Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming our lives. But how can each one of us use AI? What benefits does this technology offer in our daily life? And what do we gain from it?
To explore these questions, Microsoft Switzerland is launching the exciting AI challenge, lerneki.ch. The search is on for Switzerland’s four most creative AI users! The winners will have the opportunity to attend an exclusive AI training session at Microsoft in Zurich.
“We are at a pivotal moment in the digital transformation. The ability to understand and effectively use artificial intelligence is becoming a core skill,” explains Primo Amrein, AI National Skills Director at Microsoft Switzerland. “With this initiative, we want to bring AI closer to the Swiss public: as something you can learn, just like driving a car. A technology that can be used as a tool—applied responsibly and purposefully.”
From the Workbench to the Mixing Console to the Harvest
The platform for this initiative for Switzerland’s AI talents is lerneki.ch. Here, three inspiring examples showcase how AI enriches everyday life: Justin Metry, a carpenter from Valais, Jil Kommer, a student from Toggenburg, and Roland Vonarburg, a mushroom grower from Lucerne, all use AI in creative and surprising ways—and they are motivating others to join the challenge.
“AI is my creative assistant, making every step of my work easier,” says Justin Metry, a 25-year-old carpenter from Valais. In a region known for its rich traditions, he’s looking towards the future. Far from tech hubs, in the heart of the mountains, he uses AI to bring his interior design concepts to life. “I’m amazed by what AI can do. Where I once had to color designs by hand, AI now handles that in a single click.” This gives a glimpse of the next generation of digital craftsmanship.
In Toggenburg, 12-year-old student Jil Kommer and her father Lars are creating AI-generated music. The creative duo produces entire tracks with the help of AI—from the first lyric to voice generation, sound design, and mastering. “It’s not just about creating a song, but telling stories, moments, and emotions. AI gives us endless possibilities to do that,” explains Jil. Soon after, the internationally recognized band Enigma discovered their talent, and the duo was invited to create stage videos for the band’s live performances. As part of the AI Challenge, they will release a new AI-generated album, including the track «KI macht’s klar».
Mushroom grower Roland Vonarburg from Wauwil, Lucerne, uses AI to assist in picking mushrooms. His family business harvests 100 tons of champignons every week—by hand. Recently, an intelligent system has been added to assist workers. It’s not easy to determine with the naked eye which mushrooms are ripe. The AI now measures the size of the mushrooms and marks the ones ready for harvest with a colored light dot. “This helps pickers harvest 30% more from day one,” says Vonarburg. “Without harvesting assistance, it usually takes at least eight months for someone to become efficient. Now, only the mushrooms that are large enough are picked, while smaller mushrooms are allowed to continue growing, helping prevent over-picking.”
AI Challenge: It’s Your Turn, Swiss AI users
Whether in carpentry, at the kitchen table, or in production, people across Switzerland are using AI. Now, Microsoft Switzerland is looking for the country’s four most creative AI users. Who has a brilliant idea? Who is using AI for a unique project? AI enthusiasts can apply on the lerneki.ch platform by submitting a short video until May 18. A jury—including Primo Amrein, AI National Skills Director at Microsoft, and Sepp, a well-known Swiss cult farmer—will select the winners. The four AI talents will be invited in June to the exclusive Microsoft Innovation Hub in Zurich, where they’ll receive expert AI training, along with accommodation and meals.
In addition to the competition, the lerneki.ch platform offers free online training, providing basic AI knowledge. Upon completion, participants will earn a digital badge, similar to the well-known driving school «L» sign. “This modern «L» signals: Those who understand AI are ready for the future. Just like learning to drive, learning AI should be just as natural,” says Primo Amrein.
