Zürich’s ambition to improve the quality of life for residents through innovation and technology is positioning the Swiss city as a growing hub for related business events, with Zurich AI Festival being one of the high-profile gatherings to be held on repeat in the destination.
Anita Berardi, market manager South-east Asia, with Zürich Tourism, said her city is a “growing centre for AI research”, and the Zürich AI Festival – a week-long programme with more than 45 events across the city – will connect businesses, politicians and public communities to discuss ways to make AI work for the people.
Berardi added that the Zürich AI Festival, with its second edition set for September 28 to October 3 this year, is already regarded as “one of the leading AI festivals in Europe”.
Other reputable innovation events in the city include eduPromptathon, an education hackathon that is focussed on integrating AI into schools and training; Swiss Quantum Week; and the biennial Scientifica science festival.
Thomas Wütherich, CEO of Zürich Tourism, shared with TTGmice that innovation and technology-focused events would benefit from easy access to talents and professionals in relevant fields should they choose to meet in the city.
“We have one of the best universities that drive innovation, and that is the ETH Zurich. We also have the companies that support innovation; Zürich is the biggest AI hub outside of the US. Google, for example, has its biggest office outside of the US in Zurich,” said Wütherich.
“The reason for Zurich’s ability to grow as an innovation hub is its stable political situation, supportive financing, and access to extremely good education at the ETH Zurich,” he added.
Wütherich led a delegation of city officials, including hospitality leaders, to Singapore earlier in September for a series of trade engagements. Their time in Singapore included exchanges on innovation projects.
“What Singapore has done in the past (in terms of innovation) is one of the best, and we want to learn from the best,” he stated.
