Meet the Talent 2026

“Talent cannot be precisely measured or controlled. But it can be recognised – and nurtured,” said Rector Günther Dissertori. ETH aims not only to strengthen students’ academic abilities, but also to help them grow in their personal and social competences, “so that they are able to help shape our future responsibly.”

He went on to explain that, alongside targeted support programmes, freedom and space are crucial for talent to develop. He illustrated this with the example of the “ETH Student Project House”, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and enjoys great popularity among students. The Rector expressed his heartfelt thanks to the donors: “Thanks to you, we are able to cultivate the fertile ground for talent in the way it needs and deserves.”

His address was followed by presentations from three Excellence Scholars and a young entrepreneur supported by a Pioneer Fellowship.

The topics ranged from stress testing in steel structures to organoids, a robotic hand, and the recycling of rare earth elements.

Before and after the presentations, guests had the opportunity to explore a further 17 projects in an interactive exhibition and to engage directly with supported talents. To enable international donors to participate actively in “Meet the Talent”, a video call in English with three supported talents was also held prior to the livestream of the main programme.

Once again this year, the event was recognised for its strong consideration of sustainability aspects and awarded the “Sustainable Event SILVER” label by ETH Zurich.

What does talent mean to you?

During the event, five Excellence Scholars mingled with the guests and posed the question: What does talent mean to you? Donors and Excellence Scholars shared their very personal answers.

A video by Franziska Schneider, Joseph Crudington, Stasha Petrovikj, Omoefe Grant-Oyeye and Ioana Popescu.

Impressions