David Shapira currently serves as CTO of the Swiss Innovation Forces, the official innovation agency for the Swiss Federal Department of Defense (VBS). In this capacity, he leads defense technology adoption for Swiss military forces, managing startup and partner ecosystems and overseeing integration of cutting-edge technologies into operational frameworks. Since joining in 2023, Shapira has been a driving force in aligning military needs with scalable innovation and advanced technical solutions.
Prior to his current role, David co-founded several deep-tech ventures with global industrial and defense clients, including Rimon Technologies-a mixed reality platform for manufacturing sectors. His expertise lies in scouting and integrating dual-use and defense-grade technologies, particularly in AR/MR applications. His research in surgical AR/MR at Imperial College London has earned him recognition in academic and professional circles, including a TEDx talk and co-authored scientific publications.
David holds both BSc and MSc degrees in Mechanical Engineering from ETH Zurich. His experience spans defense innovation, venture building, and R&D strategy, making him a uniquely qualified advisor on military technology commercialization. He is fluent in German and English, with working proficiency in French, Italian, and Hebrew.
