Energie 360° and Vantage Data Centers plan energy network
Zurich/Denver – The energy supplier Energie 360° and Vantage Data Centers are planning an energy…
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Energie 360° and Vantage Data Centers plan energy network
Zurich/Denver – The energy supplier Energie 360° and Vantage Data Centers are planning an energy network in Volketswil ZH based on waste heat recovery. From the end of 2028, 70 megawatts are to be produced annually. This will provide 7000 households in four municipalities with a climate-neutral energy supply.
Energie 360° and Vantage Data Centers have entered into a partnership to set up an energy network. The data center operator based in the US state of Colorado is planning to build a new data center campus in Volketswil. According to a press release, the planned use of waste heat at the new site will create the "ideal energy source for an energy network". "We are delighted about this partnership and the fact that we can make a contribution to the decarbonization of the energy system," said Wolfgang Zepf, Country Manager of Vantage Switzerland.
Construction of the energy center is scheduled to begin at in summer 2025. From the end of 2028, 70 megawatts of neutral thermal energy are to be generated for 7,000 households in the municipalities of Volketswil, Greifensee, Schwerzenbach and Effretikon.
Consumers will probably not have to wait that long. In order to be able to supply heat from the energy network as soon as possible, work has begun on creating a climate-friendly interim solution. "In order to exploit synergies with other construction work, Energie 360° is already building part of the transmission line between Volketswil and Effretikon," it says. The first properties could be supplied with climate-friendly heat as early as the end of 2026. ce/heg
Vantage Data Centers wird sein zweites Schweizer Rechenzentrum im Sommer 2024 eröffnen. Bild: Business Wire
Date:
03 May 2024
Last update: 03.05.2024
Empa researches new solar cells
Dübendorf ZH – Researchers at the Thin Films and Photovoltaics Laboratory of the Swiss Federal…
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Empa researches new solar cells
Dübendorf ZH – Researchers at the Thin Films and Photovoltaics Laboratory of the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) are working on the development of new, effective solar cells. These tandem solar cells are to be based on perovskite instead of silicon.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology(Empa) are working on the development of new solar cells based on perovskite. According to a press release, these photovoltaic elements should achieve a higher level of efficiency than conventional silicon-based cells. The research group led by Fan Fu from the Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics is developing so-called tandem solar cells in its experiments.
These combine different layers in order to achieve a higher degree of efficiency. The scientists process two perovskites that have different band gaps. This so-called band gap of a material has the property of converting photons with a certain energy into electricity. The two band gaps of the tandem solar cell can now capture photons with two different energy levels.
With this technology, an efficiency of 45 percent can be achieved with the perovskite tandem cell. By comparison, a silicon single cell achieves 33 percent. Another advantage that the Empa researchers expect from the project lies in the cost-effective production and lower material consumption of the new solar cells. "Silicon solar cells generally require high-purity silicon monocrystals that are produced at high temperatures," research manager Fan Fu is quoted as saying in the press release. "Perovskite thin films, on the other hand, can be printed, vaporized or deposited from solution, with a correspondingly low carbon footprint."
The lighter design also enables installation on lightweight flexible films instead of rigid glass panels. This means that the new solar cells can be mounted on buildings with a low load-bearing capacity or even on car roofs, according to the press release. ce/eb
Die Perovskit-Solarzellen aus zwei Schichten können höhere Ausbeuten erreichen als herkömmliche Solarzellen aus Silikon. Bild: Empa
Zurich – A team at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) has…
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ETH develops new device for taking blood samples
Zurich – A team at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) has developed a safe and inexpensive device with which even laypersons can take blood samples for reliable measurements. It can be used to diagnose malaria, for example, and is modeled on leeches.
A new, simple device from ETH for taking blood samples could take away people's fear of syringes, needles and blood. Above all, it is easy to use and can also be used by people without medical training. According to a report by the ETH, the new device is not able to collect as much blood as a needle, but significantly more than a prick in the finger or earlobe. This makes measurements more reliable.
The researchers based their development on leeches: They attach themselves, penetrate the skin with their teeth and create a negative pressure by swallowing, which they use to suck blood from the wound. The new and inexpensive device is a type of suction cup that is attached to the upper arm or back. It contains a dozen microneedles that puncture the skin when pressed against it. When released, a negative pressure is created which collects blood.
