Sandbox

(CONNECT) Innovation Zurich has published the new report of its Innovation Sandbox for AI. Under the title "Sensor-based bridge monitoring - data collection and forecasting for infrastructure maintenance", Innovation Zurich, the joint initiative of the Division of Business and Economic Development of the Canton of Zurich, Greater Zurich Area and Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich, investigated what data-based monitoring of infrastructure buildings can achieve in terms of risk assessment and modernization strategies. According to the report, data-based monitoring approaches are not yet an integral part of the established standards-based condition assessment, which is usually extremely conservative.

In a pilot project, Schweizerische Südostbahn from St.Gallen and irmos technologies AG, based in Technopark Zurich, examined the Reidholz bridge on the Wädenswil-Einsiedeln line as an example. It was built in 1910 and rebuilt in 1953. The railroad company wanted to clarify whether an extension of use from ten to 20 years would be technically possible and economically viable. It also examined whether the methodology could be applied to comparable bridges in the portfolio.

Using easy-to-install sensors from irmos technologies, which are specially tailored to the requirements of bridge monitoring, the research partners collected data from real operations in a test phase lasting several months. In addition, cameras were used to document train types, speeds and train compositions and to validate the modeled traffic loads.

The results show that even short measurement periods enable robust statements to be made about fatigue and stiffness and make it easier to weigh up between extending the service life and replacing the structure. This is because "based on sensor data, the system helps infrastructure operators to identify risks at an early stage and plan maintenance measures in a targeted manner," summarizes irmos founder and CEO Dr. Panagiotis Martakis.

The report concludes that it is crucial that data collection is not an end in itself and that data-based methods solve a specific operational problem, such as the question: How long does the bridge actually last compared to standard-based estimates? The method offers the greatest added value when it goes beyond individual cases: monitoring entire bridge portfolios enables comparisons, prioritization and long-term investment strategies. To achieve this, the infrastructure operators need to build up their expertise. ce/mm

Dr. Panagiotis Martakis (irmos technologies), Raphael von Thiessen (Canton of Zurich) and Stephan Zürcher (Schweizerische Südostbahn) show how irmos technologies uses AI-based sensor technology to evaluate train vibrations and monitor bridges more precisely. In the Innovation Sandbox for AI, they examine legal aspects relating to the data and can then share the findings with other authorities.

The Digital Eye Clinic project, carried out by Stadtspital Zürich and the Spross Research Institute for the Advancement of Ophthalmology, was part of the Canton of Zurich’s Innovation Sandbox for AI. It explored the medical, technological, regulatory and ethical prerequisites for integrating AI diagnostics into clinical workflows.

The project evaluated existing diagnostic providers and platforms within the current legal and technical framework of the city of Zurich. As no commercial vendor met the clinic’s key criteria, the team developed and validated its own AI models based on opensource research frameworks. Alongside technological validation, the project examined critical issues in regulation, data protection and medical ethics.

The results provide practical insights and best practices for hospitals and healthcare providers considering
AI-assisted diagnostics. They emphasise the need for structured selection and implementation processes, open and interoperable architectures, early clinical involvement, and a careful assessment of whether to use open-source models or rely on external vendors. Beyond ophthalmology, the findings offer transferable lessons for the safe and effective adoption of AI in other areas of clinical practice.

(CONNECT) The FRZ Flughafenregion has launched the New Zurich development strategy. It is intended to further develop the area bordering the city of Zurich to the north and east into a magnet for the economy.

In this context, a new reader bundles the results of a four-year strategy process. It is intended to turn the discussion into action - as food for thought and with concrete ideas in five focus areas. Managing Director Rahel Kindermann Leuthard already presented an anchor partner for one of these at the launch in Dübendorf: Zürich Tourism supports the congresses and events sector; the organization was represented at the presentation by Director Thomas Wüthrich.

