Robotics & Intelligent Systems: A Glimpse into Zurich’s Deep Tech Ecosystem
Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and robotics are some of the most popular buzzwords of the global tech community in 2017/18 and we took that as a challenge to dig through the dirt and try to understand where the real value lies with technologies from these buckets.
Thus, end of October last year, we took our expert round-table series into new territory, this time joining forces with Switzerland’s Kickstart Accelerator, and in particular their Robotics & Intelligent Systems Vertical, for an evening dedicated to the local deep tech ecosystem. Hosted at Zurich’s Kraftwerk innovation space, around 50 guests, ranging from corporate executives and start-up founders to local investors, discussed the state of different technologies and the challenges they face on their way towards mass adoption.
Focus on technology vs. commercial traction
As usual during our round-table events, participants enjoyed a combination of short impulse presentations, focused panel discussions, “breakout sessions” and the informal setting to effectively network. With founders from the field taking on the role as moderators, the topics of Industrial IoT, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and AR/VR were discussed in greater depth. Afterwards, pitches by two deep tech start-ups set the stage for a panel discussion between founders and investors centred around the trade-off such companies face between focus on technology vs. commercial traction in the context of fundraising from venture capital investors. Eventually everyone agreed, that it is a necessary balance every start-up must find, but that investors must also set their expectations differently compared to investments in internet business models.
Throughout the evening, participants had the chance to find out more about the following presenting start-ups:
· R3 Communications: R3 develops low-latency and high-reliability wireless communications solutions specially designed to meet highest industrial requirements for machine-to-machine communication.
· ROVENSO: ROVENSO manufactures agile unmanned ground vehicles transporting heavy stuff in rough terrain and dangerous places for humans.
· Red or Blue Labs: Red or Blue Virtual Reality Lab is dedicated to exploring, developing and showcasing new technologies and content in the AR/VR space.
· RADiCAL: RADiCAL is offering AI-powered 3D motion capturing software for media & entertainment, robotics and smart cities.
· Daedalean: Daedalean is developing autonomous flight control software for the electric personal aircraft of the near future.
A big thank you to all participants and to the colleagues at Kickstart Accelerator and Kraftwerk for making this event a success!
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