Firmenich, the Swiss company behind many of the world’s best-known perfumes and flavors, has announced the creation of a Digital Lab in partnership with the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). Dubbed D-Lab, the new digital hub is based at EPFL Innovation Park. It brings together Firmenich creators and experts with the best and brightest minds from EPFL, with the goal of boosting innovation in fragrance and taste creation through Artificial Intelligence.
“By combining the dynamic start-up ecosystem based at EPFL with Firmenich’s industry-leading innovation, together we will be able to apply breakthrough science to create bespoke sensorial experiences faster than ever before,” said Martin Vetterli, President of EPFL, in a press release. Recognized among the world’s top 10 Engineering and Technology institutions, EPFL is known for its innovative capacity, fueled by fruitful on-campus interactions between tech start-ups, forward-thinking companies and leading academics. EPFL is also one of Firmenich’s most long-standing academic partners and home to the Firmenich Chair in Neurosciences.
Founded in Geneva in 1895, Firmenich is the world’s largest privately-owned company in the fragrance and flavor business. Each year, it invests 10% of its turnover in R&D. “Ever since our creation as a start-up 123 years ago, pushing the boundaries of science and technology has always been our engine of growth,” said Firmenich CEO Gilbert Ghostine.
