We asked leading voices in robotics, quantum research, digital finance and telecom what makes the Greater Zurich Area such a powerful base for innovation and impact. What we heard was remarkably consistent: the blend of world-class talent, regulatory clarity, international access, and quality of life is hard to beat – not just in Europe, but globally.
These interviews were recorded during the Alpine Tech Forum 2025, a gathering of global experts held at Headquarters Zurich and supported by Alexander Brunner and the House of Blockchain.
Greater Zurich brings together world-class talent from engineering to design – and Andie Zhang sees that interdisciplinary spirit as key to building better robots. Living and working here also means quality of life, for both work and family.
Curious what else makes robotics work here?
Curious what else makes robotics work here?
Andie Zhang isn’t the only one. In Greater Zurich, more than 100 robotics companies and research institutions are shaping the future of automation, intelligence, and design — across industries and around the world.
Greater Zurich’s unique ecosystem has kept IBM Research rooted here since 1956. For Alessandro Curioni, it's the place where open innovation thrives – fueled by excellence in research, collaboration, and long-term thinking.
From DLT to AI regulation, Elise Soucie Watts sees Greater Zurich as a trusted place where regulators and innovators come together. She praises Switzerland’s early leadership and sees real potential for shaping global digital policy.
Greater Zurich reminds Courtney Bowman of early Silicon Valley – full of young talent, creativity, and momentum. But what sets it apart is the city’s unique ability to support interdisciplinary work across AI, ethics, and regulation. For Palantir, Greater Zurich offers more than a European hub – it’s where innovation and policy evolve together.
Karen Ottoni shares why Switzerland has become a trusted hub for open-source collaboration in blockchain and decentralized tech. From pioneering crypto regulation to building communities that blend competition and cooperation, she highlights how Greater Zurich’s unique environment fuels innovation and trust.
💡 She also invites anyone passionate about decentralized technologies to connect and shape the future together.
Greater Zurich combines cutting-edge telecom deployment with a vibrant tech community and top talent. For Werner Koss, who once guided climbers through the Alps, it’s also simply the place he feels most at home.
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