News
Ever wondered what Impact Hub Zürich has to offer? Join us for the fifth edition of our annual Open Hub Day and discover the vibrant community we have built.
We’re a diverse and inclusive community of entrepreneurs, startups, techies, politicians, creatives, activists, artists, and change-seekers. Together, we share a wealth of knowledge and experience in Circular Economy, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Sustainability, Digitalization, and more. We believe that tackling the world’s grand challenges requires collaboration and the creation of spaces where we can come together and work towards common goals.
At the Open Hub Day, expect engaging workshops, talks & presentations, a bustling marketplace, various networking opportunities, and of course, the finest coffee in town at Café Auer & Co.
We’ll wrap up the day with live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks.
Mark your calendars and become part of something bigger.
Let’s innovate and celebrate together! 🎉
News
Success stories and pioneering work: how generative AI is inspiring the business world
The specialist book by Sophie Hundertmark and Dr. Daniela Suter “Generative AI for companies” will be presented to the public on June 26, 2024. Take part in the discussion and the subsequent networking event.
A brief input on the opportunities and risks of generative AI for Swiss companies will be followed by a panel discussion with representatives from business and politics, moderated by Sophie Hundertmark and Daniela Suter. During the discussion, all guests are welcome to contribute their questions and input on the topic of “Generative AI in companies”.
The evening ends with a cozy aperitif.
Employees in management positions and project managers in particular are invited. But anyone else who is interested in the topic of AI or would like to make valuable contacts with like-minded people or sparring partners is also cordially invited to register.
We look forward to seeing you!
Daniela Suter and Sophie Hundertmark
Our speakers:
Dr. iur. Nicole Vögeli GalliAttorney-at-law and Certified Specialist SBA Employment Law, Head of Social Law & Lecturer at the ZHAW School of Management and Law, Partner, Küng & Vögeli Attorneys-at-Law.
Matthias Niklowitz: Journalist at Handelzeitung.ch and Head of Research at e-foresight, Swisscom’s next-gen banking think tank in Zurich.
More to follow shortly…
We would like to thank our partners and sponsors for making this event possible.
“We work in and with the Microsoft Cloud. We advise you in the areas of collaboration, data science, AI and automation, support and implement your projects and train your employees in the new technologies.” Matthias Falland (co-founder and guest author of the book).
As a media partner we have CMM360 the platform for Customer Relations Stars and CX & Service Champions.
Karl der Grosse – Our location for the evening
News
Zurich – LatticeFlow AI, specialist for project solutions with artificial intelligence (AI), joins the U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium. The decision is intended to help make methods and uses of AI safer and minimize risks.
LatticeFlow AI, a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH), has announced that it has joined the U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium (AISIC). According to a press release, the company wants to work with other consortium members to help design methods, benchmarks and test environments in such a way that the use of artificial intelligence becomes more secure and exposes companies to fewer risks. The search for such secure solutions is based on the fact that AI programs that work on real data pose a major challenge to business security and can generate risks in business-critical processes.
The AISIC consortium was therefore founded with the intention of enabling the secure and trustworthy development and use of AI and developing standards for this. LatticeFlow AI made one such contribution with a technical AI assessment for Migros Bank.
"Joining AISIC will allow us to accelerate and expand our impact by aligning our efforts to ensure AI trust and safety with global AI leaders, businesses and governments," Petar Tsankov, co-founder and CEO of LatticeFlow AI, is quoted as saying in the announcement. ce/ww
LatticeFlow AI joins the U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium. Symbolic image: denflinkegrafiker/Pixabay
Startups
Kyan Health is the first digital health company from Switzerland providing fully personalised, evidence-based mental health & well-being for leading companies, employees, and their families, end-to-end. Supported by leading academic and business advisors from University Zurich, ETH Zurich, and Novartis, Kyan addresses organisational and individual needs at the same time. Our experience has shown that the only way to improve how people feel and perform at work is by providing evidence-based and preventative resources while transforming the organisational context to ensure psychological safe workplaces.
