Zurich looking to gain advantage through Artificial Intelligence

Plans to launch a Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics were given the green light last Thursday at the AI Moonshot Roundtable, as announced by the Canton of Zurich in a press release. The press release explains further that the Department of Economic Affairs of the Canton of Zurich has been heavily involved in the launch of this initiative alongside the Mindfire Foundation. The plans for a networked talent and research hub are focused on bringing together under one roof the respective strengths of science and business in the field of AI.

Representatives from Swiss universities and research institutions took part alongside prominent business leaders and those from the start-up scene in addition to “renowned experts from abroad” at the first round table discussion hosted by Hotel Belvoirpark in Zurich, the Canton of Zurich states in its press release. The founders of this initiative were represented by Carmen Walker Späh, President of the Government Council and Economic Director of the Canton of Zurich, and Pascal Kaufmann, President of the Mindfire Foundation, among others.

The Belvoir Manifesto for AI jointly adopted by the participants plans to develop a “Robot Scientist”, the press release states. This should “be able to learn concepts, absorb knowledge from lectures, interact with people and support scientists with creativity and curiosity in the field of medical research in particular”, the Canton of Zurich writes. In the medium-term, the initiative is also planning to establish a “cross-disciplinary AI Lab” in Zurich.