As an economic network, FRZ is responsible for the location development of 14 cities and municipalities around Zurich Airport. According to Rahel Kindermann Leuthard, the region has developed into one of the most economically dynamic regions in Switzerland in recent years. Now the time has come for it to finally shed its role as a transit-oriented periphery and become a high-performance, urban ecosystem, said the FRZ Managing Director, referring to the reader and emphasizing: "We don't want to let this process happen, we want to shape it."

Urban and regional strategist Thomas Sevcik considers this functional area to be characterized by the fact that, although it is developing in conjunction with the airport and the city center, it has its very own dynamic as an urban landscape in the countryside. Sevcik has developed the New Zurich concept as an approach. In addition, the structure and the location strategy basis were developed by entrepreneur and Netzwerk-Standort-Schweiz president Remo Daguati together with the cities and municipalities of the FRZ.

The strategy relates to a region with 300,000 inhabitants and over 200,000 jobs, which also includes municipalities that do not belong to the FRZ - such as Uster, the third largest city in the canton of Zurich. "Functionally, the region has long since grown together in many aspects and offers enormous potential for coordinated location development," said FRZ President and Dübendorf Mayor André Ingold. No new political structures are needed. This was also confirmed by the outgoing mayor of Wallisellen, Peter Spörri. "But a municipality alone has hardly any opportunities to attract an international company or provide extensive space for further expansion," says Spörri.

According to the strategy, New Zurich benefits from its location. This is reflected in excellent connectivity and becomes a compelling argument with available land and existing economic areas. In addition, large-scale infrastructures such as hotels, the presence of companies such as Microsoft and ABB and facilities such as the Innovation Park Zurich with the Dübendorf airfield and the Swiss Federal Laboratoriesfor Materials Science andTechnology (Empa) will score points. The five focus areas also build on this. In addition to congresses and events, these include digitalization and ICT, aviation and space economy, headquarters and international corporate functions as well as healthcare and life sciences. ce/yvh

Switzerland is a spacefaring nation. As a founding member of the ESA, it has helped shape the European space program for decades and provides key technologies for rockets and satellites.

The 2026 Technology Days showcase the current state of the Swiss space industry and how New Space is transforming the sector with new technologies, business models, and players. Experts from academia, industry, and government agencies offer insights into the opportunities for technology, the economy, and society.

Winterthur-based game developers Geheimgang 188 have installed an educational escape room in Schaan. It will open on September 9, 2024 and is the first to focus on biodiversity. In realistic games, participants solve puzzles in escape rooms in order to escape from a closed room or a series of rooms within a given time. According to a press release from the Hilti Family Foundation, the adventure game The Hunt for Mr. Mono is dedicated to the topic of biodiversity in time for the Swiss vote on the biodiversity initiative. The project was realized together with supergut, a foundation set up by the Hilti Family Foundation in 2023.

The experts from Geheimgang 188 were responsible for the game design as well as the technical implementation. "We have been very interested in educational escape games for a long time," says Cédric Wyss, co-founder of Geheimgang 188, in the press release. "The fact that we have now been able to develop a game that revolves around a topic that is very close to our hearts is fantastic." Over the past three weeks in particular, "there have been some night shifts to get the games ready on time.

The effort was worth it and we are very proud of the result." The game involves solving various tricky puzzles, all of which deal with the topic of biodiversity. The room is reportedly equipped with a variety of special effects, surprises and sophisticated technology. Up to 21 people can play at the same time. The game is therefore also suitable for school classes. ce/ww

"I want to know why!"
This curiosity attracts over 3,500 children to Children's University of Zurich every year - everyone is welcome, regardless of their background or school performance.
Here they experience how exciting science can be. And for many, it is more than just a visit to the lecture hall: it is the moment when the spark of curiosity is ignited - and the joy of learning is (re)awakened.

This is made possible by the support of the University of Zurich and contributions from foundations and companies. In order to secure the offer in the long term and keep it open to all children, the Children's University of Zurich is now open to private supporters for the first time.
Because every child - whether they go on to study or do an apprenticeship - should experience this: Learning can be a lot of fun.

