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Alex Ilic
Tech Entrepreneur, Scientist, and Investor - Expert in AI, Computer Vision, and Augmented Reality - EY Entrepreneur of the Year
Alexander Ilic is a prominent Swiss-German entrepreneur and researcher, serving as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the ETH AI Center, one of the largest hubs for artificial intelligence research globally. He has a robust academic background, having completed his habilitation at the University of St. Gallen, earned a PhD in Management, Technology, and Economics from ETH Zurich, and obtained an MSc in Computer Science from the Technical University of Munich.125
Career Highlights
- Entrepreneurial Ventures: Ilic founded his first company at the age of 21 and co-founded Dacuda, a computer vision startup that was acquired by Magic Leap in 2017. He later became the National Head of Magic Leap Switzerland, where he established R&D centers focused on computer vision and advanced photonics.245
- ETH AI Center: Under his leadership, the ETH AI Center aims to develop foundational technologies for new AI applications and collaborates with businesses to foster innovation and research projects. The center is also part of the European AI research network ELLIS.237
- Investment and Board Roles: Ilic is actively involved in various startups as an investor and board member, including roles at S2S Ventures and Advertima. His entrepreneurial spirit has earned him multiple accolades, including being named "Entrepreneur of the Year" twice.126
Contributions to AI
Ilic's work focuses on integrating AI into practical applications, emphasizing ethical considerations in technology deployment. He has discussed the impact of AI advancements like ChatGPT on industries and stressed the importance of responsible AI development.78
Personal Attributes
Ilic is recognized for his high entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to advancing technology through collaboration between academia and industry. His leadership at the ETH AI Center reflects a vision for fostering innovation in artificial intelligence while addressing its ethical implications.58


