What is the Scientifica festival and who organises it?

Scientifica is a festival organized by the Federal Polytechnic and the University of Zurich, which began on Saturday in Zurich and in several surrounding locations. The event aims to make university research accessible to the public, presenting the projects developed by the students and researchers of the two institutions. Visitors of all ages can discover the latest technological innovations and interact directly with researchers who explain their work in a way that is understandable even to those without a technical background.

What is the world record for the race car presented at the festival?

The race car developed by the team of Alexander Hefele, a mechanical engineering student, accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just nine tenths of a second, setting a world record. The project was completed three years ago and during the festival Hefele explains how it was made using simple explanations, images and videos. Visitors can sit in the vehicle and experience the thrill of being in the place of a professional driver.

What other research projects are presented at Scientifica?

In addition to the record-breaking car, the festival showcases autonomous drones that autonomously recognize and avoid obstacles, an area crucial for robotics and automation. Visitors can discover state-of-the-art robots and understand developments in the most innovative research sectors. The great interest expressed by younger visitors shows how these projects can inspire the choice of careers in the technology sector.

Why is it important for university research to be accessible to the public?

According to Elisabeth Stark, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Zurich, allowing citizens access to research helps students understand the importance of their work and the social value of research. In addition, events such as Scientifica inspire new generations to consider careers in the technology sector. University research also creates skilled employment in Switzerland and contributes to the country's economic competitiveness globally.

Scientific: Swiss research and innovation in Zurich

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 24 August 2026

Research laboratory at ETH Zurich with students working on robotics and autonomous drone projects

Scientific Festival in Zurich: the Federal Polytechnic and the University present innovative research. World record cars (0-100 km/h in 9 tenths) and autonomous drones.

Context

In a nutshell

Scientific Festival makes university research accessible to the public in Zurich
Race car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 tenths of a second: world record
Autonomous drones and open labs: Swiss innovation for all

Key facts

What: Festival of scientific dissemination with university research projects
When: Started Saturday (event in progress in different locations)
Where: Zurich and several municipalities around the city
Who: Federal Polytechnic and University of Zurich
Event: Exhibition of record-breaking cars, autonomous drones, open workshops
Goal: Make search accessible to visitors of all ages

The Federal Polytechnic and the University of Zurich inaugurated the Scientifica festival, an event dedicated to presenting the latest technological innovations and making university research accessible to the general public. Kicking off Saturday in Zurich and several surrounding locations, the festival invites visitors of all ages to discover how the most innovative projects developed by Swiss students work. The organizers' stated objective is clear: to allow research to leave university laboratories and meet citizens directly.

Among the projects on display, the work of the team of Alexander Hefele, a mechanical engineering student, stands out. Three years ago, this project reached an international milestone: a racing car capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometers

Operational details

Swiss university research is a national strategic asset of great importance. The Federal Polytechnic and the University of Zurich are among the institutions driving innovation in the country, but often this work remains confined to laboratories. The Scientifica festival responds to a specific need: to democratize access to research and show citizens which concrete projects are being developed at Swiss universities.

This type of initiative has direct practical implications for the Swiss education system and labour market. When young people, especially those at the stage of choosing vocational training, come into contact with research such as Alexander Hefele's on automotive engineering or on the applications of autonomous drones, they acquire a concrete vision of what it means to work in the innovation sector. These are not just abstract images of technological careers, but tangible demonstrations of real projects that have already been completed and recognized worldwide.

Careers and opportunities in the Swiss innovation sector

Over the decades, Switzerland has built up a solid reputation in the field of research and technological development. The aziende svizzere operating in the field of automation, robotics, mechanical engineering and computer science are continuously looking for qualified recent graduates. The Federal Polytechnic, together with other Swiss universities, trains these professionals, but

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Key points

For those living in Switzerland who wish to stay updated on developments in research and innovation, there are various channels and resources available. The Scientifica festival is a tangible opportunity to experience these projects firsthand, but it is only part of the landscape. Federal research institutions regularly publish reports on their progress and offer internships, traineeships, and job positions for recent graduates and experienced professionals.

