This is the 3rd article in a 3-part series written by ETH Students from the ETH Studio Heilbronn.

Over the course of my studies in Robotics, Systems and Control at ETH Zurich, I’ve grown increasingly interested in how emerging technologies can be applied in meaningful ways, especially in the context of health and medicine. What drives me is not only solving complex technical problems but thinking about how these solutions can empower people who face challenges in their daily lives. That is why I was excited to attend the TECH Conference in Heilbronn, not simply to see the latest tech developments but to be part of conversations about how we can align innovation with purpose.

TECH brings together leaders from across industry, academia, and policy to reflect on how Europe can shape its technological future responsibly. What appealed to me most was that the programme did not just showcase achievements. It created space for critical dialogue, collaboration across disciplines, and the kind of curiosity that feels urgent in times of rapid change.

Among the many thought-provoking talks I attended, one in particular left a strong impression. It featured a team working on neurotechnological applications for people affected by neurological disorders. While the technical details of their work were impressive, what struck me most was the intention behind it: to address conditions that are often overlooked and to create new possibilities for people whose quality of life is significantly affected. As someone who hopes to contribute to medical applications of AI and robotics in the future, this vision felt deeply aligned with the values that led me to this field in the first place. We have only begun to scratch the surface of what is possible when we apply machine learning and robotics to medicine in deeply human ways. Hearing about efforts to create less invasive, higher resolution neural interfaces reminded me that innovation is not just about what we can build. It is about what we choose to build and for whom.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful to have taken part in this conference, not only for the ideas I encountered but for the people I met and the perspectives I heard. It reminded me how valuable it is to step outside our academic environment and engage with the broader ecosystem shaping the future of technology. I left inspired, with a stronger sense of direction and purpose, and a renewed motivation to contribute to solutions that truly matter. I am especially thankful to ETH Studio Heilbronn and everyone who made it possible for me to attend; for the trust, the opportunity, and the encouragement to grow beyond the classroom.

For additional details about the ETH delegation at the TECH Conference 2025, see this post.

This is the 2nd article in a 3-part series written by ETH Students from the ETH Studio Heilbronn.

Studying at ETH, we are lucky to be immersed in what can be considered Europe’s leading tech hub. We’re literally surrounded by start-ups like ANYbotics and Solar Impulse. But how many of these have successfully scaled into global tech giants? And more broadly, how many European companies have?

A question that was at the heart of many discussions at the TECH Conference in Heilbronn: Why hasn’t Europe experienced the same tech boom as the US or China?

Among the many keynote speakers, a recurring theme was the challenge of scaling Europe’s tech sector and preserving its technological sovereignty. Hinted at by a attitude that Europe has grown too complacent, convinced it was still in the driver’s seat of global tech through regulation. Ann Mettler, former Director-General of the European Commission, captured the heart of the issue and pointed to the so-called Brussels Effect, the idea that EU regulations often become global standards. The assumption is that proactive regulation would give European companies a competitive edge, being already compliant with rules others would later have to adopt.

But looking at the current global tech landscape, it’s clear this strategy hasn’t translated into leadership in emerging technologies. If anything, it has slowed Europe’s ability to innovate at scale.

This isn’t due to a lack of technical expertise or resources, arguably, Europe excels here. Its universities, research institutions, and companies are world-class. The challenge lies in scaling innovation. Why is that?

If we compare today’s tech powerhouses, the US and China, they seem to represent opposite ends of the industry spectrum. The US, with its laissez-faire approach, fosters a risk-taking culture where entrepreneurs are incentivized by the potential for huge rewards. In contrast, China’s more centralized, state-driven model provides companies with coordinated access to funding, infrastructure, and strategic support, allowing them to scale quickly.

Meanwhile, in Europe, international alliances and collaborations, such as the EU, often gives the impression that Europe is a united continent, yet its efforts appear to be fragmented, varying from country to country. The lack of cohesion makes it difficult for startups to expand beyond their home markets, let alone go global. Compared to international giants like OpenAI or DeepSeek, for example, Europe still falls short.

So, what’s the way forward?

