Insights aus der Community 3: Rolf Schaub

Exciting ideas are born in Basel every day, driven by people with curiosity, courage, and a deep passion for technology. At BaselTech, we want to shine a spotlight on these "Tech Minds."

In our monthly community interview, we put the people behind projects, startups, and companies center stage. We talk to founders, developers, and other innovators about their motivations, experiences, and the ideas that drive them. It’s not about advertising; it’s about personal stories, lessons learned, and unique perspectives.

This interview series provides an honest look into the Basel tech scene, highlights fascinating people and their ideas, and fosters new connections within the community.

Rolf Schaub: Why talent often needs to be discovered sooner

Some people are drawn to technology because they love to code. For Rolf Schaub, the fascination began much earlier—with the question of how machines can become intelligent in the first place.

As early as the beginning of the 1980s, he was deeply involved with artificial intelligence—long before the topic gained widespread attention.

"But what really drove me even back then was artificial intelligence."

His career path initially led him into software development and IT consulting, where he worked with banks and insurance companies, among others. Over time, however, he realized that technical knowledge alone is not enough. To help shape digitalization in the long term, you have to get people excited about it early on.

Based on this realization, Rolf decided to transition into vocational training. "I implemented it step by step," he recalls. At the Gewerblich-industrielle Berufsfachschule Muttenz (GIBM), he taught IT apprentices for many years and later helped oversee IT education in Northwest Switzerland.

He describes that time with a smile:

"Every IT specialist in Northwest Switzerland who did an apprenticeship and is under 40 today passed through my classroom at some point."

During this time, he repeatedly realized that many talents remained undiscovered—not because they were lacking, but because they were identified too late.

A key moment was a "Future Day" where schoolgirls were given an insight into computer science. Although Rolf recognized great potential in some of them, none of them chose an IT apprenticeship later on. This experience made him think.

He finally found the decisive idea in a completely different place.

"In soccer, we send scouts to the playing fields. Why don't we do that where we urgently need skilled workers?"

This reflection led to the creation of ICT Scouts & Campus. The initiative enables young people to discover their enthusiasm for computer science and technology early on, implement their own projects, and develop their talents regardless of school grades. At the same time, companies get the opportunity to meet young talent at an early stage.

Even today, supporting young talent remains close to Rolf's heart. He is now focused on how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly and practically. For him, it's not about introducing as many new tools as possible, but about understanding the opportunities and limitations of the technology.

Who is Rolf Schaub?

Rolf Schaub has been working in IT and new technologies for more than four decades.

"I'm probably a dinosaur in this industry", says Rolf with a laugh.

For many years, he championed the early development of young talent through ICT Scouts & Campus. Today, he is tackling a new challenge with MintSafe, where he helps companies implement artificial intelligence in a responsible and practical way. At the same time, it marks the start of yet another startup adventure for him.

Anyone who meets Rolf quickly realizes that standing still isn't his thing. As soon as a project is up and running, he is already looking for the next challenge.

"I'm interested in challenges. Once things are running smoothly, I get bored."

What does Rolf want to share with the community?

Rolf wants to show that innovation doesn't just start with a new technology. Especially when it comes to artificial intelligence, he observes that many companies are overwhelmed by the sheer number of new offerings.

"The market is being flooded with offers."

This makes it all the more important to establish the fundamentals first.

"That won't work if the foundation isn't there, and if employees aren't trained and don't know what they are allowed to do and what they aren't."

For Rolf, progress therefore doesn't start with the latest tools, but with the people who use them effectively.

What does Rolf expect from BaselTech?

Rolf hopes BaselTech will be a place where knowledge is shared openly and people from different fields can engage in conversation.

He places particular importance on the exchange between experienced professionals, startups, and companies. In his experience, new ideas rarely emerge in isolation; they almost always arise when different perspectives come together.

How does Rolf contribute to the BaselTech community?

Rolf brings his many years of experience in IT, vocational training, and artificial intelligence to the community. He shares not only his technical knowledge but, above all, his experience in how people can successfully learn about and apply new technologies.

Supporting young talent remains an important personal priority for him. Through MintSafe, he helps companies implement artificial intelligence in a responsible and practical way.

What challenges have had the greatest impact on Rolf?

A defining experience in Rolf's career made him realize how important it is to get people excited about computer science and technology at an early age. In the 1990s, while working with banks and insurance companies, he saw that many employees used technology every day but struggled to correctly use digital tools like Excel and its formulas.

It became clear to him: access to technology must begin much earlier.

"I need to start at a younger age so that it sticks by the time they reach adulthood."

This realization eventually led to the idea behind ICT Scouts & Campus: not waiting to look for talent until after career choices have been made, but discovering and nurturing it early on.

What excites you about your profession / your industry?

Rolf is primarily inspired by the speed at which technology evolves. He has been involved in computer science for over four decades and continues to see how new developments change existing ways of thinking.

He is particularly fascinated by artificial intelligence. For him, however, it is not about chasing every new trend, but about understanding how technologies can be used meaningfully and what concrete value they create for people and businesses.

At the same time, he is motivated by working with people. Whether it's teenagers, apprentices, or companies, Rolf values supporting people on their journey and making it easier for them to access new technologies.

A fun fact about Rolf

After more than four decades in IT, vocational training, and talent development, many would have thought about retirement. Instead, Rolf decided to launch another startup. With a wink, he says:

"Today I am 66, a pensioner. And I can probably say: I am the youngest startup founder in Northwest Switzerland."

For Rolf, this is the best proof: you are never too old for curiosity and an entrepreneurial spirit.

What lesson does Rolf want to share?

When asked about his most important lesson, Rolf doesn't have to think long. He recommends asking yourself one simple but crucial question:

"What am I good at?"

He is convinced that those who recognize and develop their own strengths find the right path more easily—both professionally and personally. This exact idea is the common thread running through his work: discovering talent early, fostering potential, and supporting people in finding their own way.

What thought would Rolf like to share with the community?

Rolf is convinced that innovation does not happen in isolation. It thrives on exchange, sharing knowledge, and people who are willing to learn from one another.

That is why he envisions a community that brings together diverse perspectives, nurtures talent early on, and has the courage to break new ground. He sees great potential in the Basel region, particularly if startups, companies, educational institutions, and committed individuals collaborate more closely.

Final thoughts

If you would like to learn more about Rolf Schaub, MintSafe or ICT Scouts & Campus , you can find further information via the links.

And if you would like to share your own story, experiences, or lessons learned with the BaselTech community, we would love to hear from you. Perhaps you will be featured in our next edition of "Insights from the Community."

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