After 20 years in town, Google is an integral part of the Zurich ecosystem, and enjoys the internationality, great partnerships and wealth of innovative ideas offered by Zurich as a business location.
A hub of innovation
Google opened its first office at the shore of the Limmat in Zurich back in 2004, the beginnings of today’s R&D site with around 5,000 “Zooglers” (= Zurich Googlers) of 85 nationalities. Google’s employees in Zurich work on services such as Google Search, YouTube and Google Cloud, indulge in research activities in the fields of AI and co-develop cybersecurity applications among others. A wide array of Google product areas are represented at the Zurich site - one could say a kind of “Google miniature”. This is unique and enables short distances, personal exchange and proximity at the Zurich location.
Fostering a culture of creativity and inclusion
Google sets a great emphasis on the creative development of its employees. The tech company headquartered in Silicon Valley operates according to the premise that great ideas are born only when an inspiring working atmosphere exists. The Google Switzerland office in Zurich specifically encourages this type of open and inclusive corporate culture to ensure that innovation can emerge freely. Google co-develops and optimizes various products at its Swiss site, the tools being used and loved by millions of users around the globe.
Switzerland: A perfect fit for Google’s R&D
With its central location in Europe, Switzerland offers a unique setting in which Google employees can feel at ease and develop creatively. Moreover, ideal conditions for local research and development work can be found in the Greater Zurich Area. The central location, excellent infrastructure and high quality of living make Zurich very attractive for Google employees. In the light of research partnerships, the close proximity to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) and the EPFL in Lausanne is also decisive for Google, striving to invent together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tech ecosystem
Which global tech companies are located in the Greater Zurich Area for R&D?
Among others, the Greater Zurich Area is home to research centers for Google, Meta, IBM, Microsoft, Apple, Huawei, Disney, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, and Sony.
Discover some of our success stories made in the Greater Zurich Area.
What types of tech companies are active in Greater Zurich?
The region hosts global players in artificial intelligence, robotics, medtech, blockchain, fintech, advanced manufacturing, and cleantech. Startups, scaleups, and multinationals like Google, Roche, and ABB are all part of the ecosystem.
Why is the Greater Zurich Area considered a top location for AI companies?
Greater Zurich offers world-class research institutions like ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, access to top-tier AI talent, and a high concentration of global tech players, including Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, IBM, and many more. The region combines innovation infrastructure with regulatory clarity, making it a prime base for AI R&D and scaling.
Learn more about the high tech density in the Greater Zurich region.
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