Launch of the Zug Institute for Blockchain Research

Join us for the public launch of the Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR), a joint endeavor of the University of Lucerne and the Canton of Zug dedicated to examining blockchain’s societal implications through the lens of the humanities.
This launch event marks the beginning of a new chapter in blockchain research rooted in Switzerland’s “Crypto Valley” and committed to global impact. Throughout the afternoon, keynote speakers and expert panels will introduce ZIBR’s mission, academic chairs, and research priorities, followed by an Apero with networking opportunities for participants from academia, industry, and the public sector.
Event Highlights:
Introduction to ZIBR’s academic chairs
Keynotes and panel discussions featuring thought leaders from academia and industry
Networking opportunities with peers, practitioners, and innovators
Event Agenda
Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 12:30–19:00
Location: Casino Theater Zug, Artherstrasse 4, 6300 Zug, Switzerland
Language: English
12:30 – 13:00

Registration & Welcome Coffee

13:00 – 13:10

Opening & Introduction to ZIBR

13:10 – 13:15

Discover ZIBR – A Short Film

13:15 – 13:25

Opening Keynote
Heinz Tännler, Member of the Cantonal Government of Zug

13:25 - 13:30

Short Film: Meet the ZIBR Chairs (Chair for Sociology)

13:30 - 14:00

Panel Discussion: Society in the Machine-Ledger Era: Exploring the Intersection of AI and Blockchain
‍Esther Keymolen, Full professor of Digital Technology Regulation, Tilburg Law School
Bryan Alexander Ford, Associate Professor Decentralized and Distributed Systems Lab, EPFL
Jonathan Bright, Teaching and Research Associate, ZIBR; CTO, pattrn.ai

14:00 - 14:30

Coffee Break & Networking

14:30 - 14:45

Keynote

14:45 - 14:55

Short Film: Meet the ZIBR Chairs (Chair for Public Law & Chair for Philosophy)

14:55 - 15:30

Panel Discussion: Tech-powered Governance: Law, Trust, and Institutions
‍Hans Micklitz, Professor Emeritus, European University Institute
Victoria Lemieux, Professor Archival Science/Fellow, University of British Columbia/ZIBR
Andrea Leiter, Assistant Professor Faculty of Law/Fellow, University of Amsterdam/ZIBR

15:30 - 16:00

Coffee Break & Networking

16:00 - 16:15

Keynote

16:15 - 16:25

Short Film: Meet the ZIBR Chairs (Chair for Private Law & Chair for Energy Law)

16:25 - 17:00

Panel Discussion: Powering the Future? Digital Assets, Energy Markets & Innovation
Michael Merz, Managing Director and Founder, PONTON GmbH
Sunimal Mendis, Assistant Professor in Intellectual Property Law, Tilburg University
Fabian Hediger, Co-Founder, Bitcoin Suisse AG

17:00 - 19:00

Apéro & Networking

Apéro & Networking

Registration is free
Register now

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have further questions, please reach out via our Contact page.
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A joint endeavor of the University of Lucerne and the Canton of Zug
Email
info@zibr.ch
Address
Dammstrasse 16, 6300 Zug
Phone
+41 41 244 63 00
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