A summary of the 2nd Swiss Alliance for Data-Intensive Services Match-Making Event

The FHNW School of Applied Psychology hosted the 2nd Swiss Alliance for Data-Intensive Services Match-Making Event on October 2, 2019 with 39 participants from 30 organisations. The ratio between academics and participants from industry was about 50/50, however we have to admit that the large companies were not represented enough.

After the successful outcome of last year’s matchmaking event, we repeated the format by adding a new feature, “speed-dating”, into the program. 

We first had 3 minutes elevator pitches by 16 members that presented their project ideas and expertise mostly using a single slide. Presenters shared their expertise and ideas.The pitches showed how broad the topic of data science is. We covered for example data visualization, data logistics with heterogeneous data sources, information extraction from textual data, quality assurance on data and software, predictive maintenance, geographical data and data-driven risk assessment.

After the pitching, we went over to the speed-dating part where the participants who presented their ideas previously had their own cocktail table and their ideas were discussed in small groups. Of course we ended the event with some more networking, coffee and some sweets. 

The participants agreed that the event was helpful to generate leads and about half of them said that they will follow-up on something within the next days. We’re already thinking about the next event with this format and would love to hear from you about any improvements or suggestions and also if you want to participate or host it at your premises.

See you next time!