Knowledge transfer
Knowledge transfer improves competitiveness
The exchange and transfer of knowledge strengthens innovation and boosts prosperity in society. The transfer of knowledge based on ETH Zurich’s world-class research also enhances the competitiveness of Swiss SMEs and large corporations. The university is involved in pioneering innovation partnerships and supports entrepreneurship, in particular through the licensing of research results and the establishment of spin-offs. Around 620 spin-offs, founded in the last 50 years, have created thousands of jobs and attracted more than 425 million Swiss francs from private investors in 2024 alone – a record unequalled by any other university in Europe. What is more, ETH researchers are involved in various activities that provide the groundwork for evidence-based political decisions.
Applying new research findings
By delivering world-class education and research, ETH Zurich transfers knowledge characterised by groundbreaking inventions and innovative entrepreneurship. In this way it maintains Switzerland’s position at the forefront of technology. ETH Zurich also promotes the transfer of knowledge through cooperation with industry and other partners.
In electronics, almost nothing runs without rare earth metals. They can be found in fluorescent lamps, flat screen monitors and hard drive magnets, for example. These elements have barely been recycled until now because separating them requires an enormous outlay of energy and chemicals. ETH doctoral student Marie Amélie Perrin and her supervisor Victor Mougel have developed a method that enables the materials to be efficiently separated and recovered from electrical waste. At ETH Industry Day, the innovation received the 2024 Spark Award for being the most promising invention of the year.
Promising study on green electricity
Climate neutrality and nuclear phase-out: Switzerland’s green electricity targets are ambitious, but realistic – provided the electricity supply is profoundly and rapidly transformed. This has been one of the findings of a study conducted by the SWEET EDGE consortium, which is funded by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. The experts from local universities involved in this study looked for ways to supply Switzerland with renewable electricity by 2035. Measures include solar installations on façades and rooftops, wind farms, and biomass and waste-to-energy plants, for example. The results show that this could meet electricity demand and create thousands of jobs.
Guidelines on political engagement
While ETH members make an important contribution to informed and evidence-based policy by sharing knowledge with the political arena, this can also lead to tensions. ETH Zurich’s Executive Board and the Science-Policy Interface team expressly encourage ETH members to pass on their scientific findings to policymakers. Since February 2024, the new guidelines on political engagement and policy advice have offered them guidance. These contain best practices and recommendations rather than prohibitions.
Former Swiss Federal Chancellor Thurnherr appointed ETH Professor
Walter Thurnherr was Chancellor and Chief of Staff of the Swiss Federal Council for eight years. Since October 2024, he has been a professor at ETH Zurich, assisting with the establishment of a School of Public Policy – with the aim of contributing to a better understanding between academia and politics. This new interdepartmental centre will pool university research relevant to policy, step up dialogue with policymakers and contribute to education and training in the field of policy analysis. Moreover, Thurnherr will give practical courses that familiarise students with the basic features of the Swiss political system and teach them how government is conducted in Bern.
“Industry meets science”
ETH is stepping up the transfer of knowledge through active cooperation and dialogue with industry. It helps companies find research partners and advises on funding programmes and financing options for joint projects. It also organises workshops, events, company visits and laboratory visits.
Innovation is crucial to companies’ market success. However, it often requires heavy investment and entails a lot of risk. ETH Zurich’s Feasibility Lab supports companies in testing their ideas: students and postdocs work together with clients to develop rudimentary prototypes of functions in need of change. A collaboration between the technology group Bühler and ETH students has now shown the company how development and innovation processes can be accelerated and risks minimised. The initial results have been very promising, and so other companies are now set to benefit.
The Annual Report is produced in German and translated into English. Only the German version is binding.
© ETH Zurich, April 2025