Dear Readers,
Today, we want to take you on a journey back to the halls of ETH Zurich, where two visionary minds converged to embark on a path of innovation and entrepreneurship. Their story is one of collaboration, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence - a journey that led to the creation of LiberoVision, a groundbreaking company that forever changed the landscape of sports broadcasting, and ultimately to the birth of Nimagna, a startup that is revolutionizing the way people communicate through video.
The Meeting of Minds at ETH Zurich
It all began at ETH Zurich, where Christoph Niederberger and Stephan Würmlin Stadler crossed paths during their doctoral studies in computer science. Bonded by their shared passion for innovation and sports, Christoph and Stephan forged a friendship that would lay the foundation for their future endeavors.
The Birth of LiberoVision
Driven by a desire to push the boundaries of what was possible in the realm of computer graphics, Christoph and Stephan joined forces to co-found LiberoVision. Drawing upon their expertise in real-time visualization and camera analysis, they set out to revolutionize sports broadcasting by enhancing live broadcasts with captivating visual elements.
LiberoVision quickly gained recognition for its groundbreaking work, with its dynamic on-field augmented reality graphics becoming a staple of sports broadcasts around the world. From ESPN to Fox Sports, from World Cups to Super Bowls, audiences were captivated by LiberoVision's ability to add depth and insight to their viewing experience. With over 250 sportscasters using the LiberoVision product today, there’s a good chance that you will see its on-field arrows or player marks also in your favorite sports program.
As LiberoVision continued to thrive, Christoph and Stephan saw an opportunity to take their vision to new heights. In a strategic move, they sold LiberoVision to Vizrt, the world leading TV graphics company - a decision that would not only expand the reach of their technology but also pave the way for their next venture.
The Shift
Fast forward to today. Nimagna emerged three years ago, fueled by a desire to democratize high-quality video production. But how did Christoph and Stephan transition from sports graphics to this new area? Well, it’s all about evolution.
When building and leading products in Vizrt for video production, automation, and virtual studios they realized that the same principles they applied to television production and sports graphics could transform how people communicate. Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to explore new frontiers, ultimately paving the way to co-found Nimagna.
Nimagna isn’t about broadcasting; it’s about connecting. Imagine having the capabilities of a high-end TV studio right in your home. Beautiful TV sets, dynamic camera angles, and seamless transitions - now available to everyone. Whether you’re hosting a webinar, or collaborating with colleagues, Nimagna bridges the nonverbal gap of digital communication and adds human connection to virtual settings.
Nimagna strives to break down barriers when working and collaborating over a distance. Its technology and products help to reduce the need for in-person meetings resulting in less commuting and business travel. This contribution is pivotal in reducing global carbon emissions.
The journey of Nimagna, from the inception of LiberoVision at ETH Zurich to the founding of Nimagna, exemplifies the power of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability in the entrepreneurial world. Christoph’s and Stephan’s story underscores the importance of recognizing opportunities for growth and evolution, as they seamlessly transitioned from revolutionizing sports broadcasting with LiberoVision to democratizing high-quality video production with Nimagna. Their journey serves as a testament to the transformative potential of technology and the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship in shaping the future of communication.
