A Launchpad for Medical Innovations
Innovations that make a difference in people’s lives
Whether they are novel products, innovative services, or technological solutions, the projects made possible by the Innovation Pool have one thing in common: they focus on the benefits for patients. Many of these initiatives aim to improve diagnostics and treatment, streamline day-to-day clinical procedures, and sustainably enhance patients’ quality of life.
A space for employees’ ideas
The program is open to all employees of the University Hospital of Zurich: Regardless of their role or position in the organization, teams can submit their ideas and have the opportunity to test and further develop them. The Innovation Pool is an excellent opportunity, especially for talented young professionals, to turn their projects into reality. Each year, an expert panel selects the most promising submissions for implementation.
Project example: Oncology — early detection of lung cancer
This is also the case with the project led by Thomas Gaisl, a senior physician at the Department of Pulmonology. Together with his team, he is using artificial intelligence and robotics to detect tiny, hard-to-reach lung tumors. Until now, the examination was very stressful and did not always yield clear results. Thanks to this modern procedure, tumors can now be detected and treated while still in a curable stage—a tremendous advance for those affected.
Neonatology – Pain-free blood glucose monitoring for premature infants
Aldo Di Costanzo Mata is developing the world’s first noninvasive glucose sensor. This sensor enables pain-free, continuous blood glucose monitoring in premature infants through the skin. This helps minimize the risk of anemia and infections.
A powerful driver of innovation
Since its launch in 2013, the Innovation Pool has initiated numerous projects, thereby making a lasting contribution to the advancement of medical care at the USZ. The program combines practical experience from everyday clinical practice, scientific excellence, and a consistent focus on patient needs.
Customized Project Partnerships
Every foundation has unique priorities. Together with you, we develop a customized project partnership that best reflects your mission. We identify suitable initiatives at the USZ that align with your funding goals and maximize impact. In this way, your foundation makes an important contribution to solutions for the healthcare of tomorrow and helps to tangibly improve patients’ quality of life.
‘s Strategic Projects: Our strategic projects are shaping the future of medicine. These forward-looking initiatives have the potential to improve patients’ quality of life in the long term and directly contribute to advancing the USZ’s strategy. A panel of high-caliber experts reviews the selections and ensures the highest quality and a strategic focus for the funding.
Thematic Funds: Make a targeted contribution to a medical specialty that is important to you. Whether it’s cancer research, neurology, or cardiovascular medicine—with a thematic fund, your contributions go directly to innovative projects and research initiatives in the area of your choice. We ensure that your funds are used for their intended purpose and provide you with transparent updates on the progress made.
Sub-Foundation Would you like to achieve your philanthropic goals efficiently and over the long term? A sub-foundation is the ideal solution. Under the umbrella of the USZ Foundation, you can support the medicine of the future and focus entirely on your charitable causes at the University Hospital of Zurich. You define your foundation’s purpose yourself, in line with our overarching mission. We handle the professional administrative management and contribute our many years of expertise.
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