Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
The Energy Launchpad is a cross-institutional initiative designed to accelerate energy innovation across Europe. This website provides information about our activities, programmes, and collaborations.
For the operation of this website, ETH Zurich acts as the sole data controller pursuant to the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (revDSG), the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the German BDSG/TTDSG, and the Austrian DSG/TKG.
The Energy Launchpad itself is not a legal entity, but a content-driven collaboration of multiple European institutions.
This Privacy Policy applies only to data processed through the website www.launchpad.energy.
Additional privacy notices apply to events, programmes, and newsletter distribution by partner institutions, as described below.
2. Data Controller
ETH Zurich
Energy Science Center
Sonneggstrasse 28
CH-8006 Zurich
Switzerland
Website Contact: info@launchpad.energy
3. Personal Data Processed via the Website
3.1 Automatically Collected Data
When accessing this website, the website hosting provider may process:
IP address
Browser type and device information
Date and time of access
Usage data and log files
Cookies and similar technologies
3.2 Contact Data
If you reach out to us, for example by email, we process your:
Name
Email address
Message content
Associated technical metadata
3.3 Newsletter Sign-Up
When subscribing to updates through this website, ETH Zurich processes:
Email address
Name, if provided
Subscription confirmation, including double opt-in
Important: Some newsletters may also be distributed by partner institutions of the Energy Launchpad, such as TUM, TU Wien, ENBW, VERBUND, or Energie 360°.
4. Purpose and Legal Basis
4.1 Website Operation and Security
We process personal data to ensure the availability, stability, and security of the website.
Legal basis:
Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR, legitimate interests
Art. 31 revDSG
4.2 Responding to Inquiries
We process personal data to respond to your questions and administrative requests.
Legal basis:
Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR
4.3 Sending Newsletters
Newsletters sent via the website are processed by ETH Zurich.
Some partners may send newsletters using their own systems.
Legal basis:
Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR, consent
Consent may be withdrawn at any time via the unsubscribe link.
5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
This website uses cookies and similar technologies.
Essential Cookies
Essential cookies are required for website operation and are activated automatically.
Non-Essential Cookies
Non-essential cookies, such as analytics, functional, or marketing cookies, are activated only with your consent through the cookie banner.
Your settings can be changed at any time via the cookie preferences.
6. Hosting & International Data Transfers
This website is hosted by the website hosting provider.
Personal data may be stored and processed in:
Switzerland
The European Union
The United States
Further global locations, depending on the services used
International transfers are safeguarded by Standard Contractual Clauses and supplementary measures where required.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the respective purpose.
Typical retention periods include:
Website logs: typically 7–30 days
Newsletter data: until consent is withdrawn
Contact requests: up to 12 months
Technical security logs: in accordance with safety requirements
8. Data Sharing
Data may be shared with:
The website hosting provider
ETH Zurich internal departments
Newsletter distribution systems and partner institutions, only when users explicitly subscribe
No personal data is sold or shared for advertising purposes.
9. Special Note: Event & Programme Participation
For participation in events, workshops, programmes, or initiatives of the Energy Launchpad, separate privacy notices apply.
These notices may involve:
Data sharing with partner institutions
Use of photos and videos
Participant lists
Processing of dietary or logistical information
Such notices are provided at the point of registration.
10. Your Rights
You have the right to:
Access your personal data
Request rectification or deletion
Withdraw consent
Restrict processing
Request data portability
Object to processing based on legitimate interests
Lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority
Requests may be sent to info@launchpad.energy.
11. Updates to this policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically.
The version published on this website applies.