If you are a student seeking guidance or a professional interested in transitioning to the technology innovation sector, the first step is to understand which specialization area attracts you the most. The projects presented at Scientifica cover a broad spectrum: from automotive engineering to robotics, from autonomous drone research to still-emerging sectors like sustainable energy and advanced materials.

How to access engineering studies in Switzerland

The federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich and EPF Lausanne) offer bachelor's and specialized degree programs in engineering. Access to these programs requires a Swiss maturity diploma or a recognized equivalent. Courses are offered in German, French, and, in some cases, English. The federal institutes of technology maintain some of the highest quality standards worldwide, and their industry recognition is significant.

At cantonal universities, such as the University of Zurich, it is possible to follow engineering courses in specific fields. Tuition fees vary depending on the canton of residence and the university, but they are generally lower compared to other European countries. Numerous universities also offer PhD programs in engineering, which are ideal for those who wish to specialize in research and directly contribute to scientific advancement, much like the students presenting their work at Scientifica.

Job opportunities for engineers in Switzerland

The Swiss job market for engineers is robust and constantly evolving. Companies operating in the technology, automation, renewable energy, and robotics sectors continuously hire qualified personnel. Salaries for qualified engineers are among the most competitive in Europe. In addition to large multinational corporations, many Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specialized in technological niches offer interesting and sometimes more dynamic positions.

A frequent path for young graduates is to start with internships or junior positions at renowned companies, gaining practical experience that complements university education. Networking is important in the Swiss engineering sector: participating in events like Scientifica, industry conferences, and workshops helps build professional contacts that often lead to significant career opportunities.

For those already employed in other sectors but interested in a transition toward engineering or innovation, it is possible to take continuing education courses or specialized master's programs. Furthermore, some Swiss companies support employee training through scholarships or dedicated sabbatical leaves for professional specialization.

Next steps: If you are interested in careers within the Swiss engineering and innovation sector, explore the job opportunities in the technical and research sector. You can also consult the official websites of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich for study programs, internships, and industry collaborations that represent the path followed by young researchers like Alexander Hefele.

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Source: rsi.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Scientifica festival and who organises it?: Scientifica is a festival organized by the Federal Polytechnic and the University of Zurich, which began on Saturday in Zurich and in several surrounding locations. The event aims to make university research accessible to the public, presenting the projects developed by the students and researchers of the two institutions. Visitors of all ages can discover the latest technological innovations and interact directly with researchers who explain their work in a way that is understandable even to those without a technical background.
What is the world record for the race car presented at the festival?: The race car developed by the team of Alexander Hefele, a mechanical engineering student, accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just nine tenths of a second, setting a world record. The project was completed three years ago and during the festival Hefele explains how it was made using simple explanations, images and videos. Visitors can sit in the vehicle and experience the thrill of being in the place of a professional driver.
How can I pursue a career in engineering in Switzerland?: In Switzerland, you can study engineering at federal polytechnics (ETH Zurich and EPF Lausanne) or at cantonal universities such as the University of Zurich. Access requires the recognised Swiss baccalaureate diploma or equivalent. Courses are offered in German, French and in some cases in English. After graduation, the Swiss job market for engineers is robust: companies in the technology, automation and robotics sectors regularly hire recent graduates. Salaries are among the most competitive at European level.
What other research projects are presented at Scientifica?: In addition to the record-breaking car, the festival showcases autonomous drones that autonomously recognize and avoid obstacles, an area crucial for robotics and automation. Visitors can discover state-of-the-art robots and understand developments in the most innovative research sectors. The great interest expressed by younger visitors shows how these projects can inspire the choice of careers in the technology sector.
Why is it important for university research to be accessible to the public?: According to Elisabeth Stark, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Zurich, allowing citizens access to research helps students understand the importance of their work and the social value of research. In addition, events such as Scientifica inspire new generations to consider careers in the technology sector. University research also creates skilled employment in Switzerland and contributes to the country's economic competitiveness globally.