From the study of AI to the investor role

Thomas Dübendorfer's relationship with AI goes back a long way. He attended his first lecture on neural networks at ETH Zurich in 1998. "That was when I first started to work intensively on the question of how machines can recognize natural objects in images - that was before today's AI hype." His fascination with machine learning later deepened at Google, where he worked with machine learning against fraud from 2006. "Machine learning is not the same as AI, but today we are talking very broadly about artificial intelligence because the systems can do more and more and are penetrating more and more areas."

AI as a driver for efficiency, innovation and new business models

For Dübendorfer, AI is above all a catalyst for automation and increased efficiency. "At its core, AI is the high-level automation of data-driven processes. Everything that has to do with data can be taken to a new level. This opens up possibilities that simply couldn't be automated in the past."
He differentiates between start-ups that adapt existing AI models for specific use cases and those that develop new scientific models or infrastructure. It is particularly important that AI is not just a marketing buzzword: "AI should not just be on the website. It must be anchored in the company's DNA and bring real added value."

He provides an illustrative example with a legal tech start-up that uses AI to secure the knowledge of senior partners in law firms and make it accessible. "This means that valuable expertise is retained, even when experienced lawyers leave. This fundamentally changes the business model. Those who don't use AI will be at a competitive disadvantage in the long term, because the sector will have to adapt - otherwise pressure will come from outside."

Swiss strengths and the dilemma of growth financing

Switzerland has excellent talent, a strong university landscape and a good understanding of complex interrelationships. "We understand complex interrelationships and are very good at dealing with new technology. But we are weak when it comes to financing growth." Dübendorfer sees the main reason for this in the Swiss mentality: "In Europe and Switzerland, there is a fear of losing something. Risk capital has a negative connotation - in the USA it's called venture capital, which sounds like adventure and a new departure." As a result, many Swiss innovations are leaving the country because it is easier for them to obtain growth capital abroad.

Dalith Steiger-Gablinger, co-host of the podcast, puts it in a nutshell: "We need to move from an inheritance culture to an investment culture. There is enough money in Switzerland, but not enough courage to invest it in innovation." Dübendorfer sees hope in new structures such as Deep Tech Nation Switzerland: "If pension funds and foundations invest in broadly diversified venture funds, the capital can have a targeted effect on the local economy. This is an important step towards strengthening the ecosystem."

Visibility, pride and the power of success stories

Another problem is Swiss modesty. "We have over 50 start-ups that have achieved a valuation of over one billion - but nobody talks about it. Success is not celebrated, it's almost hidden." Dübendorfer calls for more visibility and pride in Swiss innovations: "When we see big exits and talk about them, there is a hunger for more. Successful founders then invest in new start-ups again - that is the catalyst for a vibrant ecosystem." The Deep Tech Nation Switzerland platform makes these success stories visible and thus motivates the next generation of founders.

Error culture, willingness to learn and team spirit

For Dübendorfer, one thing is clear: "The basic principle for an attractive start-up has not changed - fast, capital-efficient and better than the status quo." However, today more than ever, it is crucial that teams are able to learn and really understand the current challenges. "You have to be allowed to fail sometimes. The important thing is to learn from it and try again - that helps the whole ecosystem move forward." It is precisely the willingness to accept mistakes and learn from them that distinguishes successful innovation ecosystems from stagnating markets. Switzerland has some catching up to do here, but also enormous potential.

Courage, investment and a new culture of innovation

The Swiss AI and startup scene is at a turning point: outstanding talent and innovative ideas are available - what is missing is a culture of courage, investment and visibility. Dr. Thomas Dübendorfer and the guests of the AI Talk podcast show that it is time to be proud of Swiss innovations, to see risks as opportunities and to work together to build a strong AI ecosystem.

"I firmly believe that if we strengthen our error culture and invest more in innovation, Switzerland will also be at the forefront in the age of AI."

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About the podcast AI Talk

AI Talk is the podcast about artificial intelligence in Switzerland - with real movers and shakers, experts and decision-makers from tech, research, politics and business. Hosted by Stephan Lendi and Dalith Steiger-Gablinger, each episode of the podcast highlights new perspectives on innovation, responsibility and the concrete application of AI technologies. Whether ethics, regulation, talent development or deep tech - AI Talk combines personal insights with strategic foresight.

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