ETH Zurich ±Ø²©¹ÙÍø,±Ø²©ÌåÓý Heilbronn (ECH)

The establishment of the ECH is based on a memorandum of understanding signed by ETH Zurich and the charitable Dieter Schwarz Foundation at the end of 2023, which will result in a series of contracts. These will enable ETH Zurich to establish 15 professorships in Heilbronn over the next 30 years. ETH researchers will teach and conduct research in areas such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Heilbronn aims to develop into a major centre for education, research and innovation, particularly in the field of application-oriented artificial intelligence. It is expected that the location will attract billions of dollars in private AI investment. With a strong institutional presence in Baden-W¨¹rttemberg, ETH Zurich will be part of and help shape one of the largest emerging ecosystems for digitalisation in Europe. This will also strengthen Switzerland's reputation as an international centre for research, education and innovation.

First professorships from 2026

The first professorships will be advertised in autumn 2025 and the successful candidates are expected to take up their teaching and research posts at ECH from 2026. The first degree programmes are expected to be advertised in 2027.
In the meantime, ETH Zurich will work closely with other local educational institutions to offer summer schools and short courses. The university is also involved in outreach activities in Heilbronn.

Structures of the ECH

The successful establishment and operation of the teaching and research centre in Baden-W¨¹rttemberg is based on the project's clear organisational, governance and planning structures. The ETH Zurich ±Ø²©¹ÙÍø,±Ø²©ÌåÓý Heilbronn will be operated in the form of a non-profit limited liability company (gGmbH) under German law.

The gGmbH will commence its work on 1 January 2025, with Dr. Michele De Lorenzi as managing director. He will set up the ETH Zurich office in Heilbronn, maintain contacts with other institutions on site and represent the interests of the university vis-¨¤-vis the authorities in the federal state of Baden-W¨¹rttemberg and at the municipal level.

A team in Zurich is coordinating and orchestrating the development of the new location and is available to answer any questions ETH Zurich and external parties may have about this major project. The team is directly accountable to the President. As of 1 January 2025, it will be headed by Boris Z¨¹rcher, the Associate Vice President Heilbronn.

An advisory board chaired by Prof. David Basin is available to assist the ETH Zurich Executive Board with questions regarding the strategic orientation and development of the ETH Zurich ±Ø²©¹ÙÍø,±Ø²©ÌåÓý Heilbronn.