ETHSG Association Bridges Gap Between ETH Zurich and HSG Students to Foster Start-up Innovation

ETHSG Association Bridges Gap Between ETH Zurich and HSG Students to Foster Start-up Innovation

(IN BRIEF) The ETHSG association, founded in 2020, unites students from ETH Zurich and the University of St. Gallen (HSG) to foster collaboration between business and technical expertise, with a focus on developing start-ups. Through workshops, company visits, and social events, ETHSG connects students to build a strong network for innovation. The association aims to reduce barriers between the two universities and support entrepreneurship by creating a platform for students to collaborate on projects. Successful start-ups like ALPINA+SANA, Optiverse, and Decentriq showcase the benefits of cross-disciplinary teamwork. The association’s growth reflects the increasing recognition among students that combining business knowledge with digital technology skills is crucial for the future.

(PRESS RELEASE) ST. GALLEN, 10-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A new student-led initiative, the ETHSG association, has been established to bridge the gap between the technical expertise of ETH Zurich and the business acumen of the University of St. Gallen (HSG). Founded in 2020, the association brings together students from both institutions to foster collaboration and innovation, with a particular focus on the creation of start-ups.

“Many students at HSG have brilliant business ideas but need partners who can contribute technical expertise,” explains Marius Schülin, a business student at HSG and co-president of ETHSG. “ETH students often fit that role perfectly.” The association’s mission is to create a network that facilitates easy connections between students from both universities, helping to combine business knowledge with technical know-how.

ETHSG organizes a variety of activities to strengthen these connections, such as company visits, case studies, and social events. In 2024, the program included a workshop on enhancing presentation skills hosted by fintech firm Leonteq, participation in an international NASA hackathon, and a tour of Six, a prominent financial services provider. These events aim to provide students with practical experience while encouraging collaboration across disciplines.

The initiative also seeks to break down the barriers that sometimes exist between students from the two institutions. “We want to reduce the reservations between ETH and HSG students,” says Alessandra Iacopino, co-president of ETHSG and mathematics student at ETH. To that end, the association hosts a social event every semester, providing a relaxed environment for students to get to know each other.

The rise of successful start-ups founded by ETH and HSG students and researchers underscores the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Examples include ALPINA+SANA, Optiverse, GAUDIO, and Decentriq, all of which feature members from both institutions.

The synergy between the natural sciences and business is also reflected in the academic offerings at both universities. ETH’s Master’s in Management, Technology, and Ecology caters to graduates of engineering and natural sciences, allowing them to build expertise in business. Meanwhile, HSG has been offering bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in computer science since 2020, alongside initiatives like the Centre for Digital Health Interventions, a joint project with ETH and the University of Zurich.

“Students are increasingly recognizing the importance of combining business knowledge with a foundational understanding of digital technologies,” Schülin adds. The association plays a key role in facilitating this shift, connecting students with business ideas to potential collaborators.

Currently, ETHSG reaches around 500 students through its newsletter. Looking ahead, Iacopino and Schülin envision creating a platform that allows HSG and ETH students to easily “match” for joint projects and start-up ventures.

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SOURCE: University of St. Gallen