Extended Reality Map: the key Swiss players

Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne – these are the major Swiss VR and AR hubs, where these technologies are researched, implemented and applied. The proximity of universities and technical universities provides particularly fertile ground for AR and VR companies.

Along with the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) and the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) are also researching virtual and augmented reality. The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BHF) are also prominent institutions in the field.  Large view of the Extended Reality Map


Countless startups originated at these universities: the multi-million dollar MindMaze (EPFL), which created a machine-mind interface with the help of virtual reality; Somniacs (ZHdK), the developer of the VR bird flight simulator Birdly; iNovitas (FHNW), the cloud-based 3D imaging service; and the ETH spin-off Archilogic, which is active in the architecture and design industry. Many other companies also have direct connections with research, such as VR game designer Ateo and the developers at Artanim Interactive in Geneva. Large view of the Swiss VR and AR Sectors

All of these organisations help to increase the growth and visibility of the Swiss VR and AR industries. And more and more companies are relying on technologies from the VR and AR industries – particularly for advertising and marketing. Real estate companies are making virtual tours of their properties possible, and flight training schools are letting interested parties ‘fly’ with them virtually.