Team

The Prototype Fund Team consists of dedicated employees of Opendata.ch.

Team Members

Verena Kontschieder, PhD

CEO, Opendata.ch & Director, Prototype Fund Switzerland

“SHAPING THE FUTURE OF RESPONSIBLE TECHNOLOGY” 

As CEO of Opendata.ch and Director of the Prototype Fund Switzerland, Verena works at the intersection of technology, governance, and societal impact. She leads initiatives that translate responsible AI, public-interest technology, and digital innovation into practical solutions for real-world challenges. Previously, she worked on policy innovation, global AI governance, and digital transformation across international organisations and the technology sector, helping shape the governance frameworks for emerging technologies.

Find Verena on LinkedIn

 

Philip Müller

Philip is the Program Lead of the Prototype Fund. He has a particular interest in financing risk and climate adaptation. Prior to joining Opendata.ch, he gained experience in various roles in the fields of research, technology, and finance, contributing to projects focusing on flood insurance, the circular economy, and private equity strategy. He has a background in data science, public policy, and economics.

 

Cathlene Bell

As Communications and Community Lead, Cathlene Bell is a dedicated proponent of ethical and participatory social impact storytelling. Having previously worked with the International Labour Organisation, as well as with local integration measures such as Capacity, Refugee Voices and women++, she is delighted to channel her diverse experiences towards fostering a dignified digital existence through the power of open data.