Dufourstrasse 38
8702 Zollikon
Corporate Mental Well-being, B2B SaaS, Mental Health, Burnout, Workplace Well-being, Quantified Self, Prevention, CBT, Chat-based Counselling, Blended Care, Psychotherapy, Coaching
Startups
A new wind turbine
Agile Wind Power is developing the world’s first vertical-axis wind turbine that is economically attractive for distributed generation of renewable electricity. Due to the advantages of this vertical axis wind turbine, areas and markets can be served that cannot be realized with conventional wind turbines due to lack of acceptance. The first products, A32 and A45 (rated power of 750 kilowatts and 1.5 megawatts, respectively), are ideally positioned for distributed power generation where lower environmental impact is of high relevance (residential areas). The technology can also be used in even larger wind turbines.
Sonnentalstrasse 8 P.O. Box 232
8600 Dübendorf
Development of a wind turbine for the decentralized generation of renewable electricity.
Startups
Today, the TOM platform is one of the largest health platforms in Switzerland for chronic patients with a very active community and more than 3 million interactions per month. For patients, the TOM App makes it easier to follow their therapy and increase adherence. For healthcare providers, the anonymous TOM engagement platform provides access to these patients with chronic diseases.
Pfäffikerstrasse 109
8615 Wermatswil
Voices
Gerrit Sindermann, President of the Green Fintech Network, and Julian Osborne, Founder & CEO of Pelt8, are firmly rooted in the green fintech ecosystem. We asked them what exactly green fintech is and what role the Green Fintech Network and its members play for the Swiss financial centre.
Voices
Alexander Nelles is Chief Information Officer at Kantonsspital Winterthur. The Kantonsspital Winterthur (KSW) is one of the ten largest hospitals in Switzerland and treats more than 250,000 patients each year - 28,000 of them as inpatients.
Digitisation at KSW is aimed at ensuring high capacity utilization, productivity and quality in the core business as well as further increasing agility in the organisation. The focus is on patient satisfaction and internal efficiency. This involves analyzing, simplifying or redesigning the patient pathway and the processes linked to it, and automating them with the help of modern technology, with the aim of also improving the exchange of information with you.
Voices
Christina Kehl, co-founder and board member of SWISS FINTECH, tells us in the video what innovation means to her and how innovation can come about.
Voices
AI-supported tools can be used in a variety of areas. While they offer potential for individualised learning in education, they enable the detection of the smallest cracks in asphalt in infrastructure maintenance.
But what potential does AI have for translations in administration?
Paula Reichenberg, CEO & Founder at NEUR.ON, and Simona Todesco, COO at Textshuttle, together with Raphael von Thiessen, explain the challenges of legal translations with specialised artificial intelligence and show how secure and adaptable machine translations are produced.
The Innovation Sandbox for Artificial Intelligence is an initiative in which administration, business and research work together on regulatory issues and enable the use of new types of data sources. It is a test environment for the implementation of AI projects designed to promote responsible innovation.
News
The SVSM Awards are presented by the «Schweizerische Vereinigung für Standortmanagement (SVSM)» for targeted, effective and innovative projects in the fields of location marketing, location development and business promotion. The SVSM Awards are aimed at both small and large projects - from local to national - and aim to showcase the diversity and quality, as well as the innovative power, of projects from across the country. They are thus not only a reward but also an incentive for players in location management and business promotion; and have been since 2007.
For this year's awards, 12 applications were received from all over Switzerland - from Basel to Uri to Bad Ragaz. A jury evaluated them against established criteria and nominated the following five projects for the 2023 Awards:
However, the nomination does not mean that the applicants are guaranteed an award: in mid-September, all nominees will have the opportunity to present their projects to the jury, which will then select the award winners. The jury is composed of the following experts: Katharina Hopp, Jury President and Board Member SVSM; Ambassador Dr. Eric Jakob, Head of the Directorate for Location Promotion SECO; Pascal Jenny, President Arosa Tourism; Karin Jung, Head of Office for Economy and Labor Canton St.Gallen; Prof. Dr. Markus Schmidiger, Head of Competence Center Real Estate Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts; Sonja Wollkopf-Walt, CEO Greater Zurich Area.
