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
• 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 by July 31st here.

Speakers & Panelists

Will be announced soon.

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.