These were the Swiss Cyber Security Days 2026
Under the theme «Digital Sovereignty – The New Frontier,» the seventh Swiss Cyber Security Days took place in Bern on February 17 and 18, 2026. 2,800 attendees and over 100 exhibitors discussed digital sovereignty, cyber resilience, and independence from international tech corporations. Experts called for more courage in strategic decision-making.
On February 17 and 18, 2026, the BERNEXPO site became the focal point of a debate on security, freedom and self-determination in the digital space. The Swiss Cyber Security Days, the leading platform on the topic of cyber security, took place in Bern for the third time in a row and brought together national and international speakers. With 2,800 visitors and over 100 exhibitors, the event built on last year's success.
A highlight was the presentation by Florian Schütz, Director of the Federal Office for Cybersecurity (BACS), who categorized the current cybersecurity situation in Switzerland and put it in relation to the international environment.
Digital sovereignty affects everyone
The event focused on the question of who determines the rules of the game in the new digital world and thus influences geopolitical, economic and social developments. In his speech, Program Director Nicolas Mayencourt made it clear that digital sovereignty concerns everyone and that forward-looking and secure solutions must be developed together: "What unites us is a common goal: to make the cyber dimension secure, autonomous and sustainable. We need binding techno-social responsibility, supported by the state, the economy and the civilian population."
Nik Gugger, President of the SCSD, also addressed clear words to the attendees from politics and business in his opening speech: "Create reliable framework conditions and invest in digital sovereignty. Understand cyber resilience not as a cost factor, but as a competitive factor."
Europe must bundle technological strengths
The experts agreed on one point: Europe and Switzerland must strengthen their digital sovereignty and secure it in the long term. What this path should look like in concrete terms was the subject of lively and passionate discussion. One thing is clear: Europe's innovative strength must not be built exclusively on the value creation of non-European tech companies.
The strong dependence on a few large providers is particularly evident in the cloud sector, as Dr. Cristina Caffarra of the EuroStack Initiative Foundation explained. She is convinced that Europe has sufficient technological strengths - these must now be consistently bundled and used strategically.
Digital sovereignty is also being pursued in Switzerland, as Prof. Dr. Matthias Stürmer, Professor at Bern University of Applied Sciences and Head of the Institute for Public Sector Transformation, explained: "Switzerland is not on the sidetrack. There are great opportunities for digital sovereignty, but more courage is needed in strategic decisions."
Network for digital independence
The "SDS - Sovereign Digital Switzerland" network, an association of over 160 authorities and Swiss IT companies, was created to establish sustainable structures. The vision: to create a coordinated, efficient Swiss offering that offers viable alternatives to international hyperscalers and strengthens digital independence.
Successful event with practical formats
The organizer BERNEXPO can look back on two thoroughly successful days. 2,800 visitors attended around 100 presentations and discussions and took the opportunity to engage in intensive discussions. The two Best Practice Stages were also very popular and offered practical insights and concrete experience reports.
The newly created SME zone was aimed specifically at small and medium-sized enterprises: The focus was on success stories from everyday business life and a direct exchange with IT service providers. The workshops held by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in the SME Lounge also met with particularly great interest.
Over 100 exhibitors presented their offerings in the exhibition area, creating ideal conditions for personal dialog and new partnerships. Swiss cyber security provider ELCASecurity and Senthorus SOC also appreciated the interdisciplinary exchange: "This is where strategic decision-makers meet technical experts, enabling us to think holistically about security architectures, present concrete solutions, deepen partnerships and work together with the community on a resilient digital future for Switzerland," explains Christophe Gerber, General Manager, ELCASecurity.
The next edition of the Swiss Cyber Security Days will take place on February 23 and 24, 2027 in Bern.
