⏱ 1 min 30 read
Background
The generative artificial intelligence (AI) market is dominated by US and Chinese giants such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek. Yet Swiss players are trying to carve out a place. RTS devoted a report to them on 28 October 2026.
The key points
Start-up Giotto has already deployed its tool at Groupe Mutuel, RUAG and SAP. It is now targeting the general public. It wants to develop high-performing, low-energy models.
The Swiss model Apertus has passed 6 million downloads in one year, ahead of its French rival Mistral. Its developers are betting on full transparency to win users' trust.
Swiss players also emphasise sovereignty : keeping control of AI in the face of decisions by foreign providers. But access to capital remains an obstacle, according to Banque SYZ.
Key figures
- More than 6 million : Apertus downloads in one year
- 2 in 3 : Americans who believe AI could destroy humanity, according to a Politico survey
What it means for businesses
- Swiss companies : local solutions already exist, such as Giotto at Groupe Mutuel, RUAG and SAP.
- AI start-ups : they find their first millions, but struggle to raise hundreds of millions, according to Banque SYZ.
Who says what
- Martin Jaggi (EPFL professor): Apertus's strength is trust, “thanks to full transparency”.
- Antoine Bosselut (co-founder of Apertus): without a Swiss model, the country has “no control” over the future of AI.
- Aldo Podestà (founder of Giotto): “We must aim for efficiency.”
- Charles-Henry Monchau (Chief Investment Officer, Banque SYZ): access to capital is a bottleneck.
Further reading
Sources
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