Informatiktage 2025: Open Day at ETH Zurich
From 22 to 29 March 2025, it’s that time again: companies, universities and organisations in the Greater Zurich Area are inviting you to dive into the fascinating world of computer science as part of the Informatiktage. On Saturday, 29 March, the Department of Computer Science, together with the ETH AI Center, the ETH IT Services, the Swiss Data Science Center and several ETH spin-offs and start-ups, will open their doors and invite visitors to a diverse mix of programme highlights.
Computer science has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Whether checking our smartphones in the morning, using public transportation or streaming in the evening, it forms the often-invisible backbone of modern society.
Computer science in the service of health
Its significance is particularly evident in medicine and healthcare: data analysis helps to personalise patient treatment, medical images are analysed with the help of AI, telemedicine bridges geographical distances and electronic health records are revolutionising patient care. At the same time, cybersecurity systems protect sensitive medical data from unauthorised access.
On Saturday, March 29, the Department of Computer Science will offer several programme highlights on the intersection of computer science and healthcare as part of the Informatiktage. In their talks, computer science professor Gunnar Rätsch and Dr Nora Toussaint from the Swiss Data Science Center will explain how data can save lives and help in the fight against cancer.
Professor Barbara Solenthaler will demonstrate how digital faces and characters from the entertainment industry support medical care, and Dr Sergey Prokudin will talk about how photorealistic surgical digital twins improve medical training.
Interactive experiences
In addition to lectures, an exhibition area with interactive elements and information booths invites visitors to explore. Several ETH spin-offs and start-ups will showcase how research contributes to society through technology transfer.
The AI-based software from Scanvio, for instance, is set to enable a reliable and non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. Meanwhile, experts from VirtaMed will demonstrate how doctors can use simulators to practice procedures in a safe virtual environment.
The Medtech start-up Akina will present its AI-supported software solution for physiotherapy training at home. The Center for Digital Health Intervention will present two of its projects: the holographic physio coach Alex assists with back exercises at home, and the voice assistant Grace supports people in the early stages of dementia with memory training, encouraging them to stay active, eat healthily and manage stress effectively.
At the mint & pepper booth, visitors can also try out a game that simulates the removal of blood clots from brain arteries. The demo is based on the technology of the start-up Nanoflex Robotics, which emerged from the Wyss Zurich research centre.
Tips, tricks and programming for all
The topic of cyber security is omnipresent. Not only hospitals and medical practices, but also companies, universities and individuals are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks. That’s why specialists from the Cyber Group will once again be on-site with an information booth and the workshop “The ABCs of Cyber Security” to highlight specific risks, answer questions and provide practical advice on protecting personal data from unauthorised access.
The various programming workshops are always very popular. In recent years, they have attracted not only children and teenagers but also adults. The workshop “Creative Introduction to Programming for Adults” is explicitly aimed at this target group.
In their presentation “From Idea to Game”, graduates of the ETH Game Programming Lab will showcase what it takes – beyond programming skills – to develop a video game from start to finish. The final game can be played in the Game Lounge before or after the talk.
Studies, IT apprenticeships and lifelong learning
At the information booth of the Association of Computer Science Students (VIS) and the Network for Women in Computer Science (CSNOW), students will be available to answer questions about studying and student life at ETH Zurich. Those interested in an IT apprenticeship can exchange ideas with first-year apprentices.
At the “Lifelong Inspiration” booth, the programme managers of ETH’s Continuing Education offerings in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity will provide advice for professionals looking to find the right course. The Swiss Informatics Olympiad booth will feature a competition and tricky games.
Anyone who has always wanted to know how ETH Zurich’s data network works and how to clean fibre optic cables should not miss the “Fiber Optic Cables & Co.” offer.
Fun games, temporary tattoos and a Swiss children’s book star
Younger visitors are also well catered for: the Bee-Bot is a yellow floor robot in the shape of a bee. Children can steer the cute bee with directional commands to navigate obstacles and reach a flower. The popular interactive colouring book from the ETH spin-off Enlightware can also be found in the children’s corner. Watching Switzerland’s most famous children’s book character, Globi, come to life on screen is a delight for kids aged five and up and their parents alike.
For those who need a break or a snack in between, the “Food&Lab” offers a selection of food and drinks. And for a fun souvenir, visitors can get a temporary tattoo and grab a colourful Informatiktage balloon to take home.
Programme and registration
While the exhibition on Saturday can be visited spontaneously, online registration is required for the workshops, lectures and guided tours. Places are limited, so early registration is recommended.
Programme and registration: external page www.informatiktage.ch/eth