The awards will be presented on Thursday, November 16, 2023, as part of the hybrid symposium «SVSM Dialog Wirtschaftsförderung» at the Capitol cinema in Olten. On this occasion, a deserving personality will also be honored as Site Manager of the Year.
«Schweizerische Vereinigung für Standortmanagement SVSM»
The SVSM is the umbrella organization of location and business development agencies in Switzerland. As such, it sees itself as a practice-oriented and independent point of contact for questions relating to location management and business development. The SVSM has around 80 members from the fields of location promotion, regional marketing, business development and real estate. The association promotes interdisciplinary exchange of experience and networking, and advocates professionalism in site management. With the event series «SVSM Dialog», SVSM organizes a semi-annual hybrid symposium with a changing focus on location management or business development. Since 2007, the organization has presented the SVSM Awards for innovative projects in the areas of location and business development and selects a deserving individual as Location Manager of the Year.
News
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.
News
Shot of a young businesswoman having a discussion with her colleague in a modern office
News
Surplus food can now be traded on Circunis. Farms can offer their surplus produce on the platform or search specifically for the Swiss fruit and vegetables they need. The B2B marketplace of the Zurich-based association Mehr als zwei is the first to create a nationwide basis for ensuring that food remains in the cycle instead of ending up in the bin. In this way, Circunis wants to contribute to the national goal of halving food waste by 2030.
"Most companies want to operate more sustainably," CEO and co-founder Olivia Menzi is quoted as saying in a press release. "Circunis now offers the necessary network - and it's very quick and easy." Initial success stories from the pilot phase have shown that the sale and purchase of surplus food is not only sustainable and therefore sensible, but also economically worthwhile. Circunis cites criteria such as additional revenue instead of disposal costs, freed-up storage space, time savings and attractive purchasing conditions.
The implementation of the project is made possible by the Migros Pioneer Fund and the Seedling Foundation. The annual fee for using the B2B marketplace is based on the company's turnover and starts at CHF 250. New participants receive a 50 percent discount on the first annual fee until the end of September 2024. ce/mm
The team behind Circunis from left to right: Fiona Wicki, Olivia Menzi, Corina Koster, Micha Krautwasser, and Karin Friedli. Image: Circunis
News
Frozen Swiss vegetables, fruit and pulses are just some of the more than 60 tons of foodstuffs that are listed on the Circunis B2B marketplace at launch. Companies can not only record their surpluses, but also search specifically for the food they need. This makes it easy to see and trade food surpluses throughout Switzerland. Trade takes place directly from farm to farm. Circunis serves as a bridge builder and connects producers, food processors, system and care gastronomy as well as wholesalers.
"Most businesses want to operate more sustainably. Circunis now offers the necessary network for this - and it's very quick and easy," emphasizes co-founder Olivia Menzi.
Sustainable and economic benefits for participants
Initial success stories from the pilot phase show that the sale or purchase of surplus food not only makes sustainable sense, but is also economically worthwhile: additional income instead of disposal costs, freed-up storage space, time savings and attractive purchasing conditions.
Circunis participants have full access to the B2B marketplace circunis.ch and benefit from an easily accessible and Switzerland-wide network. The annual fee is based on the company's turnover and starts at CHF 250/year.
Important basis for a Swiss-wide cycle
Today, around 40% of all food worldwide is overproduced and ends up as waste. Switzerland has set itself the goal of halving its food surpluses by 2030. The new B2B marketplace of the Mehr als zwei association is the first to create a basis for establishing a Swiss-wide cycle for dealing with surpluses. The implementation of the project is made possible by the Migros Pioneer Fund and Seedling Foundation.
