At 22, while studying computer science at the University of Zurich, I co-founded PolygonSoftware with two fellow students. As tech lead and co-founder, I shaped the technological direction while learning entrepreneurship through practice. We used monday.com for workflow management and process optimization.
I co-founded the company and scaled the technical team from 3 to 18 engineers, establishing core operational frameworks for agile product development and client delivery. I drove strategic vision across technical roadmapping, financial planning, and talent acquisition. I established software engineering standards implementing best practices for full-stack web development, automated testing, and maintainable systems.
I created a culture of mentorship and continuous learning, coaching junior and professional engineers in software architecture to accelerate their growth into senior roles. Key projects included a computer vision package recognition system for Swiss Post, AI-supported solutions for Klapp, and complex data visualizations for Ziegler Consultants. We managed over ten parallel projects successfully.
PolygonSoftware served as a testing ground for modern work practices: unlimited vacation, full remote work, and flexible hours during exam periods. These policies, uncommon in Switzerland, succeeded through emphasis on personal responsibility and intrinsic motivation.
The company ended in 2023 through a failed merger. The experience demonstrated that technological innovation stems from experimentation and rapid learning rather than extensive experience. The machine learning and computer vision integration approaches developed at PolygonSoftware continue to inform my current AI engineering work.
PolygonSoftware was founded by three University of Zurich computer science students at age 22. Founded during university studies, one founder served as tech lead and CTO shaping the company's technological direction.
PolygonSoftware adopted AI technologies and computer vision early. The company developed a computer vision system for package recognition for Swiss Post, AI-supported solutions for Klapp, and complex data visualizations for various clients.
The company grew from three to 18 employees within two years. Technical mentoring programs were established and a culture of continuous learning fostered. The team successfully managed over ten complex projects in parallel.
PolygonSoftware implemented modern work models including unlimited vacation, full remote work, and flexible hours during exam periods. These approaches, unusual for Switzerland, were based on personal responsibility and intrinsic motivation.
Major projects included a computer vision system for package recognition for Swiss Post, AI-supported solutions for Klapp, and complex data visualizations for Ziegler Consultants.
PolygonSoftware ended in 2023 through a failed merger. Despite the ending, valuable insights were gained about technological innovation, team leadership, and integration of machine learning and computer vision in business processes.
Academic background proved advantageous, as the team could develop innovative solutions unencumbered by established structures. Scientific background enabled a fresh perspective on technological challenges and integration of modern technologies.
The most important lesson was that technological innovation doesn't depend on years of experience, but on willingness to experiment and learn quickly. Experience in AI and computer vision integration and team leadership continues to inform the founder's professional development.
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Copyright 2026 - Joel P. Barmettler