Meet the speakers at the 5th HSLU Data Space Forum

On 17 November 2026, HSLU and the WILSON project will bring together perspectives from research and industry to explore how Data Spaces are moving from concept to practice.

Taking place at HSLU T&A in Horw and online, from 14:00 to 18:00, the 5th HSLU Data Space Forum will address a central question: “One overarching Data Space for Switzerland, or many?”

The forum will explore how organisations can share and use data across boundaries while maintaining control. Six speakers will contribute practical experiences covering sector-specific data ecosystems, AI, decentralised information management and governance.

Meet the speakers

• Massimiliano Cannata, Professor of Geomatics and Head of Research at SUPSI, will present “Designing a Hydro-Climate Data Space: The HyCliDS Experience.” The presentation will explore the design of a hydro-climate data space supporting risk mitigation for extreme hydrometeorological events, sharing insights from stakeholder consultations, governance models and technical assessments.
• Dr. Milan Kumar will present “Catena-X: A Data Space in Operation,” bringing an automotive-sector perspective to the discussion through Catena-X and the role of Cofinity-X in its operation.
• Andreas Liebrich, whose research and teaching focus on digitalisation in tourism, will discuss “Design of a Tourism Data Ecosystem.” The presentation will examine why tourism information needs to be structured and AI-ready, with visitors’ needs at the centre.
• Stefan Metzger, Managing Director of Beyond Civic AG and former CDO of Lucerne, will present “Data Spaces to AI: Lessons Learned and Real-World Applications.” The talk will cover developments and challenges from ongoing initiatives, followed by a use case exploring how Data Spaces and AI could work together.
• Avinash Ramachandruni, a researcher contributing to the WILSON consortium at Eindhoven University of Technology, will present “The Role of Personalised Building Data Hubs (PDH) in Data Spaces for Smart Built Environment.” The presentation will explore federated access to fragmented building information and the benefits of decentralised information management.
• Shaun West, Professor of Product-Service System Innovation at HSLU, will address “Governance: Does It Really Matter?” Drawing on contrasting cases, including industrial digital twins and WILSON Data Spaces, the talk will examine how actors coordinate responsibilities, decisions and relationships to create value.

Alongside the presentations, participants can look forward to live demonstrations and discussions on data sovereignty, data ecosystems and the multiple use of data. A panel will explore the future Data Space landscape in Switzerland.

Event details
Date: 17 November 2026
Time: 14:00–18:00 CET
Location: HSLU T&A, Horw, and online
Organisers: HSLU and the WILSON project

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLETSK5THnsKPj3yTqlLhS4m-jQ8isdJXeC85TUeCQjEzDmQ/viewform?usp=send_form&pli=1&authuser=0