• You have a migration background and work (or want to work) in tech in Switzerland.
• You want to build your professional network in Zurich.
• You are joining the Dare Two Mentorship Program as a mentor or mentee.
• You work in a tech company and want to better attract, support, and retain international talent.
• You believe that better technology is built by diverse teams with different perspectives.
• You care about making Zurich's innovation ecosystem more inclusive and future-ready.

This event is open to all genders and we encourage especially men and leaders in tech to attend and learn about the experiences of migrants in tech.

This event is organized by Hello 50:50 World in partnership with the Advisory Council for Foreigners of the City of Zurich (ABR).

Sponsored by Kantonales Integrationsprogramm (KIP), Integrationskredit Stadt Zurich, and Impact Hub Zurich. Thank you for the support!

Program

• 18:00 - Arrival / Doors open
• 18:30 - Welcome from Hello 50:50 World, ABR, and Impact Hub Zurich
• 18:45 - Programs Introduction (Capacity, Powercoders, Dare Two)
• 19:00 - Keynote: "Shaping the Future of Tech Together" by Dr. Ioana Cristea
• 19:15 - Panel Discussion
• 19:45 - Q&A with Panelists & Wrap Up
• 20:00 - Networking Apero & Launch of the Dare Two Mentorship Program
• 22:00 - End of the event

Mentoring program

The Kick-Off Event marks the beginning of Dare Two, a year-long mentoring program consisting of:

• 🤝 A 5 month mentorship program
• 🌱 Workshops & networking throughout the program
• 🎉 A closing Wrap-Up Event celebrating participants and sharing learnings

Learn more & sign up here. Spots are limited - first come, first serve.

Keynote

Dr. Ioana Cristea, Co-Founder, Stealth Startup | Talent & Future of Work

Ioana works at the intersection of technology, work, and organizations. Her career has taken her across countries and disciplines, from academic research and entrepreneurship to strategy consulting at McKinsey, with her work on global collaboration and the future of work published in Organization Science and featured in The New York Times, Business Insider, and BBC News. She is now bringing these perspectives together as a founder.

Panelists

Rea Selina Wenk, Chief Data Officer at CSS

Rea is a Data & AI leader with 15 years of experience driving transformation across businesses and government agencies. As Chief Data Officer at CSS, she focuses on data-driven innovation and AI-powered solutions. Beyond her executive roles, she is an active guest lecturer, speaker and mentor, passionate about sharing knowledge, developing talent and fostering the next generation of leaders in data and AI.

Diana Dällenbach, Co-Founder Edu.Nova School, Senior Advisor AI Education Edu.Nova Solutions

Diana is an entrepreneur and leadership and transformation expert with experience across international companies, the start-up world and education. As Co-Founder of Edu.Nova School and Senior Advisor AI Education at Edu.Nova Solutions she works at the intersection of education AI and organizational change helping educational organizations navigate AI transformation while keeping people at the center.

Immanuel Luhn, Data & AI Executive | Lecturer in AI Management | Writer on AI, Systems & Leadership

Immanuel is a bioinformatician turned Data & AI leader who has built his career across different countries, industries and professional environments, spanning consulting, corporate leadership and academia. His systems-thinking background and athlete mindset shape how he approaches change, with the courage to challenge conventional paths and a strong belief that different backgrounds and perspectives can become strengths.

Samata Bhutra, Group Head of AI Platforms, Zurich Insurance

Samata is a seasoned Data & AI leader passionate about using technology to drive innovation, transformation and meaningful business impact. As Group Head of AI Platforms at Zurich Insurance, she focuses on Generative AI and LLMs, building platforms and services and leading cross-functional teams to unlock the human-centric potential of data and AI.

Moderated by Marianne Charaf.

Price

The event ticket is 20 CHF / person for a single ticket. Attend the event with a 2 for 1 ticket (10 CHF / person) when you bring a guest with a different perspective (e.g., different gender, background, country of origin, etc.).

If you are accepted to our mentoring program Dare Two as a mentee or mentor, you will receive a free ticket for the event. Learn more about it and register here.

Please be aware that we will take pictures during the event which can be published on our website and social media channels and can be reused for marketing purposes at a later stage.