Sébastien Hug
Bern
Summary
- 15+ years of professional experience in supporting universities, researchers, students, and startups in the areas of internationalization and innovation.
- In-depth knowledge of organizational and strategic development, team leadership, stakeholder management, community building, fundraising, and public communication, among others.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Innovation Office
University of Bern
Bern
09.2021 - Current
Established and led the University’s Innovation Office from the ground up, spearheading key programs, recruiting and managing a high-performing team of ten, and driving strategy development. Played a pivotal role in shaping the University’s innovation and Knowledge Transfer and Translation (KTT) policies.
CEO & Consul General
swissnex India & Consulate General of Switzerland in Bangalore
Bangalore
11.2017 - 07.2021
Supported the internationalization outreach of Swiss Universities, Startups, Companies and stakeholders to India, initiated various ERI-initiatives and collaborations, and represented the Swiss government, incl. leading the COVID-19 emergency evacuation of Swiss citizens from South India.
Scientific Advisor – Swissnex Network
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation
Bern
02.2014 - 10.2017
Managed the HQ-operations of the swissnex Network, incl. strategy, finances, political processes, human resources, stakeholder management.
Scientific Advisor - Bilateral Relations
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation
Bern
08.2013 - 01.2014
Preparation, coordination, and accompaniment of ministerial visits, bilateral meetings, and working groups.
Project Leader – Higher Education & Partnerships
swissnex Boston
Boston / Cambridge
09.2011 - 08.2013
Led higher education partnerships and managed the Innosuisse Market Entry Camp, supporting startups in scaling and international expansion.
Science & Technology Counselor (Attaché)
Embassy of Switzerland in Ottawa
Ottawa
08.2007 - 08.2011
Established and expanded the Embassy’s Science & Technology (S&T) initiatives and network, strengthening international collaborations.
Analyst
Global Advantage Consulting
Ottawa
03.2011 - 07.2011
Mapping of national and provincial innovation systems.
Intern
Embassy of Switzerland in Ottawa
Ottawa
02.2007 - 07.2007
Education
Certificate of Advanced Studies - CHANGE MANAGEMENT, ORGANIZATIONAL CONSULTING & DEVELOPMENT
Zürcher Hochschule Für Angewandte Wissenschaften (ZHAW)
Zürich, Switzerland03-2018
Master of Arts - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
University of Ottawa / Université D'Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada09-2011
LIC. PHIL. I / MASTER OF ARTS - Modern & Contemporary History, Political Economics
Universität Freiburg / Université De Fribourg
Freiburg, Switzerland07-2006
Erasmus Exchange And Research Stay - Napoleon's Perception of The Helvetic Republic
Université Paris-Sorbonne (IV)
Paris, France08-2005
Baccalaureate Type E (Economics) - Economics
Kollegium St. Michael / Collège St. Michel
Fribourg07-1999
Skills
- Organizational and Strategy Development
- Team Leadership
- Stakeholder Management
- Community Building
- Fundraising
- Public Communication
- Project management
- Knowledge transfer & Innovation strategies
Trainings
- Individual Leadership Coaching, 7 Generations, 2024 - 2025
- Basic Modules CAS Academic Leadership, 2024 - 2025
- Startup Board Academy, 2022
- Cambridge Startup Funding: Pre-Seed to Exit, 2022
- Individual Leadership Coaching, The Learning Gym, 2019 - 2020
- Führen durch Finanzen, Eidgenössische Personalamt (EPA), 2017
Memberships and Associations
- Co-Initiator, Swiss Academic Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum, 2024 - today
- Board of Trustees, Switzerland DeepTech Foundation, 2023 - today
- Member, The Guild - Innovation Working Group, 2021 - today
Languages
German
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
French
Proficient (C2)
C2
Affiliations
I love to spend time with my family, running and hiking in the nature, playing piano, discovering new places, and occasionaly baking!
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head Innovation Office
University of Bern
09.2021 - Current
CEO & Consul General
swissnex India & Consulate General of Switzerland in Bangalore
11.2017 - 07.2021
Scientific Advisor – Swissnex Network
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation
02.2014 - 10.2017
Scientific Advisor - Bilateral Relations
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation
08.2013 - 01.2014
Project Leader – Higher Education & Partnerships
swissnex Boston
09.2011 - 08.2013
Analyst
Global Advantage Consulting
03.2011 - 07.2011
Science & Technology Counselor (Attaché)
Embassy of Switzerland in Ottawa
08.2007 - 08.2011
Intern
Embassy of Switzerland in Ottawa
02.2007 - 07.2007
Certificate of Advanced Studies - CHANGE MANAGEMENT, ORGANIZATIONAL CONSULTING & DEVELOPMENT
Zürcher Hochschule Für Angewandte Wissenschaften (ZHAW)
Master of Arts - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
University of Ottawa / Université D'Ottawa
LIC. PHIL. I / MASTER OF ARTS - Modern & Contemporary History, Political Economics
Universität Freiburg / Université De Fribourg
Erasmus Exchange And Research Stay - Napoleon's Perception of The Helvetic Republic
Université Paris-Sorbonne (IV)
Baccalaureate Type E (Economics) - Economics
Kollegium St. Michael / Collège St. Michel
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