Computer vision

The Greater Zurich Area is one of the world's leading centers for computer vision - thanks to leading universities, top talent, a dynamic start-up scene, and global tech giants.

The major players in tech conduct research in Greater Zurich, including in the areas of machine vision and learning: Google, Apple, Meta, Magic Leap, Microsoft, IBM, Huawei, Oracle, Disney, or graphics processor and chip manufacturer Nvidia. The same applies to established Swiss companies such as ABB, Leica Geosystems or Roche.

As a cross-sectional technology, computer vision also benefits from related technologies and its pioneering research conducted in the Greater Zurich Area: Information technologies, electrical engineering, sensor technology, extended and mixed reality, or artificial intelligence.

Pioneerin start-up from Greater Zurich: Sevensense Robotics.

Discover the reasons, why Greater Zurich is a leading hub for computer vision:

Universities and research institutes

ETH Zurich anchors the computer vision ecosystem with basic disciplines such as computer science, electronics, and mechanical engineering, as well as with institutes, laboratories, and research groups specializing in computer vision. In addition to teaching and fundamental scientific research, ETH Zurich also emphasizes the importance of applied research and collaboration with industry.

The University of Zurich’s international reputation also plays a significant role and applied research projects are conducted at a number of research centers in the Greater Zurich Area. Some examples include Wyss Zurich (jointly operated by ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich), Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, Zurich University of the Arts ZHdK, HTW Chur, University of Applied Sciences of the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland SUPSI, and University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW. There are also private research institutes such as the new Microsoft Mixed Reality & AI Lab and the Disney Research Lab, headed by ETH Zurich professors.

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Dynamic start-up scene

Numerous start-up companies use computer vision in a wide variety of applications.

Here are just a few of the many examples: Aerotain (broadcasting drone); ANYbotics (mobile robots); Auterion (drone control); CatchEye/Perceptiko (video telephony); Fashwell ( recognition for e-commerce); Fotokite (camera drone); Heptagon (sensor technology, acquired by AMS); Inspacion (virtual design for a surgical space); Kooaba (cloud-based recognition, acquired by Qualcomm/Vuforia); Dacuda (real-time computer vision; acquired by Magic Leap); Nomoko (high-resolution cameras); Scandit (barcode scanner); SkyAware/zurichsense (navigation for robots and drones); Upicto (video recognition; acquired by Logitech); WayRay (navigation systems); Wingtra (drone data-mapping); and Zurich Eye (virtual reality, acquired by Facebook/Oculus).

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Investors and incubators

Company founders now find a thriving climate in which to raise venture capital. An open network in which successful founders support and invest in the next generation of start-ups characterizes the Greater Zurich Area. Within this ecosystem, numerous incubators, accelerators, techno-parks and co-working spaces prosper. Get informed about why Greater Zurich is a leading innovation hub and reach out to our team for more in-depth information.

Innovation Hub

The ecosystem for computer vision in the Greater Zurich Area is perfect. It's easy to recruit talent here.

Marc Pollefeys - Professor of Computer Science at ETH Zurich, Head of Mixed Reality & AI Lab Zurich

Brochure "Greater Zurich Area one pager"

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Greater Zurich Area: Hotspot for Innovation

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We have established a center of excellence for computer vision & deep learning in Zurich because the location offers a unique combination of top talents, close collaboration between academia and industry, and high quality of life.