Who are we?
Open Geneva is a non-profit association whose mission is to promote and stimulate open innovation in Greater Geneva by bringing together innovators, bringing their ideas to life, communicating their projects and supporting their development in the fields of art, the science, technology, and society.
The main activity of Open Geneva is the organization of the Open Innovation Festival in Geneva. During this festival, public institutions, universities, research centers, companies local and multinational organizations, associations and citizens organize moments of innovation and sharing, such as workshops, hackathons, and lectures.
History
Open Geneva was created in 2015 by the Geneva Creativity Center to promote open innovation to improve the quality of life in Geneva. During the first edition, several teams of students worked for two weekends on scientific projects and innovations social and technical issues related to energy, health, mobility. The 2016 edition has broadened the profile of its participants and focused on health, in close collaboration with University Hospitals Geneva.
In 2017
Open Geneva became a Hackathons Festival. Thanks to the support of Digital Strategy of the University of Geneva, more than 21 initiatives were launched from 12 to 14 May, involving schools and research centers, administrations and companies, public and private structures. Around 400Participants from all profiles have developed more than 50 innovative projects, some of which continue to grow. This spontaneous craze is a confirmation: there is a real desire for open innovation in Geneva, it is, therefore, necessary to accompany it.
In 2018
For its 4th edition, the open innovation festival Open Geneva took place from 9 to 15 April2018 and brought together nearly 800 participants in 31 hackathons and co-creation moments, and about400 participants at various events, such as conferences, workshops and open houses, as well as event to close the week and present the achievements of the challenges (Hack Show) on Sunday April 15th.
In 2019
The Festival will run from March 18 to 24. For a week, hundreds of participants from all walks of life, with skills diverse and complementary profiles will come together to imagine innovative solutions to proposed challenges. Medicine, smart city, social innovation are some examples of scientific, technological and societal fields that will be the focus of this effervescent intellectual.
Hackathons, workshops, open houses and conferences: the open innovation festival in Geneva will bring honor collective intelligence around shared values and creativity.
Social Network
2018 Festival
Activity Report
Check out our activity report to review the success of the 2018 Open Geneva Festival. You can find the list of hackathons that made the program of the festival.
Governance
Open Geneva was incorporated as a non-profit association (statutes) in October 2017, with 13 founding members representing various institutions (academic, private, semi-public and public sectors) among the most dynamic and innovative Geneva.
The founding members of Open Geneva:
- Rania Al-Baroudi, Geneva Creativity Center
- Paul Bristow, Pangloss Labs
- Cécile Catalano, General Hospice
- Didier Faure, Innobridge
- Antoine Geissbühler, HUG, Université de Genève
- François Grey, Université de Genève
- Cyril Jaquet, SRG SSR
- Thomas Maillart, Université de Genève
- Pierre Mirlesse
- Jean-Henry Morin, Université de Genève
- Abir Oreibi, Lift
- Didier Raboud, Université de Genève
- Ségolène Samouiller, Université de Genève
The members joined in December 2018:
- Giorgio Pauletto, SIG
- Alexandra Rys, CCIG
- Maurizio Ranieri, HUG, Université de Genève
- Helena Borget Dit Vorgeat, HUG
- Julia Dallest, Open Geneva
- Susana Perdiz, Université de Genève
The Open Geneva committee:
- Thomas Maillart (Président) thomas.maillart@opengeneva.org
- Pierre Mirlesse (Vice-Président)
- Ségolène Samouiller (Secrétaire) segolene.samouiller@opengeneva.org
- Cyril Jaquet (Trésorier)
- Helena Borget Dit Vorgeat (Responsable plateforme numérique)
Coordination:
- Julia Dallest julia.dallest@opengeneva.org
Know-How
What do those who support us say about us?

Alexandra Rys
Communications Director