Benjamin Bargetzi – Artificial intelligence in the real estate industry

Benjamin Bargetzi is a highly respected Swiss neuroscientist, AI pioneer, philosopher and tech entrepreneur who works at the interface between brain research and digitalisation.

He studied and conducted research in Oxford, London, Singapore and Zurich, among other places, before taking up senior positions at Google and Amazon. Today, he is the founder and director of the AI and neuroscience research institute ACIT Global, which is active on four continents. He is also Global Lead for Future Technologies at the World Economic Forum (WEF) and ranks among the top 30 most booked thought leaders in Europe.

In his keynotes, Bargetzi combines neuroscientific findings with technology analyses to show companies how they can use AI sensibly – without losing sight of the human aspect. He warns against dystopian scenarios and emphasises instead that AI is an opportunity, not a threat – if we act actively and responsibly.

Artificial intelligence & neuroscience: Understanding power

Benjamin Bargetzi shows us that AI applications are increasingly interfering with neural processes – from attention and motivation to creativity. He explains that every digital interaction leaves traces in the brain and that we must design technologies in such a way that they strengthen us rather than distract us.

In a podcast, he emphasises that in a world full of distractions, ‘focus becomes a superpower’. Small goals and continuous self-efficacy can make our brains more resilient – and thus help us to better cope with uncertainty and stress.

Benjamin Bargetzi also advocates a clear stance in the context of ethical issues: AI must serve humanity. For him, transparency, fairness, data protection and responsible use are not optional buzzwords, but essential prerequisites for a socially sustainable approach to AI.

Driving innovation: Europe and the digital transformation

Bargetzi sees great potential in Europe – but also dangerous inertia. In his opinion, parts of Europe lack a willingness to take risks and tolerance for mistakes, while countries such as the US and China are forging ahead technologically. Europe has the knowledge – but not always the courage to think big and try new things.

With ACIT Global and his international work at Google, Amazon and the WEF, he wants to promote this courage – as a speaker, consultant and innovator.

His credo is provocative and motivating at the same time: ‘AI will not replace humans – but people who work with AI will replace those who don’t.’ Companies are challenged to understand AI not only as a tool, but as an integral part of their business strategy. Automation, data-based decision-making and leaner processes can significantly increase efficiency, image and innovative strength.

The real estate industry: Recognising AI opportunities (theory & practice)

At the Aareon Real Estate Forum in Leipzig – an industry event that brings together players from the construction, housing and real estate sectors – Bargetzi spoke on 4 September 2025 about ‘Innovation & AI’ and how the real estate industry can reposition itself technologically.

A wide range of applications are conceivable:

• Automated analysis and value creation: AI-supported big data analyses can forecast market trends, rent and price developments more quickly and accurately – a clear competitive advantage over traditional models.

• Customer experience & marketing: Smart chatbots, personalised offers and virtual tours can digitise and optimise customer contact – increasing efficiency and convenience.

• Operational optimisation & sustainability: building automation, energy consumption optimisation through AI, predictive maintenance – broad fields in which the real estate industry can save resources and costs through technology.

Benjamin Bargetzi would view such developments through his neuroscientific lens: How do people react to digital technologies in the real estate context? Where do we want to use automation, and where do we need human trust? This is where his integrative approach is particularly valuable – because true innovation requires technology to respect human values and perceptions.

Conclusion

Benjamin Bargetzi is more than a tech evangelist: he is an interdisciplinary thought leader whose strength lies in combining neuroscience, artificial intelligence and innovation into a contemplative, value-oriented strategy for the future. His appeal – and at the same time his strength – lies in the active, empathetic shaping of our digital future: whether through AI-promoting resilience in human behaviour or through disruptive but grounded application in industries such as real estate.

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