ABOUT US

Empowering human sustainability in the age of AI

SCAI is a national competence center for the development and democratization of augmented intelligence.
At SCAI, we are dedicated to advancing the field of artificial intelligence with a focus on human sustainability. 

Everyone talks about digital transformation and regulation.
We are working on human transformation.


WHO ARE WE?

History

refleciton

2022- Reflections between the Swiss Capital Region (RCS) and Professor Denis Lalanne from the University of Fribourg

Aware of the growing impact of AI on humans and their environment,
Professor Denis Lalanne proposes that the Swiss Capital Region position itself as a complement to Swiss technology hubs by bringing a “human” touch.

history

2024- cOMMITMENT

  • Isabelle Chappuis (Economist and National Councillo
  • Ornella Vaccarelli (PhD in Physics)
  • Mira el Kamali (PhD in Computer Science)

2024 (Q2–Q4): Vision, mission, and Roadmap of SCAI

Development of a community around the concept of augmented intelligence

  • Project: LAIBEL
  • Applied research project: ParlementAIre

Ongoing: Securing sustainable funding and developing a partnership and development strategy (horizon 2028)

WHY ARE WE HERE?

Artificial Intelligence is the third major digital revolution after the Internet and mobile phones.

  • It will transform society and businesses in ways we can’t yet fully imagine
  • Many SMEs feel powerless and uncertain about whether and how to integrate AI
  • They lack clear frameworks to understand and evaluate AI’s impact
  • Employees often fear being replaced or becoming obsolete due to AI.

SCAI 3 Pillers

These pillars guide our mission to research, build, and promote AI technologies that enhance human capabilities and improve society.

HOW IT WORKS
SCAI :
  • Encourage research on the themes of the impact of AI on humans and society (creating research projects)
  • Work toward human transition through guidance, education, and training, as well as communication and outreach.
  • If you want to collaborate with top-tier experts in AI, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, AI Ethics, and more — we bring together interdisciplinary minds to drive innovation
  • If you have a project idea in Augmented or Artificial Intelligence and need support to design, validate, and scale it — we help turn vision into reality.
  • If you are an SME seeking to build an R&D project — we offer guidance, co-development opportunities, and access to funding instruments and strategic partnerships.
  • Researchers & Experts
    Seeking interdisciplinary collaboration in AI, Physics, Biomedicine, Ethics, and beyond
  • Entrepreneurs & Innovators
    With an idea in Artificial or Augmented Intelligence looking for the right ecosystem to develop, test, and launch it
  • Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
    Interested in integrating AI into their business, building R&D projects, or accessing innovation funding.
  • Public Institutions & NGOs
    Exploring responsible AI applications for social good, education, or sustainable development.
  • Students & Early-Career Scientists
    Who want to engage in applied research, innovation labs, or mentorship in the AI space.

Team Members

Silvia Quarteroni

President, Head of Innovation at SDC

Denis Lalanne

UNIFR- Department of informatics

Paolo Favaro

UniBe, Institute of Computer Science

Ornella Vaccarelli

Lead Scientist

Mira El Kamali

Sr. Research Scientist

Address

Swiss Center for Augmented Intelligence
Schauplatzgasse 39 3011
Bern, Switzerland

We are in Fribourg, Bern, Neuchatel, Vaud, Valais