"The importance of AI for industry cannot be overestimated." With this quote, Matthias Rebellius opened the ETH Industry Day at Open-i, setting the stage for the following speakers in the sessions AI & Robotics, Health & Food, Materials & Processes and Sustainability & Construction.

We were given insights into case studies, the latest research results and ETH spin-offs. The Spark Award at the end of the ETH Industry Day stage programme got us excited again.

At the same time, participants on the Garden Stage went on a journey to outer space – in the Deep Dive Session organised by Standortförderung Kanton Zürich. Oliver Ullrich, Director of the UZH Space Hub, gave us an insight into the enormous potential of the new space economy. And how the most important tool, "zero gravity", can be used to exploit space and its conditions as a production location in a quality that is not possible on Earth.

Nanja Strecker gave an insight into how Switzerland is positioned in terms of start-ups in this new system and what obstacles exist in addition to financing. Finally, Holger Wentscher provided insights into how we can keep up with the pace of the US – by finding niches and adapting existing inventions.

The afternoon of the first day of the conference saw more high-calibre keynotes followed by inspiring discussions and valuable encounters - here are some of the highlights:

Urs Hölzle took us on a journey from the first great language models to the present day - when is the right time, when is the quality right and when is the audience ready. Hölzle says that today we still underestimate the efficiency gains of AI applications and says: "In 10 years' time, we will no longer be talking about the energy consumption of AI."

Hannah Schragmann and Hans Rusinek analysed changes in productivity and recognition in the world of work. Schragmann highlighted the increasing pressure to constantly reinvent oneself: "Today, people have to reinvent themselves faster and faster." Regarding the increased pressure of using AI in knowledge work, Rusinek sees primarily social and management problems, not technical ones, and reminds us: "Productivity means solving problems, and we're not going to run out of problems".

David Rowlands emphasised the importance of a thoughtful approach to successfully integrating AI and realising its potential. "For us, AI is a major disruptive and transformative capability", he said, adding that the key to success is a trusted AI framework that combines people, technology, trust and strategic value.

Thomas Zurbuchen shared insights into his impressive work in space robotics and explained the importance of AI and robotics for missions to distant worlds. "All of this is made possible by the development of just two things: good data, AI techniques and the manufacturing that makes them possible," he pointed out. He stressed the importance of working AI to the success of such missions: "The only way I can do this research is if the AI is working when we land."

On the second day, the focus was on Switzerland as a centre of innovation:

"We can only continue to position ourselves correctly in international competition if all these factors work together," said Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, emphasising the role of good framework conditions such as a flexible labour market, a strong education system and political stability. With regard to relations with the US, he underlined their central role for the Swiss export industry, but warned of uncertainties such as possible protectionism. He also called for greater diversification in international markets.

Dominique Gruhl-Bégin and Pascale Bruderer spoke about the factors contributing to Switzerland's innovative strength. "Innovation is characterised by economic dynamism", explained Bruderer, pointing to the importance of freedom, stable framework conditions and knowledge transfer. Gruhl-Bégin stressed that Switzerland is well positioned internationally, with an innovation-friendly environment and a high level of patent commercialisation: "We are currently in a global innovation race", and pointed to the possible impact of austerity measures.

In her refreshingly honest keynote speech, Verena Pausder spoke about the future of German innovation and emphasised the urgency of a change in mindset. Europe often only funds the early stages of innovation, while success comes later. She cited the need to make infrastructure more accessible, to welcome talent with open arms and to invest idle capital in innovation: "Now is not the time to rest on what we've achieved".