Tag: Informatik

Northwestern Switzerland strengthens future topics with two new universities

The opening of the two universities marks a strategic reorientation of the FHNW and its sponsoring cantons of Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt and Solothurn. The institution is thus responding to the growing challenges posed by digitalisation, sustainability and social change. At the same time, it is creating additional study places in future-relevant disciplines and strengthening the attractiveness of Northwestern Switzerland as a university and research region.

By creating its own universities for computer science and for technology and the environment, the FHNW is focusing on specialised profiles. The focus is on topics such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation, cybersecurity, energy, environmental technology, robotics and the sustainable use of resources.

FHNW School of Computer Science
The digital transformation is profoundly changing the economy and society. The FHNW School of Computer Science sees itself as a driving force behind this change. Its aim is to interlink education, research and practice more closely and to enable new forms of lifelong learning.

At the start of the autumn semester 2025, the university will offer innovative courses, including Artificial Intelligence & High Performance Computing, where AI algorithms and high-performance computing infrastructure are combined to efficiently train complex models and develop new applications for research and industry.

With Data Science & Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability, the university is focussing another degree programme on the sustainable use of data analysis and AI. For example, for optimising energy systems, modelling climate scenarios or developing resource-saving technologies. There are also new programmes in Security, Platforms & DevOps, which train urgently needed specialists in cybersecurity and agile software development.

A special future project of the university is the new location in Basel, which will open in 2026. There, research, teaching and business will be closely networked and further developed with a practical focus.

FHNW School of Engineering and Environment
The second new university is dedicated to the pressing issues of energy, the environment and sustainability. Its profile combines technical innovation with a clear focus on ecological responsibility. Students and researchers here work on topics such as renewable energies, the circular economy and the sustainable use of resources, always linked to the question of how technology can work in harmony with the environment and society.

“We provide training where the economy urgently needs skilled workers and research creates new perspectives,” emphasises Prof. Dr Crispino Bergamaschi, President of the FHNW Executive Board.

September 2025
Work begins on extension to Baden cantonal school

Preparations for the extension of the Baden cantonal school have begun with clearing work on the construction site. According to a press release from the Canton of Aargau, this preparatory work will be carried out during the sports holidays from 3 to 14 February. This involves removing shrubbery and felling trees in the Schönaustrasse area in Baden. This work must be carried out before construction work on the extension begins in July 2025.

The early start is necessary because the tree felling must be carried out outside the bird breeding season from the beginning of March to the end of September. New trees will be planted across the entire site once the extension has been completed. According to the press release, this will once again take greater account of biodiversity on the grounds of Baden Cantonal School.

The building permit for the extension to the cantonal school has been valid since the end of October 2024. The extension will include an additional wing for maths, IT, natural sciences and technology (STEM subjects) and a sports wing including a double sports hall.

In addition, the outdoor facilities and sports pitches will be redesigned. The planned extension represents the final expansion of the site based on the current school planning, according to the canton’s press release.

February 2025
Ternary data storage
For decades, data storage has been based on binary code, which only recognises two states: “0” and “1”. The new technology brings a ground-breaking change by introducing a third state “2”. This achieves a fourfold increase in storage density. Inspired by cuneiform writing, the new polymer uses tiny indentations as memory points: no indentation stands for “0”, a shallow indentation for “1” and a deeper indentation for “2”.

Precision and efficiency thanks to modern materials
The polymer, consisting of sulphur and dicyclopentadiene, is processed with atomic precision. A microscopically small tip creates the dents, replacing conventional methods such as laser beams. This offers numerous advantages.
- Energy efficiency: Mechanical processing requires no heat.
- Reusability: Data can be erased and the material rewritten by heating.
- Durability: The polymer can withstand numerous read-write-erase cycles.
Economical and sustainable
The main components of the polymer are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, unlike existing storage technologies that rely on rare earths and energy-intensive processes. The new material offers a sustainable alternative that meets the increasing demands of the digital age.

Far-reaching effects
The introduction of ternary code could push the boundaries of existing storage technologies. Major technology companies such as IBM and Intel are already showing interest in the new technology. The quadruple storage density, combined with low energy consumption and sustainability, makes this development a key to the future of big data and artificial intelligence.
January 2025
Council of Europe and Switzerland set standards for AI

The new Convention on Artificial Intelligence was officially adopted at the 133rd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which took place in Biel/Bienne. Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, was present at this historic moment. Switzerland, known for its precise and prudent approach in international negotiations, played a decisive role in the one and a half years of intensive discussions and development work.

The agreement not only emphasises the importance of AI in our future society, but also establishes a solid, legally binding framework to ensure that AI systems are developed according to the highest ethical standards. The core principles include transparency, robustness, non-discrimination and the protection of privacy. These measures are crucial to strengthening public trust in the new technology while safeguarding the rights of every individual.

Promoting international cooperation
The timing of the adoption coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe, which further emphasises the importance of this convention. From September 2024, the document will be submitted to all member states for signature. Once ratified by Switzerland, which requires its transposition into national law, it will serve as a key component of international AI governance.

In practice, the Convention will serve as a guide that promotes a harmonised approach to the responsible development and use of AI systems not only in Europe, but also worldwide. By creating this framework, the Council of Europe is making a significant contribution to ensuring that AI is used as a force for good, strengthening and advancing the foundations of our democratic societies.

