This initiative will be implemented locally through the six Switzerland Innovation Parks that form the Switzerland Innovation network, covering 16 locations nationwide. The Parks provide infrastructure, regional expertise, and direct access to applied research, serving as bridges between science and market application. Microsoft will support startups through its Microsoft for Startups program, offering access to its technology platform and cloud credits, as well as connecting entrepreneurs with a collaborative mentor and startup community.
“The Switzerland Innovation Parks create fertile ground for research-driven innovation to flourish into real-world impact,” said Thomas Gfeller, CEO of the Foundation Switzerland Innovation. “This collaboration with Microsoft will help translate digital breakthroughs into growth opportunities for SMEs and startups across the country.”
“We’re excited to partner with the Switzerland Innovation Parks to strengthen AI innovation where it matters most, close to research,” said Moritz Oberli, General Manager Public Sector, Microsoft Switzerland. “Together, we aim to enable Swiss innovators to lead the next wave of AI transformation.”
Switzerland Innovation Parks:
The collaboration will take place across the following 16 locations:
• Park Basel Area: Allschwil, Basel, Courroux
• Park Biel/Bienne: Biel
• Park Innovaare: Villigen
• Park Ost: St. Gallen, Buchs
• Park West EPFL: Lausanne, Epalinges, Fribourg, Genf, Sion, Neuchâtel
• Park Zurich: Dübendorf, Rotkreuz, Lugano
Media inquiries: Sophie Cerny, media@switzerland-innovation.com, +41 31 382 52 17
Picture on the right (from left to right)
Thomas Gfeller, CEO Switzerland Innovation; Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich; Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President Microsoft Corp.; Corinna Rutschi, AI and Digitalization Initiative Leader at Bühler; Catrin Hinkel, CEO Microsoft Switzerland