The device is still made of silicone and the needles of steel. The team is now in the process of developing the next version from fully degradable materials. Before the device can be used for blood tests in malaria regions, for example, it must also be tested on humans following studies on pigs. The research group is still looking for a funding partner, such as a charitable foundation. The work to date has been supported by the Fondation Botnar through the Basel Research Center for Child Health. ce/mm
Forschende der ETH ein Gerät zur Blutentnahme entwickelt. Es kann etwa zur Diagnose von Malaria eingesetzt werden und hat Blutegel zum Vorbild. Bild: Liquid Art, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Date:
02 May 2024
Last update: 02.05.2024
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Zurich start-up makes brain imaging accessible worldwide
Voices
Zurich start-up makes brain imaging accessible worldwide
Jannis Fischer and Max Ahnen are co-founders of Positrigo and firmly rooted in the medtech ecosystem. We asked them how they want to improve healthcare and how functional problems in the brain should be detected earlier.
In this course you will learn about the structure and function of adhesives and adhesive…
When: 14 May 2024, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
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Bonding technology for practitioners
In this course you will learn about the structure and function of adhesives and adhesive tapes.
Target price
From practice for practice: In a theoretical part in the morning and a practical part in the afternoon, you will learn about the structure and function of adhesives and adhesive tapes. You will perform bondings with double-sided adhesive tapes and get to know and apply simple, practical test methods. The correct interpretation of the fracture points is also discussed.
Target audience
This course is aimed at anyone who is interested in industrial bonding technology and wants to know what needs to be done to ensure that a bond delivers what it promises.
Course content
Basics of bonding technology:
Advantages and disadvantages of gluing
Loads on a bonded joint
Calculating adhesive surfaces
Surface properties
Pre-treatment methods of the bonding surfaces
Joining parameters
Fracture analysis
Overview of adhesive systems:
Solvent adhesives
Structure of dispersion adhesives
2-component construction adhesives
Cyanoacrylates
Structure of double-sided adhesive tapes
Instructor
Richard Kralik, specialist for adhesive technology at 3M Österreich GmbH.
Did you know that the only electronic scoreboards approved by the International Sport Shooting Federation…
When: 14 May 2024, 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
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Tech-Lunch: SIUS AG
Did you know that the only electronic scoreboards approved by the International Sport Shooting Federation (ISSF) come from the Winterthur region?
At our next Tech Lunch, you will have the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes at SIUS AG and experience how such precise systems are produced.
You will also be able to exchange ideas with other participants from our network over lunch at the QN World restaurant.
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: SIUS AG, Im Langhag 1, 8307 Illnau-Effretikon
Program
11:00 a.m. Welcome by House of Winterthur and SIUS AG
11:05 a.m. Presentation and workshop tour
12:00 p.m. Walk/transfer to the QN World restaurant
12:15 p.m. Lunch and networking
13:30 End of the event
Menu
Menu salad or cream of asparagus soup
***
Chicken strips in curry sauce with broccoli and rice
or pasta with mushroom cream sauce
***
Including mineral water and coffee / espresso / tea
SCLC stands as a yearly gathering of top-tier supply chain leaders, providing a unique platform for learning and networking among industry peers. The upcoming 4th edition, themed “Connect 360: Future Frontiers of Supply Chain Collaboration,” is set to explore the complete landscape of connectivity within the supply chain. With an innovative focus on emerging trends and collaborative approaches, the conference aims to redefine the future of supply chain management.
When:
15 May 2024, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
16 May 2024, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Registration for the fourth annual Aerogel Architecture Award has started on 20 January 2024. Interested…
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Aerogel Architecture Award 2024
Registration for the fourth annual Aerogel Architecture Award has started on 20 January 2024. Interested parties are invited to submit their examples for the use of aerogel in architecture, construction, renovation and preservation of historical monuments. The best projects in the categories Realized Solutions and Student Designs will be awarded.
The jury is searching for outstanding realized projects internationally to showcase the best projects of architects, civil engineers or exceptional project ideas of students from these fields. The best projects will be shortlisted for the Aerogel Architecture Awards ceremony hosted in Duebendorf near Zurich at the NEST building on the Empa campus, which will give broad recognition to the projects. The projects will be published in relevant international magazines and online portals. The award celebrates the best examples with regards to energy efficiency, unconventional solutions, translucent daylighting or high performing buildings solutions with the use of superinsulating aerogel materials.
