Switzerland is a hotspot for innovation – and artificial intelligence is a key driver. But where do the people who shape these technologies come from? At 42 Zurich, we believe that the best AI talent is not developed in lecture halls – but in projects, in teams, in practice.
We will open our doors in 2026 – and prepare learners to succeed in an ever-changing world. Not through theory, but through peer-to-peer learning, real-world projects and independent work.
What we don’t promise AI talents – and what we offer
We do not teach specific AI frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch – at least not directly. Instead, we focus on the fundamentals that every AI developer needs:
- Programming in C, algorithms, data structures
- System administration, network programming, security
- Project management, teamwork, independent problem solving
These skills form the basis for all AI development – whether in machine learning, NLP, computer vision or predictive analytics. Those who learn with us will later be able to familiarise themselves with new technologies independently – and that is more important today than ever before.
42 Lausanne: The Swiss pioneer
Since 2021, 42 Lausanne has been training students – currently over 750. The school is part of a movement that focuses on social responsibility, sustainability and inclusion. It promotes talent regardless of educational background or financial situation. The training lasts two to five years and also includes an internship.
As Cristina Bucher, Managing Director of 42 Zurich, said in an interview with the Tages-Anzeiger “Alpha”:
“More than 60% of students in Lausanne are employed directly after their internship.”
This shows that those who study here are not only well educated – they are also employable.
How we prepare AI talent for the future
- No teachers, no lectures – just projects, challenges and mutual feedback.
- No tuition fees, no admission restrictions – only a placement test and a four-week "Piscine" decide on admission.
- Practical: The focus is on real projects, not theory.
- Learning together: We promote exchange with industry, enabling learners to gain practical experience at companies in the fields of AI, cybersecurity or mobile applications.
The Swiss AI community is growing – and we are part of it
Switzerland has already produced renowned AI researchers and start-ups – for example, from ETH Zurich, EPFL and the Swiss AI Lab. 42 is helping to continue this tradition by promoting talent from diverse backgrounds – without tuition fees and with a focus on practical skills.
What we do not promise – and what we offer
We do not promise quick AI certificates. We do not offer course modules with fixed content. But we do offer something that is still rather rare today: the freedom to learn for yourself, to decide for yourself, to grow for yourself.
Those who study with us not only learn how to programme, but also how to be successful in a complex, changing world.