Driving innovation: Oliver Nahon on Greater Zurich's journey towards autonomous mobility

Dear Oliver, first of all, thank you for joining our Chinese Business Network event as a speaker in November. It was exciting to see just how much is happening in autonomous mobility. What was the most unexpected or memorable takeaway for you?

It was remarkable to see Chinese and Swiss stakeholders coming together in one place, sharing insights and forging new connections. This rare cross-cultural exchange offered fresh perspectives and opportunities for collaboration. Not to mention the excellent Chinese food buffet which made me want to travel to China again!

The autonomous mobility ecosystem in Switzerland seems to be growing like never before. What’s the secret sauce driving this success?

Switzerland’s strength lies in its collaborative spirit. SAAM, as a central coordinator, ensures that startups, industry players, researchers, and authorities unite around a common vision to develop and implement sustainable autonomous mobility solutions.

SAAM plays a key role in shaping the autonomous mobility environment. What do you see as its most important contribution to the sector?

SAAM’s greatest strength is its ability to unite a wide range of stakeholders and turn ideas into tangible projects on Swiss roads. By acting as a central coordinator, SAAM ensures that breakthroughs in technology are swiftly tested, refined, and integrated into real-world mobility solutions, ultimately benefitting society as a whole.

There’s always something interesting happening in the region. What’s the coolest project you’ve seen recently?

It’s challenging to pick just one, as each project showcases a unique aspect of autonomous mobility. In Schaffhausen, a conventional vehicle has been converted into a driverless shuttle connecting residential neighbourhoods to the main station. Bern is testing autonomous freight vehicles to streamline urban deliveries. Zurich plans to deploy a fleet of self-driving cars and shuttles in the Furttal region, Zurich Airport is introducing automated shuttles for its employees, and Geneva offers on-demand, door-to-door automated shuttles integrated into its public transport network. And there are many more projects across Switzerland that will soon be revealed, each demonstrating how autonomous solutions can meet diverse mobility needs.  

For companies thinking, ‘Why Greater Zurich?’—what sets it apart?

Greater Zurich offers a supportive ecosystem with strong research institutions, a pragmatic regulatory environment, top talent, and a proven track record of turning innovative concepts into impactful, real-life applications.

What does the future hold for autonomous mobility in the Greater Zurich Area and beyond?

Expect more integrated, seamless mobility services, connecting rural and urban areas, improving sustainability, and offering greater accessibility. As these technologies mature, Switzerland will continue to serve as a European innovation benchmark.

If you could give one piece of advice to an international company looking to join the ecosystem here, what would it be?

Get actively involved—engage with SAAM, participate in projects, and network locally. Understanding the Swiss market and building relationships from the start will help you integrate smoothly and innovate effectively. Embrace the collaborative spirit that defines Greater Zurich, and you'll find ample opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact.

How can the region stay at the forefront of innovation in autonomous mobility?

By maintaining close collaboration between government, industry, and academia, supporting cutting-edge research, and continuously refining regulations to adapt to new technologies—ensuring that innovation never stalls.