Who we are
The Wyss Zurich Translational Center (Wyss Zurich) is a unique accelerator, embedded within ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, that is dedicated to the emerging fields of regenerative medicine, robotics, and medical devices/bionics technologies.
Abstract
Wyss Zurich was established to foster translational projects from ETH Zurich and/or the University of Zurich. Wyss Zurich supports projects focusing on developing treatment protocols and clinical therapies, as well as novel technologies and intelligent systems in the emerging fields of regenerative medicine, robotics, and medical devices/bionics technologies.
After successfully completing the admission process, the projects are supervised and supported by Wyss Zurich. At the same time, projects benefit from the world-leading experts from both institutions and multidisciplinary teams that Wyss Zurich brings together. By integrating projects from multiple disciplines and providing access to world-class resources, we translate science into life improvements and foster entrepreneurship.
Mission
Our mission is to drive the translation of outstanding scientific discoveries into new therapies for patients and breakthrough innovations in the fields of regenerative medicine, robotics, and medical devices/bionics technologies.
The «valley of death» and how to overcome it
Switzerland holds a leading global position in basic research, but there is a long latency period between scientific discovery and its widespread application. Many scientific discoveries in research are not translated into practical applications because industry/investors typically prefer to invest in more advanced technologies. Owing to lack of funding, early-stage developments get stuck in what is often referred to as the "valley of death."
Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. h.c. mult. Hansjörg Wyss wants to change this: "Breakthrough discoveries in medical and technological fields have to be made available as soon as possible for the benefit of mankind," he says. To attain this goal, Hansjörg Wyss asked ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich to join forces, and the joint Wyss Zurich Translational Center was launched in December 2014. Wyss Zurich began operations in March 2015.
Unique all-in-one approach
Wyss Zurich provides its projects with:
- funding to cover personnel expenses and translational R&D, notably early-phase clinical trials
- access to world-class infrastructure, including a dedicated facility to produce compounds that can be used in humans
- support for experimental design, data analysis, and business strategy from subject-matter experts
«I want to help accelerate the translation process and build a bridge between basic research and application.»
Dr. h.c. mult. Hansjörg Wyss
Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist