New Zurich Hub for Drug & Device Development (ZH3D) Launched at UZH
Zurich, June 1, 2025 – A brand-new innovation platform, ZH3D, was officially founded at the University of Zurich (UZH) on June 1, led by Prof. Michael Hottiger and Prof. Thorsten Buch as Co-Directors, and Dr . Ralph Schiess as its inaugural CEO.
ZH3D—standing for Zurich Hub for Drug & Device Development—is designed to accelerate the translation of promising academic discoveries into clinical applications and market-ready products. By integrating existing Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) infrastructures across UZH and USZ, the new hub aims to streamline development pipelines for drugs and medical devices.
Under the leadership of the three founders, ZH3D will offer centralized quality management, regulatory guidance (including ISO 13485 support for IVDR and MDR compliance), and a structured GxP Academy for ongoing professional training. This initiative is set to bolster Zurich’s standing as a national center of excellence, forging strong ties with industry partners, regulatory agencies, and investors.
“With ZH3D, we’re closing critical gaps in the translational pathway," stated Prof. Hottiger and Prof. Buch added: "reducing time-to-trial and enhancing regulatory readiness for university-originated innovations is critical.”
The founding trio brings a powerful combination of scientific prowess and operational leadership to ZH3D: Hottiger’s molecular expertise, Buch’s translational research background, and Schiess’s organizational and strategic skills will guide the hub toward national expansion and impactful collaborations.