ZKB continues to support research in information security
Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) is extending its ten-year partnership, reaffirming its long-term commitment to strengthening research and education in information security, data protection and artificial intelligence at ETH Zurich. Through a donation of five million Swiss francs, to be invested incrementally over a further ten years, ZKB will continue to support the Zurich Information Security and Privacy Center (ZISC) as well as the ETH AI Center.
© ETH Foundation / Valeriano Di Domenico
© ETH Foundation / Valeriano Di Domenico
Security and reliability, the handling of sensitive data and protection against unauthorised access are core competencies of Zürcher Kantonalbank. At the same time, the universal bank is strongly committed to advancing new digital applications, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. “The security of digital financial services and the responsible use of artificial intelligence are key prerequisites for a relationship of trust with our customers. Our renewed partnership with ETH Zurich is a clear commitment to shaping the future responsibly,” explains Dr Jörg Müller-Ganz, President of the Bank Council of Zürcher Kantonalbank.
Since 2003, the Zurich Information Security & Privacy Center at ETH has been linking research and teaching in cybersecurity and data protection with practical application, supported by industry partners. This collaboration gives rise to new protection mechanisms, encryption methods and privacy-friendly IT architectures that make the digital infrastructure more resilient. Knowledge transfer into practice takes place, for example, through the ZISC OpenLab, a cross-industry platform that brings together researchers and industry partners. ZKB’s support provides additional momentum for the OpenLab.
“Thanks to ZKB’s long-term support, we have been able to strengthen research and education at ZISC and expand collaboration with industry. We are very pleased that the partnership is being continued,” emphasises Srdjan Capkun, Chair of ZISC.
In addition to its support for ZISC, ZKB also supports the ETH AI Center, ETH Zurich’s central hub for artificial intelligence, which brings together researchers from all departments at ETH Zurich working on the foundations, applications and societal impact of artificial intelligence. The partnership includes active engagement with its research, talent and innovation ecosystem, such as access to cutting-edge research and knowledge exchange, engagement in initiatives and events that connect research to real-world impact or collaboration with ETH AI Center affiliated Startups.
“The long-term commitment of ZKB enables us to further develop key technologies that are central to security, trust and innovation in a digitalised society. We are very grateful for this support,” says ETH President Joël Mesot.