Category
Realized Solutions – architects, civil engineers and their studios
Student Designs – architecture and civil engineering students
Schedule
20 January 2024 – Competition announcement and registration opens
12 July 2024, afternoon – Winners’ announcement event, NEST building, Empa Duebendorf (on-site and public stream)
Submission conditions
Architectural and civil engineering studios can submit realized projects of renovation, refurbishment or new buildings located in any country. Students of architecture and civil engineering can submit their proposals and design studio projects with use of aerogel based materials. The award ceremony will take place in English. Projects should not be older than three years. It is highly recommended to submit realized projects of renovated or protected buildings, refurbished and new buildings, where the energy efficiency was improved using aerogel insulation materials or the translucency of silica aeorgels was used. The winners will be invited to Switzerland for the award event, which will take place at the NEST building on the Empa campus in Duebendorf (Zurich). They will receive an award and will be invited to shortly introduce their project within approximately 10 minutes to a broader audience.
Please send a ZIP or RAR file (max. 20MB) to michal.ganobjak@empa.ch (secretary) until the deadline. For your submission, please choose a 6-digit identification number (0-9). Please avoid numbers in sequence, as well as duplicates of the same numbers or letters. Please mark your poster and name the ZIP file with your identification number.
One to three JPEG-images: Cover photos of the project in high resolution, which will be used in media and webpages (see coverage of AAA 2022)
One detail of the use of the aerogel based insulation (on the poster), one linear technical drawing with highlighted aerogel part (Blue RGB – 95,183,215), a list of materials and, if available, photos of the detail.
Please fill out the registration form and describe the selected details on aerogel use in your project in approx. 300 words. The poster can include text, pictures and details.
With your submission you agree with the publication of the project and confirm that you know about the property rights for images, graphics and drawings, which are part of your submission.
The Innovation Booster “Sustainable Digital Finance” aims to accelerate radical innovations that foster sustainability in…
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Sustainable Digital Finance - CALL #1
The Innovation Booster “Sustainable Digital Finance” aims to accelerate radical innovations that foster sustainability in the financial industry by harnessing technology.
The University of Zürich is the leading house for this InnoBooster. In order to enable and accelerate innovation your project idea is matched with appropriate experts and partners. Thanks to the approved application within the Innovation Booster program of Innosuisse the call is able to support you financially with CHF 20’000 per project if you convince our jury.
Application Criteria
Individuals or team in Switzerland with
an idea to develop a new product, service, process or business model and
an idea that aims to make a positive impact on sustainability in the financial sector or has a strong relationship to banking finance or insurance
Submit ideas in the following categories
ESG data and analytics
Green digital risk analysis and insurtech
Green digital deposit and lending solutions
An open category dedicated to solutions in sustainable digital finance
Why apply
Receive CHF 20’000 in project funding
Discuss with expert and get support and guidance
Explore collaboration potential with implementation partners
Become part of an expert community Grow your network
"Phänomena Challenge" - Vertical greening of facades
“Phänomena Challenge” – an open innovation challenge to promote the vertical greening of façades. The…
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"Phänomena Challenge" - Vertical greening of facades
“Phänomena Challenge” – an open innovation challenge to promote the vertical greening of façades.
The greening of buildings supports the urban water cycle, provides a natural cooling effect, reduces noise and pollution, promotes biodiversity and creates valuable recreational spaces for society. Despite its many advantages and added value, the topic of vertical greening still only plays a minor role in urban planning and among the population itself. In order to change this, the “Phänomena Challenge” aims to develop ideas and concepts that will make a sustainable contribution to this.
The Innovation Booster Applied Circular Sustainability(IB ACS) and the Cleantech Hub Dietikon Limmattal(CTHD) invite you to the Open Innovation Challenge “Vertical greening of facades”. Interdisciplinary teams develop new ideas and concepts so that more projects for the vertical greening of facades can be realized. The teams are supported by coaches and experts from the fields of the circular economy, cleantech and digitalization. A jury will award a grant of CHF 24,000 to the idea with the greatest potential so that a pilot project can be implemented.
Application / Registration:
You can apply to take part in the “Phänomena Challenge”under this link.
The application/registration period runs until Friday, May 03, 2024. The applications are then selected and participation is announced in person. This Open Innovation Challenge will take place on June 3 and June 17, 2024 in the Stadthaus Dietikon.
