Microsoft Switzerland is looking for the country's most creative AI talents
Microsoft Switzerland is launching the AI Challenge and is looking for the four most creative AI users in the country. The winners will receive exclusive training at the Microsoft Innovation Hub in Zurich to further develop their skills.
With the AI Challenge, Microsoft Switzerland wants to show how versatile artificial intelligence is already being used - and how much potential it offers for everyday life. On the platform Lerneki.ch three examples provide an insight into the creative use of AI. Lerneki.ch is part of the Microsoft Philanthropies training initiative and is implemented by Leiseder Kommunikation & Marketing.
Justin Metry, a 25-year-old carpenter from Valais, combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. "I'm excited about the possibilities of AI. Where I used to have to color designs by hand, AI now does it for me - in one click."
12-year-old Jil Kommer from Toggenburg and her father Lars use AI to produce music. They use artificial intelligence to compose complete songs - from the first line of text to voice generation, sound design and mastering. "For us, it's not just about creating a song, but about telling stories, moments and feelings," says Jil. Their talent did not go unnoticed: the band Enigma discovered the duo and commissioned them to create stage videos for live performances.
AI is also being used in agriculture: Roland Vonarburg, a mushroom grower from Lucerne, relies on an intelligent harvesting aid. An AI system analyzes the size of the mushrooms and marks ripe mushrooms with a light spot. "This allows the pickers to harvest 30 percent more from day one," explains Vonarburg.
AI challenge for creative minds
Whether in crafts, music or agriculture - AI can be used in a wide variety of areas. Now it's up to Switzerland's creative AI users: anyone with an exciting idea can submit a short video by May 18, 2025 on Lerneki.ch apply.
A jury, including Primo Amrein, AI National Skills Director Switzerland at Microsoft, and the well-known Swiss farmer Sepp, will select the four winners. They can look forward to exclusive AI training at the Microsoft Innovation Hub in Zurich - including accommodation and meals.
In addition to the competition, Lerneki.ch offers a free online training course that teaches basic knowledge about artificial intelligence. Those who complete it receive a digital badge based on the driving school L. "This modern L signals: Anyone who knows about AI is equipped for the future," says Primo Amrein.
