Driving innovation in finance, technology and sustainability
We bring together academia, practitioners and industry to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable and innovative economy.
An initiative of UZH and ZHAW, powered by DIZH (Digitalization Initiative of the Zurich Higher Education Institutions)
An academic network linking research, policy, and practice — turning ideas into impact through close collaboration between academia, industry, and the public sector.
About us
Our Mission
We advance the transition towards a sustainable financial system by connecting cutting‑edge research, digital innovation, and policy collaboration. Our mission is to enable responsible, data‑driven finance and to strengthen Zurich’s position as a global hub for sustainable digital finance.
Why this matters
Sustainable Digital Finance is emerging as one of the most important innovation fields of the coming decades. The financial sector plays a decisive role in addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Technology is reshaping what is possible:
- AI, blockchain and data analytics enable cheaper, faster and more accurate sustainability information
- Digital solutions help re‑allocate capital toward sustainable activities
- Novel business models support transparency, inclusion and innovation
As a globally relevant financial ecosystem, this initiative is uniquely positioned to drive the transformation through strong research, innovation and policy expertise across academia, industry and the public sector.
Three Labs, one approach
Research Lab
We explore how digital technologies advance sustainable finance — from AI-driven risk analysis and blockchain transparency to digital twins and SDG-aligned financial tools. Embedded in a strong international academic network.
Ideation Lab
We transform research insights into real-world concepts by co-creating solutions with industry partners, start-ups, and public institutions — through workshops, prototypes, digital platforms, and student innovation classes.
Policy & Implementation Lab
We bridge innovation and regulation by bringing together policymakers, innovators, and regulators to co-develop evidence-based solutions — using digital-twin simulations for faster, more agile policy testing and implementation.
Activities
Our activities
We run a range of formats that connect academia, practice, and policy — from intensive learning programmes to collaborative challenge platforms.
01
Summer School
An intensive programme bringing together students, researchers, and practitioners to explore the frontiers of sustainable digital finance.
02
Matchmaking Event
Connecting start-ups, investors, corporates, and academic researchers to foster collaboration at the intersection of fintech and sustainability.
03
Challenge Platform
A collaborative platform where real-world problems from industry partners are tackled by interdisciplinary teams of researchers and practitioners.
Research
Research areas
Our research sits at the intersection of finance, digital technologies, and sustainability — examining how innovation can enable positive environmental and economic impact.
Sustainable Digital Finance
I.-G. Hoven, S.Y. In, T. Puschmann
Green fintech: Developing a research agenda
T. Puschmann, V. Khmarskyi
Decreasing the impact of climate change in value chains by leveraging sustainable finance
T. Puschmann, D. Quattrocchi
Sustainable Digital Finance: The Role of FinTech, InsurTech Blockchain for Shaping the World for the Better
T. Puschmann, L.J. Leifer
How Green FinTech Can Alleviate the Impact of Climate Change - The Case of Switzerland
T. Puschmann, C.H. Hoffmann, V. Khmarskyi
Organisation
Our community
The initiative brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and entrepreneurs who share a commitment to advancing sustainable digital finance.
founding Institutions
supported by
Lead
Prof. Dr. Beat Affolter
ZHAW
Prof. Dr. Jan-Alexander Posth
ZHAW
Prof. Dr. Thomas Puschmann
UZH
Team
Nicole Bellert
ZHAW
Aline Felix
ZHAW
David Jaggi
ZHAW
Niccole Jordan
ZHAW
Industry Partners
Contact
Get in touch
The Sustainable Digital Finance initiative is open to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who want to contribute to the development of sustainable digital finance.
Reach out to us at:
info@sustainable-digital-finance.ch