History of ETH Zurich: Leading the way since 1855

Ever since it was first founded, ETH Zurich has been a driving force behind Swiss industry, whose innovative products and services are in demand worldwide.

High performers of the future: students of the Federal Polytechnic School at around 1870.

The building of the ETH dome in 1919/20 was both a reflection of the past and an indication of growing self-confidence.

A brief overview of more than 150 years of ETH Zurich history

Ever since it was founded under the name “Polytechnikum” back in 1855, ETH Zurich has been a national educational institution of international standing, attracting talent from all over the world.

The successful combination of cosmopolitanism and strong connections at national level transformed the fledgling educational institution into one of the driving forces behind Swiss industrialisation: it has brought the necessary expertise into the country, trained experts and helped develop future-oriented national infrastructures.

Further information in a brief overview