The most costly decision? Doing nothing.

As an architect, Hans-Jörg Fankhauser designs spaces – but he thinks in terms of possibilities. What drives him is not the floor plan, but the question of what emerges when the right people come together in the right place.

This is precisely his approach to developing innovation hubs: he creates places where businesses, research and talent can come together. These connections give rise to ecosystems – what begins as a vision becomes a tangible hub for innovation.

One example of this is uptownBasel: when quantum technologies were still a distant dream for many, Fankhauser had already created a space there to develop them. Recognising opportunities early on and acting decisively – that is his principle. And that requires courage and a willingness to take calculated risks.

This is precisely what his keynote address at Käpsele 2026 is about: why is inaction often the greatest risk? Why are missed opportunities often more costly than calculated mistakes? And how does one secure substantial funding for the infrastructure of the day after tomorrow?

For Hans-Jörg Fankhauser, the answer to the most costly business decision is clear – and he will explain why at Käpsele.

Käpsele Panels