The debate around AI ethics is currently shaped by top-down regulatory efforts — well-intentioned, yet often slow, innovation-averse, and disconnected from the realities of entrepreneurial practice. Meanwhile, Big Tech continues to fall short of societal expectations, reinforcing the perception that ethical responsibility in AI is either an afterthought or an obstacle to progress.

But what if there were another path?

In his book Zukunftsethik der Künstlichen Intelligenz, Christian Hugo Hoffmann, Director of the AI Startup Center, proposes a fresh approach: AI ethics as business ethics, driven not by regulatory pressure nor corporate PR strategies, but by morally superior startups. At the heart of his work is a concept of responsibility that is both philosophically sound and appealing to practitioners.

Building on this perspective, the AI Startup Center (AISC), together with the Ethics Community of the Digital Society Initiative (DSI) of the University of Zurich, will host an event that will serve not only as a book vernissage but as a platform to connect industry, startups and academia.

Agenda:

• 4:50 PM: Doors Open
• 5:00 PM: Welcome
• 5:05 PM: Why Do AI Startups Morally Outshine Big Tech? A Look Behind the Scenes of Future Ethics of AI – A Note from Director Christian Hugo Hoffmann
• 5:20 PM: Keynote by Eleonora Viganò
• 5:40 PM: Panel discussion with Eleonora Viganò (International Telecommunication Union), Christian Hugo Hoffmann (Director of the AI Startup Center), Emanuele Martinelli (University of Zurich) and Utku Gülan (Hi-D Imaging). Moderation: Pascal Vetter (AI Startup Center)
• 6:30 PM: Apéro

This event is made possible by the Digital Society Initiative (DSI) at the University of Zurich.

The Digital Society Initiative (DSI) at the University of Zurich is a center focused on the digital transformation of society and science. It fosters collaboration across disciplines, industry, and research to address digital challenges. DSI Ethics Community brings together researchers and other stakeholders to address ethical challenges connected with digitalization. As an ecosystem partner of the AI Startup Center Zurich, DSI contributes to driving innovation and supporting the digital future. The initiative also plays a key role in education, interdisciplinary research, and public engagement.

For more information, visit https://www.dsi.uzh.ch/en.html and https://ethics.dsi.uzh.ch/.

Terms & Conditions

Photo & Video Recordings
As part of this event, photographs and/or video recordings may be taken by or on behalf of the AI Startup Center. Speakers are recorded for the AISC Podcast. By registering for the event, you acknowledge that these recordings may be published at a later date in digital media and/or printed materials.

Exclusive Event Offers
Books about the AI Startup Center or from its director can be purchased at a discount at the event.

Cancellation & No-Show Policy
Participants who register for the event but fail to attend without cancelling their registration at least 2 days prior to the event will be charged a CHF 50 no-show fee. Payment of this fee is due within 10 days following the event. By registering for the event, participants acknowledge and accept this condition.