From Vision to Impact: How Dalith Steiger-Gablinger Is Shaping the Global AI Dialogue
What if artificial intelligence wasn’t just a technical revolution — but a chance to redefine how we collaborate, lead, and innovate?
In the premiere episode of AI Talk, Dalith Steiger-Gablinger, co-founder of Swiss Cognitive, joins host Stephan Lendi for a conversation that goes far beyond buzzwords. Together, they explore how AI can empower people, transform economies, and help Switzerland play a leading role in shaping the global tech landscape.
From the very beginning, it’s clear this isn’t a conventional discussion about AI.
“Artificial intelligence is already transforming our daily lives, the economy, and society,” says Lendi.
“But what does that really mean — and how do we ensure it becomes a force for good?”
From Personal Calling to Global Platform
Dalith’s journey into AI began not in a lab but with a calling. Raised in Switzerland after being born in Israel, she studied mathematics and business IT and started her career in banking software. The pivotal moment came at a Gartner event in 2014, where she saw a billboard advertising a digital employee. In that moment, the potential of cognitive technology clicked.
“My heart beats for the empowerment of humans to use technology to their best,” she reflects.
“Switzerland has one true natural resource — our brain. Let’s use it.”
That insight led to the foundation of Swiss Cognitive, a global knowledge network designed to bring decision-makers together, connect technology with strategy, and put people at the center of AI development.
Switzerland’s Opportunity — and Responsibility
As the conversation unfolds, Dalith outlines a clear thesis: Switzerland is uniquely positioned to lead not by size, but by quality. With world-class universities, a stable political environment, and a deeply rooted culture of trust, the country has all the ingredients to become a high-credibility AI hub.
“We already have the most innovative ecosystem,” she explains.
“But we need to stop exporting only ideas. Let’s scale businesses here and turn innovation into economic value — in Switzerland, for Switzerland.”
They highlight success stories such as Animatico (acquired by NVIDIA), Labster (virtual science labs for classrooms worldwide), and Gamaya, which uses AI to support sustainable agriculture. Each is a testament to what Swiss tech can achieve — and why the world is paying attention.
Making AI Understandable — and Actionable
Dalith is often described as a “compiler” — someone who translates between the technical and business worlds. It’s a role she embraces with purpose.
“People often tell me I’m like a compiler,” she says.
“I bridge the tech world and the business world — making sure both sides understand what’s possible, and how to get there.”
This philosophy defines Swiss Cognitive. What started as a platform for exchange has grown into a global network that supports investors, mentors startups, and advises corporations on responsible AI adoption.
“It’s not just about funding,” she explains.
“Innovation needs trust, long-term relationships, and guidance. That’s where we come in.”
Ethics Starts With the Human
AI also raises hard questions — around ethics, transparency, and trust. The episode doesn’t avoid them. Lendi steers the conversation into the grey areas, and Dalith responds with clarity.
“It’s not the technology that’s the problem. It’s the values of those who use it,” she says.
“Even siblings raised in the same home can have different ethics. That’s why we need governance — and Switzerland can be a global mediator in that dialogue.”
Her conviction is simple: AI must serve people — not the other way around. And countries like Switzerland, known for their neutrality and diplomatic credibility, have a responsibility to lead with integrity.
Looking Ahead: Dialogue as a Catalyst
As the episode draws to a close, Dalith speaks not just as a founder or strategist — but as a learner. AI Talk, for her, is a platform for exchange, curiosity, and collective insight.
“It’s a privilege to do this,” she says.
“The more we listen, the better we’ll lead.”
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