Canton of Zurich and SDSC help SMEs get started with AI

(CONNECT) The Swiss Data Science Center(SDSC) has developed the free AI Innovation Program especially for SMEs in the canton of Zurich that want to tackle a specific business challenge or opportunity with the help of AI and address it on a large scale. The SDSC is a strategic initiative of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich (ETH) and Lausanne (EPFL) and the Paul Scherrer Institute. It was commissioned by the Department of Economic Affairs of the Canton of Zurich to implement this support program for SMEs.

SMEs interested in taking part can apply by completing a questionnaire by August 25. The prerequisite is that they have their head office or significant business premises in the Canton of Zurich. They should also be able to demonstrate an interest in the introduction of AI technologies and be willing to deploy internal employees for workshops, hackathons and related activities. Last but not least, the openness to engage in a mutual exchange of knowledge and to develop solutions together with other SMEs and researchers is helpful.

The deliberately limited number of selected participants will begin step 1 of the program in October 2025. This is about a general understanding of AI technology and demystifying it. In a further three to five face-to-face workshops until April 2026, step 2 will see the transfer of theory into prototypes. This should make it possible to test AI solutions without upfront investment or risk. And finally, in step 3, the transition to promising AI pilot projects is to be completed.

Markus Müller, Co-Head of Location Promotion in the Canton of Zurich, and the two Principal Data Scientists of the SDSC, Anna Fournier and Alessandro Nesti, will provide further insights into this AI learning and innovation program at an online information event. It will take place on July 17 from 1 to 1:45 pm. ce/mm