The Swiss Data Science Center establishes a permanent presence at Biopôle in Lausanne

The Swiss Data Science Center is expanding its activities to Biopôle in Lausanne, supported by CHF 7.5 million in funding from the canton of Vaud, reinforcing its position as a hub for data science and AI.

The Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC), a joint initiative of EPFL and ETH Zurich, is taking a significant step forward by establishing a permanent presence at the Biopôle life sciences campus in Lausanne. This expansion, backed by CHF 7.5 million in funding from the canton of Vaud until 2028, underscores the SDSC’s role in driving advancements in data science and artificial intelligence (AI) within Switzerland.

Since its founding in 2017, the SDSC has applied interdisciplinary data science expertise to tackle complex challenges across sectors, including life sciences, energy, and sustainability. With its new base at Biopôle, the SDSC will collaborate with local institutions such as UNIL and HEIG-VD, as well as SMEs, to deliver impactful projects. The initiative is expected to create up to 100 jobs in French-speaking Switzerland, further boosting the region’s innovation ecosystem.

Advancing Swiss AI leadership

Funding will commence in 2024 with an 18-month pilot project called ENERBAT. Using data science techniques, this project will analyze building energy data to optimize energy consumption and support the Federal Energy Strategy 2025. From 2025 to 2028, the SDSC will launch a joint innovation program with Vaud, issuing annual calls for projects in fields such as life sciences, industry, and digital transformation.

The SDSC’s integration into Biopôle aligns with Switzerland’s rising prominence in AI and data science. ETH Zurich and EPFL rank among the world’s top universities in these fields, and Switzerland has improved its global AI standing, now ranked 5th in research quality.