Innovation Zurich is the platform that makes collaborations in the field of innovation in the Canton of Zurich visible and possible.

Enormous Potential

Artificial intelligence (AI) is on the rise and has enormous potential. However, there are still many unanswered questions - also with regard to regulation. The canton of Zurich has been promoting the practical application of AI for a long time. The "Innovation Sandbox" was introduced in spring 2022. It serves as a learning environment - almost like a laboratory - in which companies, organizations and administrations implement AI projects and develop expertise in the field of AI use. This has already resulted in several guidelines on legal aspects and recommendations for the technical implementation of AI applications.

Different Approaches

Similar sandbox projects are also running in other countries, sometimes with different approaches. For this reason, the Canton of Zurich's Economic Development Agency, together with the European AI network CLAIRE, organized the "AI Sandbox Summit" for the first time and invited experts from six European countries: Germany, Belgium, Norway, the UK, France and Spain. The aim was to network, exchange ideas and learn from the experiences of others.

What topics do the projects focus on? What are the conditions of participation for the organizations? In what form are the results presented? First, the sandbox experts shared success factors and cross-national insights. In the second part of the event, the participants developed approaches on how to increase the added value for administration, research and business.

Utilizing Insights

For Raphael von Thiessen from the Location Promotion Canton of Zurich and project leader of the "Innovation-Sandbox," the event at the FFHS Campus Zurich was a resounding success. He stated, "The participants greatly benefited from the exchange and experiences in other countries, identifying areas for improvement in their own projects." Additionally, the possibility of cross-border collaboration was discussed, such as creating a central project database with insights from all European sandbox case studies. The findings from the workshop will soon be published on the cantonal location promotion website and on the website of the European AI network CLAIRE. In the canton of Zurich, the impressions gathered are to be incorporated into the second phase of the "Innovation Sandbox".
Author: Office for Economy - Canton of Zurich

Further Information:

Location Promotion Canton Zurich

European AI Network CLAIRE

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Around 60 entrepreneurs and managers from Uster and the Zurich Oberland took part in the event on March 11 and engaged in a lively discussion with experts on the topics of sustainability, the circular economy and innovation. Bank BSU from Uster was welcomed as a partner organization. It has been working on this topic for many years and has set up an internal committee with representatives from all divisions. In order to measure the success of the measures implemented, a sustainability reportis produced every year and Bank BSU's carbon footprint is measured.

After the welcoming address by the host Davide Maccabruni(CEO Uster Technologies AG), the program began with a presentation by Prof. Olaf Holstein on the topic of "Circular economy - the key to the future". He highlighted the challenges for strategic management and also for the next generations. He cited the reduction of energy consumption and raw materials as the main focus. Production, trade and sales are to be rethought. New products are to be made from old raw materials.

Renato Vögeli (Managing Director) from Druckerei Vögeli AG used practical examples to show how the printing industry can also succeed in making products 100% recyclable. The Emmental-based print shop has entered into partnerships with print shops in Austria and Denmark.

Eva Bergmann from Step Zero AG showed how a 100% recyclable sneaker makes Step Zero AG's mission a reality. Step Zero AG replaces synthetics to enable a circular footwear industry. An outsole that is 100% biodegradable and therefore does not release microplastics when worn is already available today. An important insight of Step Zero AG: "Small steps bring great success".

Anja Schleth (Project Manager) from Uster Technologies AG presented her company's commitment to sustainability. The company is particularly proud of its "great place to work" certification. Uster Technologies Ltd has developed a vision and mission for the complex issue of sustainability from the bottom up, i.e. from the grass roots, with volunteers.

During the subsequent networking aperitif, experts discussed with the guests and exchanged experiences and insights.