EPFL launches Center for Digital Trust

The Swiss school joined forces with eight institutional and industrial partners to create a new center of excellence in the areas of IT security, data protection and privacy compliance.

From blockchain technologies to artificial intelligence, the digitalization of our economy and society raises both opportunities and challenges. With its long tradition of neutrality and its renowned expertise in digital technology, Switzerland is in key position to catch the opportunities and address the challenges of the digital era. A new Center for Digital Trust, based at EPFL, will work on cybersecurity, transparency and personal data protection to foster a climate of trust in a digitalized world.

“Digital trust will be at the core of our strategy,” said Jean-Pierre Hubaux, the platform’s director, in a press release. “We want to become a center of excellence in the field, where all of our partners – regardless of how they are using digital services – can find answers to their questions and support for their goals.”

The Center for Digital Trust will combine EPFL’s deep knowledge in cybersecurity, sensitive data protection and blockchain and smart-contracting technology with the advanced capabilities of institutions such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), as well as companies including ELCA, SICPA, Swisscom, Swissquote, SGS and SwissRe.