May 2024
Zug sets standards in global blockchain research

With the support of the Canton of Zug, an interdisciplinary research centre is being established that will focus on the diverse applications and effects of blockchain technology. The initiative, which is being realised in cooperation with the University of Lucerne and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, will not only research the technological aspects of blockchain, but also the social, economic and political aspects. Finance Director Heinz Tännler emphasises that the project not only promotes scientific research, but also strengthens Zug as a business location, particularly in light of the new OECD minimum taxation that was introduced at the beginning of 2024.

Globally unique research initiative
The newly founded Zug Institute for Blockchain Research at the University of Lucerne will focus on the challenges and opportunities of this disruptive technology. Nine new chairs will be created to address the various facets of blockchain technology. The research will pursue a holistic approach that encompasses technological innovations as well as the associated social, economic and political issues. The aim is to develop an in-depth understanding of blockchain technology and its potential impact on society.

Strengthening research capacities at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciencesand Arts
The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts will significantly expand its existing activities in blockchain research through the new initiative. The university is contributing its expertise in the fields of computer science, finance and technology to the project and is working closely with the University of Lucerne to create a comprehensive research environment. This cooperation forms the basis for the hub, a platform for collaboration and communication that promotes exchange between the participating researchers and the global blockchain community.

Sustainable funding and long-term goals
Following the initial start-up funding from the canton, it is planned that the project will switch to sustainable sources of funding. An external evaluation after three years will assess the effectiveness and progress of the research initiative. These measures will ensure that the “Blockchain Zug – Joint Research Initiative” becomes a permanent fixture in the global research landscape in the long term and establishes Zug as a leading centre for blockchain technology.

May 2024
CANCOM Switzerland equips Grand Resort Bad Ragaz with new IT system

The IT services and trading company CANCOM Switzerland has installed the latest WiFi6 network infrastructure from Huawei at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. According to a press release from CANCOM, the old network of the 5-star hotel, which covers over 400,000 square metres, was replaced during ongoing operations with 80 switches, 500 access points, two physical firewalls from Palo Alto Networks and five virtual instances. In addition, two high-performance WLAN controllers and four highly functional management servers were implemented.

The introduction of WiFi6 technology enables fast Internet and smooth communication across the entire site with its various buildings. According to CANCOM, the Grand Resort can also make its guests’ stay even more pleasant, for example with checkout terminals.

The new network also reportedly gives the hotel’s IT team significantly greater flexibility and autonomy: “When guests brought their own IT equipment or needed their own separate network, it was always a major challenge,” says Reto Schwengeler, Head of Infrastructure and Security at the hotel. “With the old network environment, such adjustments involved a lot of effort and we were reliant on external support.” Now the in-house team benefits from a clearly organised iMaster management solution.

Thanks to the “excellent collaboration” with CANCOM Switzerland, the project was successfully completed within a very short time. “In the past,” says Schwengeler, “we used to receive complaints almost every week. Today I hear nothing more.”

February 2024
Neues Rechenzentrum auf dem Metro Campus Zürich

Die Green Datacenter AG setzt die Expansion auf dem Metro-Campus Zürich fort. Nach der Fertigstellung des ersten Datacenters im Jahr 2022 wird der Bau der Datacenter N und O früher als ursprünglich geplant umgesetzt. Dieser Schritt erfolgt aufgrund einer steigenden Nachfrage nach Datenzentren, die sowohl sicher als auch leistungsfähig sind.

Roger Süess, CEO des Unternehmens, kommentiert das Wachstum mit den Worten: «Unsere Expansion spiegelt den rapiden technologischen Fortschritt und die Digitalisierung wider. Moderne Datacenter sind eine Voraussetzung dafür, dass diese Transformation in der Schweiz schnell, sicher und nachhaltig realisiert werden kann.» Die beiden neuen Datenzentren sollen Platz für bis zu 160’000 IT-Systeme bieten.

Die erzeugte Abwärme aus den Datenzentren soll in bestehende Fernwärmenetze eingespeist werden, wodurch Haushalte und Betriebe in den umliegenden Gemeinden davon profitieren können. Green Datacenter investiert erhebliche Mittel in die Abwärmenutzung und kooperiert dabei mit Energie 360°, einem Zürcher Energieversorger, der in der Region verschiedene Fernwärmeprojekte realisiert. Roger Süess betont: «Durch die Nutzung der Abwärme und weitere Maßnahmen tragen wir zur Kreislaufwirtschaft bei und unterstützen die Energiewende. Für uns ist klar, dass nachhaltige Datacenter eine wesentliche Voraussetzung für eine zukunftsorientierte Digitalisierung darstellen.»

October 2023
sfb continues training on building informatics

The sfb Higher Technical College for Technology and Management has responded to the increasing demand for specialists in building networking. As the first higher technical school, it has therefore introduced the course technician HF building technology with a specialization in building informatics. After a successful start in August this year, the sfb will continue to offer the course. New courses will start on August 18, 2022 at the Dietikon, Emmenbrücke LU and Zollikofen BE locations.

The new courses also last six semesters. At all three locations, lessons are held on the entire Monday and Thursday evening. In Zollikofen there is also the possibility to attend classes on Thursday evenings and all of Saturday. Participants have the opportunity to qualify for the next step in their careers in the “largest growth market in the construction industry”, as sfb director Dorothea Tiefenauer puts it. “The technician HF building technology course at sfb focuses on building information technology and is geared towards the needs of the economy. Professionals with this training are in great demand on the job market, ”she adds.

The sfb has a total of eight locations and, with more than 1200 students and 500 teachers, is one of the largest higher technical schools in Switzerland. It is supported by social partners in the machine, electrical and metal industries.

November 2021