How to work with us
The Swiss Data Science Center supports research communities, public and private sector stakeholders across Switzerland in their data science and AI journey. As a joint initiative of ETH Zurich and EPFL, we provide a neutral environment that brings together research expertise, national AI infrastructure, and real-world challenges.
From data infrastructure, data management and data preparation to machine learning and AI modeling to deployment — we provide support across the data science lifecycle of our collaborators.
Fueling and accelerating scientific discovery
Building foundations for trusted AI-ready data infrastructures
Turning knowledge into effective, real-world outcomes
Scaling data science and AI in strategic domains
Enhancing AI skills nationwide
Our collaboration models
Three ways to engage, shaped around who funds the work
Depending on the objectives, needs, and requirements of different Swiss organizations, we tailor our contributions and offer distinct forms of engagement to stakeholders through three support models.
01
ETH-domain Funded Collaboration through Competitive Call
These collaborations are made accessible through our National Call for Collaborative Projects. Accepted projects receive in-kind expertise from the SDSC in a variety of data-related fields, with the associated capacity funded entirely by the ETH domain.
The call is launched twice a year, and resources become available within six to nine months, following a thorough and transparent review process.
The call is launched twice a year, and resources become available within six to nine months, following a thorough and transparent review process.
Cadence
Twice a year
Resources Available
Within 6-9 months
Project Duration
6 month - 2 years
Eligible collaborators
Swiss higher-ed & research institutions, federal & cantonal administrations
02
Joint Application to Funding Programs
Through this collaboration model, we form custom, program-specific partnerships in which our contributions are defined and financed by a funding body or grant office, while the project partner or beneficiary receives services free of charge.
Projects are accepted within the framework of the relevant program or grant, with short- to mid-term resource availability.
Projects are accepted within the framework of the relevant program or grant, with short- to mid-term resource availability.
Resource availability
Short- to mid-term
Project duration
6 months - 4 years
Best suited for
SMEs, NGOs/IOs, Federal Offices, Academic LabsSMEs, NGOs/IOs, Federal Offices, Academic Labs
Examples: Canton of Vaud AI Innovation Program, Canton of Zurich SME AI Program, Geneva AI Initiative, SNSF, NCCR, InnoSuisse collaborations.
03
Paid Support
Under this model, all SDSC contributions and resources are funded directly by the requesting party or project partner. Projects can be submitted year-round, allowing for flexible, short-term resource allocation.
Submission
Year-round
Project duration
3 months - 1 year
Open to
All Swiss-based organizations
Project collaboration
Depending on the specific needs defined in custom-made research agreements or service agreements, SDSC delivers a wide range of technical outputs — from early-stage proof-of-concepts and models to standalone digital components, up to complex, fully integrated data infrastructures and platforms.
Expertise & Training
As part of their membership contract, organizations receive a defined allocation of collective training and coaching hours. Executive education programs for individuals and targeted short courses for organizations provide focused, short-term upskilling, while custom-made services such as hackathons further expand the offering.
News
Latest news
August 13, 2026
Second National Calls: 31 projects to start this year
Second National Calls: 31 projects to start this year
Following a thorough review process, the SDSC commits in-kind data science and AI support to 31 projects.
December 1, 2025
Data Science & AI Briefing Series for Executives
Data Science & AI Briefing Series for Executives
The SDSC has launched a short, free Executive Briefing Series – 10-minute sessions for decision-makers to sharpen AI skills.
May 1, 2025
PAIRED-HYDRO | Increasing the Lifespan of Hydropower Turbines with Machine Learning
PAIRED-HYDRO | Increasing the Lifespan of Hydropower Turbines with Machine Learning
Hydropower accounts for 60% of Swiss energy production, with significant potential for growth.
Contact us
Would you like to explore how we can work together?
Our team of data scientists and professionals looks forward to engaging in impactful, results-driven collaborations with you.