Now in its second edition, the RiseUp Summit is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, equitable landscape for female entrepreneurs, with a focus on sustainable growth and purpose-driven innovation. More than 50 expert speakers took the stage to share their insights, sparking meaningful discussions and new collaborations to drive the future of entrepreneurship.

"Diversity isn't just a buzzword at RiseUp — it's the foundation of our vision for a better entrepreneurial ecosystem," said the event organizers. "We're committed to empowering female founders and ensuring their voices lead the way in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future."

Celebrating Female Leadership and Diversity

The summit featured 25 engaging sessions that delved into crucial topics such as breaking down barriers for women in business, advancing diversity in leadership roles, and scaling startups sustainably. A highlight of the day was the pitch competition, where female entrepreneurs took center stage, presenting innovative, high-impact businesses that are tackling pressing global challenges.

The keynotes resonated with attendees by focusing on how diversity can drive stronger, more adaptable businesses and how female leaders can champion sustainability while building resilient companies. Participants left with actionable insights, powerful connections, and the confidence to push their ventures forward.

"The RiseUp Summit is a testament to the growing influence of women in entrepreneurship. It’s not just about networking; it’s about forging partnerships that fuel long-term change," said one attendee.

A Movement for the Future

As the RiseUp Summit continues to grow, so does its impact on the startup ecosystem. The event is more than just a gathering — it’s a movement dedicated to building a future where diverse voices and female leaders shape the way forward for sustainable, purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

For more information, visit: riseupsummit.ch

Press Contact:

Vanessa Mohrig & Marcela Durand

Female Founders Initiative Switzerland
Email: info@female-founders.ch

How do fresh foods make their way to about 600 Volg stores throughout Switzerland every day? At the next Tech Lunch, Volg will open the doors to its headquarters and distribution center in Winterthur and give us a tour of the heart of Volg.

See how a sophisticated logistics system ensures that food and everyday items reliably make their way to village stores. From receiving goods to order fulfillment and shipping, you’ll gain exciting insights into Volg’s processes.

When: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where: Volg Konsumwaren AG, Deltastrasse 2, 8404Winterthur

Programme

Starting at 10:45 a.m., arrival at Volg Konsumwaren AG

11:00 a.m. Welcome remarks by Jakob Bächtold, Managing Director of House of Winterthur

11:05 a.m. Fascinating insights into Volg and fenaco by Philipp Zgraggen, Chairman of the Volg Executive Board

11:15 a.m. Guided tour of the logistics center

12:00 p.m. Standing lunch and networking

1.30 p.m. End of the event

Menu

Two kinds of olives, a baguette with salt

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Vegetable Sticks with Dip, Bruschetta with Olive Tapenade, Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers with Pesto

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Mini Beef Burgers, Chicken Satay Skewers, Hummus with Falafel, Spring Rolls

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Tiramisu, Toblerone Mousse

Costs for Participation Including Lunch

Employees of House of Winterthur members: CHF 50.

Non-members: CHF 80.

The number of participants is limited. You may cancel your registration free of charge until September 13, 2026. We accept substitute participants at any time.

Note:

Photos/Video Footage & Participant List – By participating, we assume that you consent to the creation and publication of the photos and video footage, as well as to the sharing of your registration information for networking purposes. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Inbox Zero & Tasks

Learn a tried-and-tested system for organizing emails, tasks and digital work professionally.

During the training, you will work directly in Outlook and Microsoft 365 on clear methods for Inbox Zero, prioritization, task management and focused implementation in everyday work.

AI in particular is creating more and more inputs, ideas, tasks and open loops.

The training shows you how to maintain an overview despite the growing flood of information, make clear decisions and consolidate digital work under one system – instead of just constantly reacting.

For people who work with a lot of information, interruptions and open tasks every day – and want to regain more clarity, control and mental calm.

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