One recurring answer at the TECH Conference was cohesion. Europe’s diversity is a strength, but without unity, it becomes a bureaucratic obstacle rather than a competitive advantage. Without a shared vision and a streamlined pathway for innovation, promising ideas get lost in a maze of regulation, fragmented funding, and risk-averse attitudes. To compete globally, Europe must strike a balance in leveraging its regulatory foresight without stifling ambition and creating clearer channels for startups to access cross-border capital, talent, and markets.

Another key takeaway: Europe needs a cultural shift. Risk tolerance remains low, and failure is still often stigmatized. If Europe wants to produce the next Google or Tencent, it must cultivate not just tech talent, but entrepreneurial resilience.

Leaving the conference, I felt a mixture of concern and optimism. Concern because the innovation gap is real and widening. But optimism because echoing my opening statements, studying in Zurich it is evident that Europe’s potential isn’t lost. It’s waiting to be unlocked with the right mix of political will, cultural evolution, and strategic investment. Because maybe the question isn’t why Europe hasn’t led the tech boom yet, but how we can create the conditions for it to lead the next one.

For additional details about the ETH delegation at the TECH Conference 2025, see this post.

This is the 1st article in a 3-part series written by ETH Students from the ETH Studio Heilbronn.

My name is Giancarla Salzarulo and I am from Italy. I recently completed my Master’s thesis in computational immunology as an international student at ETH Zurich. I worked in the Reddy Group at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) in Basel, a lab specializing in systems and synthetic immunology, integrating genomics, molecular biotechnology and immunology. My thesis aimed to quantitatively understand immune responses using experimental and computational methods, an experience that deeply shaped my academic path.

Currently, I’m still in Basel, finishing an internship at Roche and exploring my next career steps at the intersection of biotech, data science, and healthcare innovation. This is why I was deeply honoured to be selected as part of the ETH Zurich alumni delegation to attend the TECH Conference 2025 in Heilbronn. With over a thousand innovators from academia, industry and policy present, the conference provided a dynamic platform to explore and discuss Europe’s technological future and ETH Zurich had a strong and visible presence throughout.

It was especially exciting to see ETH expanding beyond the Swiss borders with the planned Heilbronn campus. I was proud to be part of a community that continues to grow globally. Meeting members of the ETH delegation reminded me that ETH is a vibrant network of passionate thinkers and doers. The talks were just as impactful as the people I met. I was particularly moved by the session from Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer. Thanks to a tip from my manager, I learned he was previously CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, which made his message even more meaningful. He spoke about the urgent need to accelerate drug discovery through innovation. With my background in bioinformatics, I immediately saw the connections to my work at ETH and the broader mission of biotech companies. The challenges he described felt tangible and relevant.

Equally compelling was the keynote by Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate—a fearless advocate for press freedom and ethical technology. Her reflections on technology never being neutral struck a deep chord. In a world where innovation often outpaces ethics, her humanity and clarity were humbling and inspiring.

The conference took place across blue and purple stages and two spaces: the House of Learning, where many sessions were held, and the TECH forum showcasing emerging technologies. There, I had the unexpected opportunity to experience a virtual twin of my own heart. In a demo presented by Dassault Systèmes, I saw how simulation technology can transform medicine.

A highlight was the session by Lea Steinacker and Miriam Meckel, co-founders of Ada Learning, who explored digital sovereignty, a topic increasingly central to Europe’s technological identity.

Beyond the talks, the people I met made this experience truly memorable. I connected with brilliant individuals such as Michele De Lorenzi, Jürg Brunnschweiler, Boris Zürcher, Gisbert Schneider, Viktoria Österdahl, Annegret Kern, Sven Corus and more. I’m sincerely grateful for the engaging conversations and meaningful connections we created—moments that reminded me once again of the depth and reach of the ETH community.

More than a professional experience, TECH Conference 2025 became a personal turning point. As I approach the end of my internship at Roche and actively seek my next opportunity, the conference gave me not only motivation but also clarity. It helped me reflect on where I want to go, how I want to contribute and, perhaps most importantly, who I want to become.

