The history of the Idiap Research Institute goes back to the early 1990s, when the Dalle Molle Foundation, with the support of the State of Valais, the city of Martigny, the Swiss Confederation, as well as the scientific support of the EPFL and the University of Geneva, decided to create a research center dedicated solely to the study of AI. In 1991, Idiap was created and managed by the Dalle Molle Foundation until 1996. On that date, it became a foundation in its own right, with the State of Valais, the City of Martigny, the Swiss Confederation, the EPFL, the University of Geneva and Swisscom as founders.
Idiap quickly became a leading research center, producing a wide range of innovations in the field of AI. For example, the Institute played a major role in the development of speech recognition technologies, which have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. Additionally, Idiap researchers have worked on machine learning algorithms, computer vision, and natural language processing.
One of Idiap’s most significant contributions to the field of AI is its work on neural networks. Neural networks are a type of machine learning algorithm that mimic the behavior of the human brain. Idiap researchers were among the first to develop neural networks for speech recognition, paving the way for the development of the technology that we use today.
Establishing Valais as a hub for technology and innovation
In addition to its contributions to the field of AI, Idiap has also had a significant impact on the canton of Valais. The Institute has attracted top researchers and scientists from around the world, bringing talent and expertise to the region. This has helped to establish Valais as a hub for technology and innovation, attracting new businesses and investment to the area.
Furthermore, Idiap has a strong commitment to community outreach and education. The Institute hosts regular seminars and workshops, offering opportunities for local students and researchers to learn about AI and related fields. Additionally, Idiap has established partnerships with local schools and universities, providing resources and expertise to support the development of STEM education in the region.
Technology transfer services for businesses
The Idiap is not only a leading research Institute in artificial intelligence, but it also offers services to companies. The Institute’s technology transfer office collaborates with businesses to realize joint research and sponsored development programs in its fields of research. Idiap’s multidisciplinary team of research and development engineers dedicated to technology transfer addresses the challenge of facilitating the relationship between researchers’ knowledge and skills and the needs of industrial partners.
The Institute’s Cross-Research Groups (CRG) foster a multidisciplinary approach to facilitate technology transfer towards new domains of artificial intelligence. Idiap’s spin-off, IdeArk, is an incubator that enhances its technologies and promotes the emergence of new start-ups by providing workspace, financing, and mentorship.
Numerous success stories
The Institute has a strong track record of successfully transforming cutting-edge research into innovative technology start-ups and SMEs. These spin-offs have developed solutions in various domains, ranging from speech recognition, eye tracking, biometric authentication, and video processing to webcasting services.
AudioSearch is a spin-off that uses automatic keyword detection to index and retrieve phone conversations, while Eyeware captures user attention, intention, and interest using eye-tracking information.
KeyLemon is a pioneer in biometric authentication solutions via face recognition, and Klewel offers end-to-end webcasting services.
Recapp IT specializes in speech recognition technology, and Vima Solutions combines behavioral science with advanced technologies to understand people traits and behavior.
These success stories demonstrate Idiap’s ability to drive innovation and contribute to the growth of the local and global economy.
Pioneering AI Research in the heart of the Swiss Alps
The Idiap Research Institute has made significant contributions to the field of AI and to the canton of Valais. Its groundbreaking research has helped to shape the development of AI technologies, and its commitment to community outreach and education has helped to foster innovation and growth in the region. As the field of AI continues to evolve, Idiap is sure to remain at the forefront of research and innovation, paving the way for the next generation of AI technologies.
