ETH Zurich and UBS are launching a strategic partnership. Over a period of 10 years, UBS will invest up to CHF 20 million in two joint initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, and raise interest in STEM subjects. UBS will also make a donation of up to CHF 20 million to support the construction of a new ETH building on the Hönggerberg campus.
Innovation is crucial to Switzerland’s prosperity, with a zest for science and entrepreneurship playing a key role. It is only when research results or good ideas find their way into the market that new jobs are created, or solutions are developed for social and technological progress. That is why ETH Zurich and UBS are aiming to boost entrepreneurship in Switzerland and inspire schoolchildren to study STEM subjects (STEM = Science, Technology, Enginering, Mathematics).
“These initiatives are being supported by two Swiss institutions with a great deal of expertise: the number of ETH spin-offs being formed is growing constantly. Almost 500 successful companies have been established in this way since 1996. By combining our expertise in teaching and research with the well-established economical know-how and networking capabilities of UBS, we can advance Switzerland as a business location,” says Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich.
Collaboration with research, the encouragement of training and further education, and support for entrepreneurship in Switzerland all have a long tradition at UBS. “With this partnership, we aim to boost the long-term development of entrepreneurship and innovative capabilities in Switzerland, and to promote the next generation of entrepreneurs. This is something that is very close to our heart. We are looking forward to working together with ETH and firmly believe that our joint efforts will achieve a great deal,” says Sabine Keller-Busse, President UBS Switzerland. UBS has more than 120,000 corporate clients in Switzerland – every other medium-sized and large company is a client of the bank. For years now, it has been involved in successful joint ventures in the field of tech and innovation.
This article was first published on 25 August by ETH Zurich.
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