I arrived with curiosity and left with inspiration. Being part of ETH Zurich’s story continues to be one of the greatest privileges of my life.

For additional details about the ETH delegation at the TECH Conference 2025, see this post.

This article highlights ETH Zurich’s presence in Heilbronn during TECH 2025: The Convergence of Innovation—the inaugural Technology Experience Convention that brought together Europe’s leading minds in AI, biotech, and innovation on May 25-27. The conference is organised by the Handelsbatt Group in collaboration with leading industry, media and academic partners. The ETH delegation to the city, which will host the new ETH Campus Heilbronn, included staff, students, and faculty. Located in the heart of Europe’s AI ecosystem, the visit offered an opportunity to explore future plans for the campus, connect with local alumni, and engage in discussions on the challenges of innovation and AI adoption.

Is Pharma Europe’s Next Engine of Growth?

That was the bold question tackled at one of the standout panels of Monday morning. Among the speakers was ETH Zurich Professor Gisbert Schneider, a pioneer in AI-driven drug discovery. His insights underscored how AI is not just a buzzword—it’s already transforming pharma by improving molecule selection and accelerating the path to new treatments.

The consensus? Europe has the talent, the infrastructure, and a regulatory environment that can still support innovation—but speed and cultural readiness for AI adoption are holding us back.

AI isn’t here to replace scientists—it’s helping us select better molecules, improve clinical trial success, and even enable breakthroughs like regenerative medicine that weren’t possible before. But if we want to compete with the US and China, we need to act, not just plan: invest in computing power, streamline regulation, and embrace a more risk-tolerant mindset.

Healing with Data: Inside the Medical Data Revolution

At TECH 2025, a compelling discussion explored how we can harness data to transform healthcare—from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. ETH Zurich’s Professor Effy Vayena joined a panel of experts to unpack the challenges and opportunities of the medical data revolution.

Despite the vast amount of health data available, much remains untapped due to siloed systems, lack of interoperability, and institutional reluctance to share. As the panel highlighted, this isn’t just a regulatory issue—it’s about culture, incentives, and trust.

“Structured data is the new oil,” but success will belong to those who build the most effective data models. And as AI begins to outperform doctors in specific tasks, we face an ethical question: Can we afford not to use it?

Patients are ready to do this; they want to share their data, as long as this can be done securely. The resistance lies elsewhere. If we treat healthcare as a strategic industry, not just a cost, Europe can lead in building a system that’s smarter, faster, and fairer.

Digital Humans and AI Characters

What happens when cutting-edge academic research meets the magic of storytelling? Professor Markus Gross shared how ETH Zurich and the Walt Disney Studios are pioneering the development of digital humans—AI-powered characters that are not just visually stunning, but emotionally convincing.

As part of the world’s largest film studio, Gross emphasized the storytelling challenge: to make digital protagonists believable over time, avoiding the dreaded Uncanny Valley. Advances in facial performance capture, down to the pore level, now make it possible to create lifelike avatars—young Luke Skywalker, a revived Walt Disney, or entirely fictional humans that never existed.

These same techniques extend beyond cinema, into robotics, theme parks, and interactive education. Case in point: Digital Einstein—a conversational AI system that integrates attention detection, speech recognition, large language models, and expressive animation to bring the iconic scientist to life. 

Participants had the chance to engage in conversation and interact with Digital Einstein on-site. The digital twin appears to be as communicative and humorous as the original Einstein. Digital humans like Einstein are powered by complex algorithms, combining natural-language processing with dynamic rendering of facial expressions and body language. The 3D model was deliberately designed to depict a younger Einstein, reminiscent of his years in Zurich.

As TECH 2025 demonstrated, ETH Zurich is not just observing the future of technology — it is actively shaping it. From pioneering AI-driven breakthroughs in pharma and healthcare to redefining the boundaries of digital storytelling, ETH’s multifaceted expertise highlights Europe’s potential to lead the next wave of innovation. With the new ETH Campus Heilbronn poised to become a hub for collaboration and discovery, the stage is set for bold ideas to transform into real-world impact.