Geneva to Launch AI Hub for Healthcare and Neuromodulation

The University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), the Department of Health and Mobilities (DSM) of the Canton of Geneva, and the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuro Engineering have signed a three-party agreement to establish an AI reference hub focused on healthcare and neuromodulation. Set to launch in late 2025, this initiative aims to enhance the treatment and prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

 

Located in a 1,000 m² space at Campus Biotech, the hub will provide cutting-edge AI-driven solutions for patient care and research. HUG will oversee operations, fostering collaboration between hospital expertise and emerging technologies.

“This AI hub embodies Geneva’s ambition to pioneer accessible, personalized, and effective treatments while keeping humanity at the heart of technology.” — Pierre Maudet, Councillor of State

“We envision AI-driven devices that will be like wearing glasses or a headband, and that will modulate the activity of the brain. This is a whole economic development. Patients will be at the centre of the developments, and we hope we will help them become free of mental health and neurological problems, allowing them to contribute to their full ability to their life, their families and society.” —Prof. Erwin Böttinger, Director of the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering.

 

Four Key Missions

1️⃣ Patient Care & Clinical Research (HUG & Wyss Center)

• Admissions, follow-ups, and medical investigations for epilepsy, strokes, depression, and sleep disorders.
• Synergy with research, allowing patients access to the latest diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.
• Clinical trials for AI-guided neuromodulation treatments.

2️⃣ AI-Driven Translational Research (Wyss Center)

• Focus on AI-guided neuromodulation and fostering start-ups in this field.
• Example: dEEGtal, an AI-based diagnostic software for early epilepsy detection, awarded at HUG Innovation Day.

3️⃣ AI Integration in Healthcare & Prevention (HUG)

• AI-powered mental health solutions and administrative process optimization.
• Improving patient flow, resource management, and hospital efficiency.

4️⃣ Training & Public Engagement (DSM)

• • A platform for health professionals, AI experts, and citizens to discuss ethical, social, and scientific AI challenges.
  • Hosting training sessions, town halls, and international collaborations via Geneva’s global health ecosystem.

 

Strategic Importance & Investment

The project aligns with Geneva’s 2023-2028 legislative agenda to promote AI innovation and enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency. Funding is evenly shared between HUG, the State of Geneva, and the Wyss Center, each contributing CHF 900,000 over three years.

Timeline

📅 February 2025 – Lease signing and formal agreement
📅 Late 2025 – Hub inauguration and full-scale operations
📅 2028 – Transition into a dedicated clinical facility for patient care and research

 

➡️ Source: PR HUG | 

 

📸 David Wagnières – HUG

• From left to right:
  Prof. Antoine Geissbuhler, Director of Teaching and Research at the HUG, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and project leader.
• Pierre Maudet, State Councillor in charge of the Department of Health and Mobility
• Caroline Kant, Vice-President of the HUG Board of Directors
• Robert Mardini, Chief Executive Officer, HUG
• Dr. Roma Vuarier, Administrative and Financial Director of the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering.
• Prof. Stefan Kaiser, Senior Consultant, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, HUG.
• Prof. Erwin Böttinger, Director of the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering.