Seminar Abroad Part 1 - New York City

From the Big Apple to the Lone Star State: Innovation, Sustainability & Cultural Exchange on Our U.S. Journey

Our U.S. journey kicked off in none other than New York City—a global powerhouse of finance, culture, and innovation. As we head to Austin, Texas, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the eye-opening encounters, inspiring conversations, and cutting-edge developments we’ve experienced during our time in the Big Apple.

Business Meets Purpose at Celonis

Our week began at the top—literally and figuratively—on the 70th floor of One World Trade Center, home to Celonis, a trailblazer in Process Mining and AI. More than just a software company, Celonis is helping enterprises around the world visualize and improve their internal processes by leveraging real-time data.

What struck us most was their emphasis on sustainable business transformation. In a world where ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals are becoming central to long-term strategy, Celonis offers tools that not only enhance operational efficiency but also reduce environmental impact. It was fascinating to see how AI and automation can drive meaningful progress toward sustainability, while also creating tangible business value.

Diplomacy and Dialogue at the Swiss Consulate

Our next stop was the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York, where diplomacy intersected with innovation. We were welcomed with presentations by various NYC authorities and a Swiss representative to the United Nations. The discussions ranged from urban policy and international collaboration to multilateral diplomacy and sustainable development.

The session reminded us of the importance of bridging public and private sectors, and how Switzerland—a relatively small country—continues to punch above its weight on the global stage through thought leadership, neutrality, and innovation.

Academic Excellence at Columbia University

Tuesday brought us to Columbia University, one of the leading academic institutions in the world, where we engaged with researchers and faculty deeply involved in the field of Circular Economy. As climate change and resource scarcity demand new economic models, Columbia’s initiatives emphasize rethinking production and consumption cycles to design out waste and regenerate natural systems.

We learned about applied projects that connect science, policy, and industry—exactly the kind of cross-disciplinary collaboration needed to transition to a more sustainable future. It was an energizing reminder of how academia can fuel real-world change when rooted in community and impact.

Technology, Culture & Closing Reflections

Wednesday offered a final glance into the future with a showcase of SAP’s latest software developments. Known globally for enterprise solutions, SAP is pushing the frontier in integrated systems, AI-driven insights, and user-centric design to help businesses adapt to digital transformation. The focus here was clear: empowering organizations to make smarter, faster decisions in an increasingly complex world.

Our cultural itinerary was equally enriching. From a boat tour on the Hudson River and panoramic views from the Empire State Building to a high-energy NHL game at the Prudential Center, we soaked up the vibrancy of the city that never sleeps. Sunday’s free day allowed each of us to create personal memories and deepen our individual connections to the city.

What We’re Taking with Us to Austin

As we continue our journey to Austin, Texas—another rising hub of tech, creativity, and innovation—we carry with us a deep sense of inspiration. New York reminded us that progress is born at the intersection of ideas, and that the future depends not just on technology, but on purposeful collaboration between companies, governments, and institutions.

Stay tuned—Austin, we’re ready for what’s next.

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