On 20 August 2025, ETH Zurich hosted the first Tagung der Schweizer Reallabore to foster dialogue between living labs across Switzerland. These multi-stakeholder labs provide a framework for research and experimentation in real-world settings. Grid2050’s Benjamin Sawicki was among the 80 participants, which included researchers, practitioners, and administrators.

At the marketplace of living labs, Benjamin presented the wooden model of our Walenstadt demonstrator, a city-scale living lab. He explained how it brings together engineers, social scientists, citizens, and practitioners to test advanced automation in addressing key challenges of the energy transition: supply security, fair tariffs, and grid resilience.

The event also provided us with a wonderful opportunity to interact with representatives from other energy-focused labs, including the SWEET consortia. We hope these connections will lead to future collaborations and strengthen the growing community of Swiss living labs.