The Swiss AI Report is the first to systematically analyze the use and development of…
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Swiss AI Report
The Swiss AI Report is the first to systematically analyze the use and development of artificial intelligence in Swiss companies.
The report provides an objective and differentiated insight into the practice - far away from speculations and hypes. This shows that there is a high level of strategic awareness in Swiss companies when it comes to AI. Networking between research institutions and the private sector is intensive. Companies want to use AI to optimize their core business. However, they still pay little attention to ethical issues or the growing demand for energy.
The Swiss AI Report was commissioned by the Canton of Schwyz and created by the think tank W.I.R.E and the Mindfire Foundation.
With a gross value added of CHF 29.9 billion and 97,300 full-time jobs, the Zurich…
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Zurich Financial Center 2023/2024
With a gross value added of CHF 29.9 billion and 97,300 full-time jobs, the Zurich financial center is a major pillar of the Zurich economy and the largest financial center in Switzerland. Sustainable business practices are becoming increasingly important for companies in all sectors. Drivers for this are international sustainability goals, but also changing customer needs. Due to its importance for the Swiss financial center, the Zurich financial center has a key role to play in this development. Every second financial company also sees sustainable finance as an opportunity to strengthen its reputation and to win and retain customers. This is shown in the new study “Financial Center Zurich 2023/2024” by the Cantonal Division of Business and Economic Development and Zurich Urban Development.
The financial sector, which includes banks, insurance companies and other financial services, is one of the most important industry aggregates in the Zurich region. One in ten jobs and one in six value-added francs would be attributable to the financial sector in 2021. The real gross value added of the financial sector developed more dynamically overall than that of the economy as a whole between 2011 and 2021, especially also in the pandemic years 2020 and 2021. This is shown in the new study "Financial Center Zurich 2023/2024" by the Division of Business and Economic Development of the Canton Zurich and the Urban Development Department of the City of Zurich. Despite the currently very challenging geopolitical and economic environment, the overall growth outlook for the financial sector is positive.
Key role for the Zurich financial center
Sustainable management is increasingly becoming the focus of companies. Drivers of this development include the Paris climate targets, the UN sustainability goals, legal framework conditions, but also changing customer needs. Sustainable financial products and services are increasingly in demand. The Federal Council has recognized the importance and potential of sustainable finance and in December defined several measures with the aim of further expanding the position of the Swiss financial center as one of the world's leading locations for sustainable financial services. The Zurich financial center plays a key role due to its importance for the Swiss financial center. This study examined how progressive the Zurich financial center is in terms of sustainability. The results of the survey show that numerous companies already offer products and services with innovative sustainable approaches. These include investment products with specific sustainability objectives, ESG-compliant activities, sustainable bonds or sustainable loans, insurance or services.
However, companies also face challenges, according to the survey. This includes the increasingly complex political and regulatory framework imposed by the federal government and the EU. The increasingly required transparency of climate risks and sustainability measures is also seen as challenging by 40 percent of companies. The survey participants see the greatest potential for improvement in networking with science and other companies, as well as in legal and regulatory issues.
Consistently pursuing the topic of sustainability
The consistent focus on sustainability is an opportunity for the Zurich financial center and the entire Zurich business location. This is also in the interest of the companies surveyed: Every second company sees sustainable finance as an opportunity to strengthen its reputation and win and retain customers. However, the great development potential of sustainable finance must be exploited to an even greater extent. This includes, for example, the systematic disclosure of relevant and comparable climate information from companies and for investments in such companies.
The Canton and City of Zurich are committed to promoting Sustainable Finance in the Zurich financial center, anchoring it more firmly and enabling an attractive environment. The Canton of Zurich and the City of Zurich will continue to pursue this topic with the aim of deepening the dialog between the financial industry, business and academia. This is done, for example, by networking and making visible the players from the financial industry and the cleantech industry on the Innovation Zurich platform of the cantonal location promotion, but also through a regular exchange within the framework of workshops and conferences as well as further data collection.
Zurich’s innovative power is strong, as a comparison with 249 other regions shows. Nevertheless, there…
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Innovation check-up for Zurich
Zurich’s innovative power is strong, as a comparison with 249 other regions shows. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement. You can read more in the current issue of the “Zürcher Wirtschaftsmonitoring” (German only).
