Artificial Intelligence (AI/AI) – ETH Alumni Innovators Exchange

This article has been translated with AI.

The event opened with an exciting keynote speech by Marcel Germann. He compared the current hype surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) with the internet boom of the 1990s and showed the exponential growth of NVIDIA shares and the computing power of GPUs. These developments make it clear that AI will have a lasting impact on our lives. In Switzerland, education and research play a central role in AI development. ETH Zurich and the ETH AI Center make a significant contribution to the country's innovative strength. Thanks to its excellent education, Switzerland attracts numerous international companies that benefit from the high quality of its specialists. The lively start-up scene in the AI sector also benefits from the strong education and research landscape. Large Swiss companies such as banks, insurance companies and pharmaceutical firms are increasingly focusing on AI, often in collaboration with smaller tech companies. A look into the future shows that AI is already integrated into many areas of our lives and that we unconsciously benefit from its advantages. Marcel is convinced that the benefits of this technology will outweigh the risks.

Five start-ups then presented their innovative solutions and explained how AI has driven their developments:

ANYbotics – Damien Hamilton presented ANYbotics' innovative robotic solutions specifically designed for challenging inspection and maintenance tasks in industrial environments. These autonomous robots use advanced AI technologies to move safely and efficiently in complex environments. They are able to collect and analyze precise data, which significantly improves efficiency and safety in industrial operations. For example, ANYbotics' robots can be used in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas to carry out inspections that would be risky for humans.

tethys – Gallus Kaufmann presented the underwater robots from tethys, which have been developed for automated underwater work. The aim is to cover three key needs: consistent data collection, cost-efficient deployment and use in difficult conditions. The robot can create 3D images of the subsurface even in poor visibility, it can carry out inspections autonomously and perform its work perfectly and safely even in very strong currents.

EthonAI – Roland Philippsen presented EthonAI, a company that specializes in AI-based solutions to improve efficiency and safety in the manufacturing industry. EthonAI's technology helps companies to optimize their production processes, as well as analyze data in real time and detect potential problems at an early stage. EthonAI offers customized solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of customers, helping to increase competitiveness.

FOUND – Ranjit de Sousa introduces FOUND, a recruitment platform that uses a combination of data, technology and AI to optimize the recruitment process and enable employers to recruit the best possible person for the open role. Unlike traditional recruitment agencies, FOUND is able to present a higher quality of candidate in a shorter time. To make the application process as attractive as possible for talented people, FOUND turns the process around: it is not the employee who has to apply, but the employer.

SOORT – Wolfgang Loerli presented SOORT, a start-up that specializes in sustainable shopping. SOORT uses AI to identify environmentally friendly products and provide consumers with personalized recommendations. The platform suggests products to users that meet their sustainability criteria. SOORT promotes conscious consumption and helps customers to make environmentally friendly choices.

After the presentations, the 60 or so visitors had the opportunity to talk to the start-ups and experience their products in live demonstrations. The evening ended with a cozy aperitif, where participants had the opportunity to discuss the innovations they had heard and seen in a relaxed atmosphere.