K-Works:
Entrepreneurs in
Swiss Security & Defense

With two hot wars on Europe’s doorstep and America questioning its resolve to underwrite Europe’s freedom, Europe is rethinking its defense posture. Ukraine has shown the importance of rapidly adopting emerging technologies for national defense. Switzerland has world-class technologies, yet unlike the US and Israel, Swiss startups largely avoid pursuing defense applications of their technologies. 

While DefenseTech Startups have become one of drivers of Silicon Valley’s growth, the Swiss eco-system is a rough place for security startups. K-Works offers an opportunity for the small community of entrepreneurs interested in security/defense applications to network and identify opportunities. By comparing notes on the challenges – a tiny home market, low cultural acceptance, export restrictions governed by neutrality politics, and an absence of investors specialized in Business2Government ventures – we can work together to shape and improve our future environment


Rico Chandra, Founder Arktis Radiation Detectors & Tugboat LLC
Armando Geller, Managing Partner Scensei
Stephan Hirth, SVP, Head of Business Area Innovation RUAG AG
Matthias Zoller, GS SWISS ASD and VRP K&J Schmittschneider AG


An event under the patronage of SWISS ASD - The Aeronautics, Security and Defense Sector of Swissmem