Switzerland is strengthening its claim to be one of Europe’s leading centres of innovation. ETH Zurich plays a central role in this as a driving force. Three recent developments emphasise the country’s technological potential and digital sovereignty (personal selection):
- the development of a publicly accessible large language model (LLM) for data protection-compliant AI applications,
- ETH’s participation in the Swiss Chip Fablab to strengthen national semiconductor expertise in the Dübendorf Innovation Park,
- and the initiative surrounding the ETH Earth Observation Centre in the Canton of Lucerne, which is providing targeted impetus in Central Switzerland.
All projects symbolise an innovation strategy based on scientific excellence as well as entrepreneurial scalability, sustainable infrastructure and regulatory foresight.
Digital sovereignty: The ETH large language model for public use
The LLM, launched by ETH Zurich, is the first AI technology to be tailored to Swiss legal requirements, multilingualism and the highest data protection standards. It is the result of a collaboration between EPFL and ETH Zurich and was trained on the ‘Alps’ supercomputer at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS). For companies, administrations and, in particular, SMEs that value data-secure processes, this opens up new possibilities in the areas of automation, information indexing and modern customer interaction – without having to rely on global cloud platforms. This development illustrates how technological progress and location policy can be combined. Switzerland is thus positioning itself as a pioneer for trustworthy and independent digitalisation in both the public and private sectors.
Semiconductor expertise in the heart of Europe: the Swiss Chip Fablab
ETH Zurich is also marking a milestone in the area of hardware and semiconductor development: the planned participation in the Swiss Chip Fablab in the Dübendorf Innovation Park will create a network that combines research, development and production at a geopolitically secure, reliable location. The aim is to strengthen the resilience of supply chains and establish independent semiconductor expertise – a key concern in times of global uncertainty. It does not serve as an alternative to AI processor chips, which are predominantly manufactured in Taiwan, but rather to develop highly specialised chips for applications such as energy, mobility, medicine or communication. The Fablab offers start-ups, established companies and international partners access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, support with regulatory issues and the opportunity for strategic networking.
New ETH hub for the canton of Lucerne: strengthening the region and promoting innovation
Thanks to the CHF 100 million donation from the Jörg G. Bucherer Foundation to the ETH, an earth observation centre is to be built in the canton of Lucerne. Emmen/Viscosistadt, Horw around the University of Applied Sciences or Hochdorf are being discussed, for example. This shows how the power of innovation can be strengthened in a targeted manner and promoted in a decentralised manner. Such an ETH hub creates new opportunities for companies and start-ups in Central Switzerland to enter into direct dialogue with research and teaching – and sends out a strong signal for the attractiveness of Emmen as a location for technology and innovation. The regional anchoring of technological excellence contributes to the broad development of innovation potential and the utilisation of synergies between science and business.
What does this mean for companies, investors and entrepreneurs?
For technology-orientated companies, investors and innovative entrepreneurs, new opportunities for collaboration arise, but also complex regulatory issues:
- How can AI solutions be integrated in a legally compliant and data protection-compliant manner?
- What legal requirements need to be observed when researching, developing and exporting sensitive technologies?
- How can innovation and compliance be optimally balanced in international competition?
As a boutique law firm from Lucerne specialising in data protection law, digital business models and commercial law issues, we assist companies, authorities and institutions with all the challenges of digital transformation. Our team supports you in all matters relating to data protection and IT projects, as well as in commercial law issues such as corporate governance, restructuring and M&A. We emphasise legally compliant innovation, regulatory compliance and pragmatic implementation. From data protection impact assessments and licence agreements to cross-company transformation, you benefit from our expertise in the digital and business environment.
