ETH Zurich and EPFL are intensifying their AI research efforts with the establishment of the Swiss National AI Institute (SNAI), a new initiative designed to position Switzerland at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation. This strategic move strengthens the Swiss AI Initiative and enhances national AI research, education, and innovation.
A National AI Perspective
SNAI is dedicated to fostering transparency, open-source development, and trust in AI technologies. The institute will:
- Spearheaded research on large-scale AI using the “Alps” supercomputer, featuring over 10,000 next-generation GPUs.
- Develop Switzerland’s first national AI foundation model for languages, prioritizing open and ethical AI.
- Advance AI research and education with a broad, interdisciplinary approach involving over 70 AI-focused professors from ETH Zurich, EPFL, and other Swiss institutions.
Driving AI Innovation in Switzerland
As global investment in AI accelerates, Switzerland is positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven solutions. SNAI will be instrumental in developing AI models with over 50 billion parameters, requiring advanced supercomputing infrastructure and expert AI knowledge.
The initiative is backed by CHF 20 million in funding from the ETH Board for 2025-2028, with additional support from ETH Zurich, EPFL, and third-party contributions.
Building a Swiss-Made AI Foundation
SNAI’s research will focus on:
- AI applications in healthcare, sustainability, education, robotics, and augmented reality.
- Training AI specialists to enhance Switzerland’s AI talent pool.
- Developing AI models that align with Swiss values of transparency, trustworthiness, and open access.
Leadership and Collaboration
SNAI will be co-led by ETH Zurich and EPFL, ensuring balanced management and leveraging the expertise of their respective AI Centers. The institute will also collaborate closely with the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS) and the Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC) to enhance AI computing capabilities.
The Future of AI in Switzerland
SNAI is a long-term commitment to AI research and innovation, ensuring that Switzerland remains a global leader in AI ethics, governance, and application. The initiative will also create opportunities for startups and SMEs by open-sourcing AI models whenever possible.
As AI continues to reshape industries, the Swiss National AI Institute will play a crucial role in driving responsible AI development and positioning Switzerland as a global AI hub.
