AI Innovation Program Launches for Zurich SMEs
Zurich, Switzerland. September 22, 2025 – The Division of Business and Economic Development at the Canton of Zurich and the Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) announce that out of 28 applicants 11 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Canton ofZurich have been elected to join the new innovation program for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. Over the coming month, these SMEs will work directly with leading experts and resources - guided strategically and technically by SDSC - to develop and validate innovative AI concepts, transforming them into promising prototypes and, ultimately, viable pilot projects.
Following a thorough evaluation of numerous high-caliber applications, these companies have been selected to participate in this transformative program:
- Bachmann Krawatten AG
- Cisra
- DATABIOMIX
- Econetta AG
- GoNina
- LanguageMasters GmbH
- Microdul AG
- SOORT AG
- StratoServ Sciences AG
- Swiss Safety Center AG
- Vonlanthen INSIGHT
Alongside the selected SMEs, the committee has made an exceptional decision to welcome Planzer Transport AG into the SME Roundtableas an anchor company for knowledge transfer. Although not an SME, Planzer shares cultural and operational characteristics with SMEs and faces similar challenges in adopting AI. Their participation will provide valuable insights and foster shared learning within the SME cohort.
“This inaugural cohort of SME participants represents a robust group of candidates poised to drive meaningful and lasting AI innovation in our canton and beyond,” emphasized Markus Müller, Co-Head of the Division of Business and Economic Development of the Canton of Zurich. “We look forward to seeing them shape a dynamic innovation ecosystem among our key economic players, strengthening the region’s collaborative potential and long-term competitiveness.”
“We congratulate our inaugural cohort and eagerly anticipate seeing them translate cutting-edge research into practical business solutions that drive the region’s progress,” added Dr. Anna Fournier, Principal Data Scientist and program lead at the SDSC.
About the Division of Business and Economic Development at the Department of Economic Affairs, Canton of Zurich
We promote innovation and support businesses – from founding to networking within Zurich’s key industries. Through our platform 'Innovation Zurich', we provide guidance and information about the region as a hub for innovation. Together with the consortium Ahead, we assist local companies in pursuing their innovation projects. We also serve as a point of contact for businesses interested in establishing operations in Zurich. More information: zh.ch/standort | innovation.zuerich | ahead-zh.ch
About the Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC)
The Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) is a national research infrastructure in data science and artificial intelligence(AI). Its mission – to enable data-driven science and innovation for societal impact – drives its initiatives in research projects, knowledge and technology transfer, and education. With a large multidisciplinary team of professionals in Lausanne, Zurich and Villigen, the SDSC provides expertise and services to various domains, such as health and biomedical sciences, energy and sustainability, climate and environment, and large-scale scientific infrastructures. The SDSC also contributes to initial, continuing and executive education programs at EPFL and ETH Zurich. More information: www.datascience.ch
For more information, please contact:
Uta Ünal, Head of Communications
Swiss Data Science Center
