Last week, AgileAdvant attended the IMD KI-Update 2026 in Zurich.
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, we attended the event at THE HALL in the Zurich area. The format combined keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions, creating a excellent environment for exchange among leaders on how AI is changing decision-making, accountability, and transformation in practice.
Leadership in the Age of AI, Beyond Hype
What we appreciated most was the clear focus on leadership, not buzzwords. The IMD KI-Update emphasizes real use cases and decision stories, with practical perspectives leaders can apply into their day-to-day context.
In addition to strategy and execution, the agenda also touched on topics that are becoming unavoidable for organizations: data, ethics, regulation, agentic AI, and cultural change.
Perspectives from Business, Technology, and Academia
The 2026 edition featured a diverse set of voices across business, technology, and academia. The speaker lineup included representatives and perspectives connected to Google Cloud, Microsoft Switzerland, IBM, PwC Switzerland, Accelleron, Alpiq Group, Bossard Group, and IMD Lausanne, among others, creating a well-rounded view on how organizations are approaching responsible AI leadership and adoption in practice.
Why This Matters for Delivery Excellence
For us, the day reinforced a simple point: AI value is not created by tools alone. It is created when leadership sets direction, makes decisions with clarity, and builds the environment where teams can execute predictably, manage risks early, and stay focused on outcomes.
Team Kevin Düringer, Richard Sperk, Andreas Eppenberger (AgileAdvant).
