San Francisco – June 3, 2025

Are you leading the charge in robotics, artificial intelligence, or physical AI? Swissnex in San Francisco invites Swiss-based startups, researchers, thinkers, and tech artists working at the intersection of robotics, AI, and embodied systems to apply for a unique five-day program in San Francisco, October 27–31, 2025.

Join us in San Francisco, the heart of the new wave of AI and robotics, to explore what’s next, connect with leading voices, and reflect on how the intersection of robotics and AI will shape our lives and economy.

About the Program

Building on the success of our programming, Swissnex is launching Embodied Intelligence with two goals:

1. Give visibility to Switzerland’s talents in the AI and robotics field
2. Accelerate knowledge exchange with the AI and robotics ecosystem in the Bay Area

Participants will explore Silicon Valley through curated visits, public engagement, and peer collaboration, actively shaping and reinforce the global dialogue on embodied intelligence.

Key Components

• Private site visits to leading robotics labs and companies in the Bay Area
• Public afternoon sessions at Swissnex San Francisco including keynotes, panels, workshops and roundtables
• Evening networking events, including a Robotic Pitch Night in collaboration with the Startup Camp, powered by Innosuisse and managed by Swissnex, and an additional event focused on AI and Robotics
• Active co-creation: Participants will shape and co-deliver parts of the public program (e.g exhibiting their robot, taking part in a panel discussion…)

Benefits for Selected Participants

• Exposure: Present your work in San Francisco, one of the world’s leading hubs for robotics and AI
• Exchange: Learn from leading labs, meet potential collaborators, and gain deep insights into the Bay Area’s robotic and AI ecosystems
• Visibility: Amplify the reach of your project through public events
• Networking: Connect with local experts, institutions, corporations, startups, etc
• Support: Receive a CHF 2,000 travel stipend

Who Should Apply

• We are looking for Swiss-based innovators at the crossroad of AI and Robotics:
  • Robotics startups (PoC, MVP stage)
  • Researchers (research paper, lab prototype)
  • Artists/Creatives (robotics installations, physical AI project, book…)
• You are actively contributing to the fields of robotics, AI, or embodied intelligence
• You have a project, prototype, research or concept they can present and discuss
• You are interested in cross-cultural exchange and want to engage with the Bay Area robotics, AI, tech, and arts scene

Participation Criteria

• A clear connection to Switzerland
• Relevance to the core themes of robotics, AI, and embodied systems
• Willingness to actively participate and contribute to the five-day program in San Francisco
• Interest in international collaboration and learning
• Fluent in English

Important Dates

Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: August 6, 2025
Program Dates: October 27–31, 2025

Selection Process

Projects will be selected based on the participation criteria: alignment with the program’s topics, innovative approach, potential impact, and motivation to connect with the San Francisco Bay Area ecosystem.

We also strive for diversity among program participants in terms of background, gender, discipline, and perspective.

Program Location

Swissnex San Francisco, Pier 17, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
(Selected project will receive a CHF 2’000 stipend to cover travel and housing costs)

How to Apply

Submit your application via this online form by July 31, 2025. We will notify accepted submissions by August 6, 2025.

Questions?
Please contact Maulde Cuérel, AI Program Manager, for any questions.