Wednesday, June 19, ICTLuxembourg marked a significant milestone in its history by celebrating its tenth anniversary at a prestigious gala in Luxembourg. This event brought together leaders and innovators from the Grand Duchy’s information and communication technology ecosystem for a memorable evening of celebration and forward-looking discussions.
Since its founding in 2014, ICTLuxembourg has established itself as an essential platform for the development and promotion of technological innovation in Luxembourg. With its 22 members representing professional associations, research institutions, and companies, ICTLuxembourg plays a central role in uniting the interests of the ICT sector and promoting a dynamic and collaborative technology ecosystem.
The event featured inspiring speeches: Olivier Gorin, COO and Member of the Executive Committee of Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (BIL), opened the conference with his welcoming remarks. “BIL is the place to be tonight for all we have completed in ICT transformation at the bank and for being the home of the CIO of Year, just elected some weeks ago. I’m convinced that technology offers the possibility to reshape the business”, Olivier Gorin said, congratulating ICTLuxembourg and the ecosystem for contributing to “redefine the world of possibilities”.
A super strong pilar
This was followed by encouraging speeches from Elisabeth Margue, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity, and Stéphanie Obertin, Minister for Digitalisation. They emphasized the importance of innovation and digitalization for Luxembourg’s future.
“Ten years ago, tech companies could still be considered niche businesses, but we have ensured that Luxembourg is well connected to major European capitals, provides a favourable legal framework for the economy, and by investing in cybersecurity, we protect our shared digitals assets. Today, the sector is no longer a niche, but a strong pillar for the country, Minister Elisabeth Margue expressed. We want to remain the frontrunner in digital technology, the key being also the strong partnership we have established between the public and private sectors”.
Addressing the AI strategy ann the quantum computing initiatives currently in development, Minister Stéphanie Obertin continued : “On June 12, we submitted the bill relating to the valorization of data in a trusted environment and the implementation of the “once only” principle. The text also applies certain provisions of the Data Governance Act. Thus, the government aims to give entirely new added value to the data held by the State.”
Amal Choury, Chairwoman of ICTLuxembourg, then took the stage to present an overview of the organization’s remarkable achievements over the past ten years, highlighting ICTLuxembourg’s ongoing commitment to excellence and growth in the ICT field. Amal Choury also stated: “Our mission was clear from the start: to create synergy between the various stakeholders in the sector, whether they are associations or large companies, service providers or users, or public research institutions, to jointly tackle the challenges of digitalization and build a competitive environment in Luxembourg”.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote speech by Yvo Volman, from the Directorate General for Communication Networks, Content and Technology of the European Commission. He concluded the session by discussing the challenges and opportunities related to data and artificial intelligence in the coming digital decade. Yvo Volman launched first with a quiz: “In your opinion, which European policies originated here: those on quantum computing, the metaverse and virtual worlds, or digital identities?”, specifying the role of DG CNECT starting from Luxembourg. “Well, it’s all three.” Setting the context of the Digital Decade, Yvo Volman presented the ambition of the DG to establish a comprehensive digital rule book in the EU. A priority for all: “Data is the raw material for the economy and AI travels at the speed of data,” he said, emphasizing the driving role of the entire ecosystem.
Flowers for a decade
“Past achievements are no guarantee of future success, especially in a world where technology evolves at a fast pace. Digital and energy transitions are at the heart of current challenges, and we are pleased that Luxembourg has fully understood this”, Amal Choury remarked. Calling on all talents in society to address these challenges, the chaiwomen did not miss the opportunity to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ICTLuxembourg with two female ministers responsible for digitization in the government, presenting them with a bouquet of flowers also, saluting the members of the association and the ICTLuxembourg board for their unwavering commitment to advancing digital technology in society.
ICTLuxembourg demonstrates that the association acts as a constructive and open partner for the benefit of the entire tech community. Amplifying the voices of players in cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI, fintech, innovation, and startups and many more, ICTLuxembourg supports with frankness and guides with conviction the building of a strong digital presence in Luxembourg and Europe.
The gala concluded with a convivial dinner, where guests had the opportunity to network and celebrate a decade of successful innovations and collaborations.
For more information about ICTLuxembourg and its initiatives, please visit our website.
