As featured in
Why Switzerland might be the deep-tech talent hub of tomorrow.
By the numbers
% cheaper · AI & ML talent vs the Bay Area
% cheaper · blockchain talent
% projected US tech-sector growth by 2031
of Europe's top-3 CS universities (ETH, EPFL)
In its HR Tech Europe coverage, HR Executive asked a question we think is already settled: could Switzerland be the deep-tech talent hub of tomorrow? Featuring Justus Spengler, founder and CEO of Rockstar Recruiting, the piece argues the country can rival the San Francisco Bay Area across AI, machine learning and blockchain.
Part of the pull is economics. Per a Greater Zurich Area white paper, ML and AI professionals cost around 17% less than Bay Area peers, and blockchain specialists around 26% less - drawing Google, Apple, IBM and Microsoft to expand here.
The rules help too. Since February 2023, AI and ML roles are recognised shortage occupations: labour-market tests are often waived and experience can substitute for a degree. Add a country regularly ranked the best in the world to live in, and Switzerland becomes a magnet for top candidates.
There is a catch, and it is the whole point: the talent is extremely scarce, and winning it takes a personalised, well-timed process - standard salary bands miss it. Spengler's advice: build a specialised team, or partner with recruiters who can reach the otherwise "impossible" profiles.
“The relevant talent is extremely scarce - hiring it needs a very personalised, timely process, not a standard salary band.”
What this means
The read for both sides of the market.
For companies
- Look beyond the US. Bay-Area-grade AI and blockchain talent costs materially less in Switzerland, and the global R&D centres are already here.
- Permits are easier than you think. AI/ML shortage status waives labour-market tests and can shorten work-permit timelines by months.
- Standard salary bands miss the best. Scarce profiles need a tailored, well-timed process - build a specialist team or partner with one.
For candidates
- Switzerland is a real alternative to the US hubs - top universities, global labs and a quality of life regularly ranked first in the world.
- Relocation is realistic. Recent permit changes recognise AI/ML skills and accept experience in place of a formal degree.
- Your scarcity is leverage. In a market this tight, the best move is often the role that never gets advertised.