Dezentrum

Dezentrum is a Swiss think & do tank dedicated to shaping a digital transformation that serves society. Founded in 2017 and based in Zürich, Dezentrum develops positive future scenarios for the digital society of tomorrow through research, experimentation, and innovation.

Core Focus Areas

Dezentrum operates at the intersection of digitalisation and society, with particular expertise in blockchain and decentralised technologies. The organisation explores how emerging technologies can be leveraged to create societal benefits rather than simply pursuing technological advancement for its own sake. Their work spans four key topic areas: Decentralisation (blockchain and distributed ledger technologies), Future of Work (digital transformation of employment), Digital Participation (technology-enabled civic engagement), and Digital Literacy (building competencies for the digital age).

Services & Methodologies

Dezentrum offers a unique blend of strategic consulting and hands-on experimentation. Their services include research and white papers, scenario planning workshops, speculative design, and future experiments. The organisation employs innovative methodologies like creating speculative objects—tangible artifacts from potential futures that serve as conversation starters for discussing alternative scenarios. They also develop future experiments such as Satelleth (an autonomous blockchain-based satellite) and no1s1 (a self-managed house owned by a smart contract), which test radical ideas about ownership, autonomy, and decentralised governance.

Blockchain & Web3 Expertise

Dezentrum has established itself as a leading voice in the Swiss blockchain ecosystem. They co-founded Trust Square, Switzerland's first blockchain hub on Zürich's Bahnhofstrasse, connecting companies, startups, investors, and academics. The organisation organises academic lecture series on blockchain, IoT, and distributed ledger technology in partnership with the UZH Blockchain Center. Their collaboration with DAO Suisse and participation in international blockchain conferences demonstrates their deep integration into the Web3 community.

Notable Clients & Impact

Dezentrum has worked with prestigious organisations including Stadt Zürich (City of Zurich), Raiffeisen, SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, and various Swiss federal institutions. Their projects range from Smart City initiatives to gaming against extremism, demonstrating versatility in applying digital innovation to diverse societal challenges. The organisation regularly publishes research findings through blogs, podcasts, and academic publications, and their work has been featured in major Swiss media outlets including SRF, NZZ, and CNN Money.

Why Choose Dezentrum

Dezentrum stands out for its combination of rigorous research, practical experimentation, and participatory approach. Rather than imposing top-down technological solutions, they facilitate collaborative futures thinking that empowers organisations to proactively shape digital transformation. Their expertise in blockchain and decentralised technologies, coupled with their track record of successful public and private sector projects, makes them a trusted partner for organisations navigating the complexities of digitalisation while maintaining focus on societal benefit.