In this interview, Damir Kušar, Director Innovation and New Business at Swisscom, shares how Alaian serves as a catalyst for open innovation, enabling collaboration with global telcos and startups to co-create scalable, future-ready solutions.

What does Alaian mean to you?

Alaian represents a platform for Swisscom, enabling us to collaborate with leading global telcos to drive open innovation. It facilitates the co-creation of cutting-edge solutions by connecting us with disruptive startups and forward-looking telcos. Through Alaian, we gain access to a diverse ecosystem that fosters knowledge sharing, joint experimentation, and the development of scalable solutions across multiple markets.

How would you define Alaian in one word?

Catalyst

What does your telco contribute to the overall alliance?

Swisscom (Switzerland), together with Fastweb + Vodafone (Italy), bring a powerful combination of innovation depth, market reach, and operational excellence to the Alaian alliance:

• Geographical Footprint:
  Through Swisscom in Switzerland, Fastweb and Vodafone in Italy, we provide a strong presence in two advanced European markets. This gives startups and partners within Alaian access to diverse, innovation-friendly environments for testing and scaling solutions across borders.
• Dual Market Advantage:
  Swisscom, Fastweb + Vodafone collectively serve tens of millions of customers, offering direct market access and validation opportunities in both the Swiss and Italian ecosystems — from B2C to B2B, IT Services and various verticals.
• Innovation Ecosystem:
  We are deeply embedded in startup and research ecosystems, collaborating with top-tier universities, have a venture capital arm (Swisscom Ventures), and innovation labs.
• Customer Network and Scaling Capability:
  With millions of customers across Switzerland and Italy, we enable real-world pilots, feedback loops, and faster go-to-market strategies for startups.
• Technology & Platform Expertise:
  Across the Swisscom Group, we offer expertise in:
  • • • 5G & Edge Computing
      • IoT
      • Cybersecurity and Digital Trust
      • AI & Robotics
      • Entertainment
      • And many more

Highlight a key telco technology for you today

• Data, AI & Robotics
• Security

Why is it so important to innovate, and what role does innovation plays in your company?

For Swisscom, innovation is essential to stay relevant, competitive, and trusted. As the “Innovator of Trust”, we focus on creating future-ready, secure, and responsible solutions that people and businesses can rely on.

What does an alliance like this offer the entrepreneurial ecosystem? 

Alaian gives startups a unique gateway to scale — offering direct access to global telcos, real-world infrastructure, and expert guidance. It accelerates growth, reduces market entry barriers, and creates opportunities to co-develop impactful solutions with industry leaders.

What would you say to startups who want to be part of the alliance?

Joining Alaian presents a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading telecom operators and bring your innovative solutions to a global stage. We are eager to work with visionary startups that are ready to challenge the status quo and drive the next wave of technological advancements. If you’re prepared to scale your innovation and make a meaningful impact, Alaian is the platform to propel your journey.