Switzerland, land of big pharma, tries to reel in AI startups

Machines can already scan and synthesise clinical data findings previously scattered across tens of thousands of medical publications. Bots can scan social media to identify signs of suicidal tendencies in online chatter. Algorithms can track contagion or the onset of rare diseases. Speech recognition software can log doctor-patient dialogues in real-time. Smartphone apps can determine dermatological conditions remotely.

Switzerland has a robust ecosystem of big pharma and life sciences sector, and ambitious start-ups born out of top universities. This concentration of innovators and capital have not gone unnoticed.