→ Find out more now at circunis.ch and contribute to a sustainable Swiss food industry together. New participants receive a 50% discount on the first annual fee until the end of September 2024.
News
The Swiss Umbrella Organization for Business Succession (CHDU) has entered into partnerships with three other players in the field of business succession. According to a press release, the aim is to expand its offering for entrepreneurs who want to pass on their company or, conversely, take over a company.
The consulting firm Tfy, based in Arosa GR, supports companies in becoming fit for the future and succession. This includes analysis as well as strategy development in the area of sustainability.
Purpose Switzerland offers both proven and alternative models for solving succession issues. The experts in the network advise on the implementation of a suitable succession solution.
The Smallholders' Association has been offering a contact point for non-family farm succession since 2014. This simplifies the search process both for those who want to sell a farm and for those looking for one.
Together with EXPERTsuisse, the CHDU already offers a series of seminars for consultants who are involved in the succession of companies. An introductory seminar is now followed by three in-depth seminars. The first, on May 22, is dedicated to basic legal tools. This is followed by seminars on communication and on the process of searching for transferees.
The CHDU was founded in 2021. It advocates the appropriate discussion of SME succession in politics and research as well as the professionalization of succession consulting and offers SMEs practical support. ce/stk
The Swiss Association for Business Succession is expanding its range of services and training offerings. Symbolic image: StartupStockPhotos/Pixabay
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News
Cargologic modernizes the material flow computer for its automated shuttle warehouse in Kloten during ongoing operations. According to a press release, the subsidiary of the German logistics group Rhenus is investing a good year's time and around 1.5 million Swiss francs in the project.
This is "like open-heart surgery", Marco Gredig, Managing Director of Cargologic, is quoted as saying. "As a result, we can no longer take the system out of operation for testing purposes - a changeover to new software must therefore take place immediately," says Reto Nüesch Erismann, Executive Vice President Technics & Applications. This is to be achieved by means of a complex project for which the Swiss air freight handler has entered into a partnership with the software company LplusR from Parkstein in Bavaria, which specializes in the modernization of high-availability warehouse systems.
The core of the overall package is a digital twin with which LplusR virtualizes and emulates the shuttle warehouse with 8,500 pallet spaces down to the hardware level. "This is the only way we are independent of old documentation and can reliably test the system, minimize risks and guarantee successful, immediate commissioning," explains Gunther Lukas, Managing Director and project manager at LplusR.
Cargologic wants to bring its system landscape up to the state of the art and simplify it. This should further optimize the performance of the overall system, ensure complete transparency across all shipments and offer employees a significantly improved user interface. In addition, mobile devices allow for more efficient maintenance and troubleshooting, which increases the overall reliability of the system. ce/mm
Cargologic is modernizing the material flow controller for its automated shuttle warehouse. Image: Excerpt from Cargologic video
Innovation Hubs
ESA BIC Switzerland is a incubator that offers extensive support packages (technical, business and financial support plus networking and community building) to startups that exploit technologies related to space for application on earth or technologies from earth adapted for usage in space. This relates to application fields such as navigation and positioning, telecommunication, cybersecurity, earth observation, materials & processes, space transportation & logistics or robotics.
Stampfenbachstrasse 56
8092 Zürich
Innovation Hubs
Incubator Programme of the University Hospital Zurich.
Direktion Forschung und Lehre
Moussonstrasse
8091 Zürich
Innovation Hubs
In the heart of the Swiss business center, Trust Square offers two places where entrepreneurs, startups, universities, and investors from blockchain, technology, and innovation come together to implement and realize ideas. We offer you private offices and working desks at Rennweg and Paradeplatz. Our events inspire, connect, and promote exchange, and our Service Portfolio enables us to bring concepts and ideas to success. The Venture Service team assists our clients with daily operations so they can focus on their core business and growth.
Poststrasse 5-7
8001 Zürich