The Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA) and the Innovation Park Zurich Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Space Florida – the agency of the US state of Florida for space financing and development. The goal of the agreement is to establish a hub for trade, logistics, research, innovation, and education between Florida and Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the European space.
On the occasion of the Paris Air Show, the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA), the Innovation Park Zurich Foundation (IPZ), and Space Florida today signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding. Space Florida is the agency of the US state of Florida for space financing and development. The aim is to establish a transatlantic cooperation to promote trade, research, and innovation activities – with Switzerland as a hub and the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich as the location. This creates a direct transatlantic connection between the space ecosystems of Switzerland/Liechtenstein and Florida in Zurich.
Technological focuses: Biotechnology, Robotics, Materials Science, and Data Centers
The collaboration will focus on biotechnology, biomedicine, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), data, and materials science. The agreement includes the establishment of a transatlantic network for trade, logistics, research, innovation, and education, as well as the use of civil aviation infrastructure at Dübendorf Airport. Additionally, the partners will grant each other access to infrastructures, services, know-how, and testing facilities, including parabolic flights from Dübendorf. Furthermore, the partners aim to facilitate cross-border activities.
"It's about more than a partnership – it's a step towards progress. The agreement marks the beginning of concrete, measurable actions to build a global network of space locations for research, trade, talent, and innovation," said Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida. "Together with our Swiss partners, we are pooling resources to create a seamless space corridor for innovations, open new trade flows, and establish a stronger global space ecosystem with Florida at its center."
Location advantages: Infrastructure, talent, and innovation power
Dübendorf Airport and the Innovation Park Zurich offer a unique New Space infrastructure: an active airfield with existing research flights and an innovation park with direct airfield access. The bundled space and aviation competencies of leading universities in the CSA are also crucial.
According to Prof. Elisabeth Stark, Chairwoman of the CSA Foundation and Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Zurich: "The establishment of a European Space Hub requires highly qualified talents and young professionals from various disciplines and universities. This decisive access is exactly what we offer Space Florida through the various academic CSA partners."
According to Peter E. Bodmer, President of the Innovation Park Foundation, the agreement is a milestone for the Innovation Park Zurich and its development. "The memorandum confirms the Innovation Park Zurich as a strategic location for the development of forward-looking technologies and ecosystems in the heart of Europe."
Connection to global value chains of the space industry
The agreement lays the foundation for industrial settlements, technology transfer, and investments. It allows companies and research institutions access to a space market that, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), could grow to over 1.8 trillion USD by 2035. At the same time, Switzerland positions itself as a transatlantic innovation and economic bridge for the New Space Economy.
The Greater Zurich Area is one of the most innovative locations in Europe with high startup dynamics and investment readiness. "The establishment of a European Space Hub for Space Florida enables the connection and integration of the Greater Zurich Area into the global value chains of the space industry," explains Prof. Oliver Ullrich, Chairman of the CSA and Director of the UZH Space Hub. With this agreement, Space Florida, CSA, and the Innovation Park Zurich are now laying the foundation for a new era of the Space Economy at the Dübendorf location – the birthplace of Swiss aviation.
Next steps
On June 23, a joint working group will begin its work to coordinate the implementation of the cooperation. The kickoff meeting will take place in Hangar 4 at the Innovation Park.
About the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA)
The Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA, https://spacevalley.ch/) acts as a competence center for research, education, and international cooperation in the aerospace sector. It is a key player in coordinating the strategic development of the Swiss space sector with a focus on commercialization and global partnerships. The CSA has emerged from the Space Hub of the University of Zurich founded in 2018 and its consistent expansion to include further partners from academia, authorities, military, and industry.
The following partners collaborate at the CSA: University of Zurich, Empa, University of St. Gallen, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences, Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein, Air Force Medical Institute, Economic Directorate of the Canton of Zurich, Office for Communication of the National Administration of the Principality of Liechtenstein, Swiss Skylab, Air Force Center.
About the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich
The Innovation Park Zurich is a place on the rise: Here, a unique ecosystem for research, development, and innovation is growing on over 70 hectares near the city of Zurich. The Innovation Park Zurich combines Swiss strengths such as high quality of life, political stability, and legal certainty with the dynamics of international innovation power. In an urban environment, state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, workshops, and testing areas are being created. As a vibrant meeting place for creative minds, it fosters exchange between research, business, and society. Currently, the focus is on aerospace, robotics, and mobility as well as materials and product development. Companies and research institutions in the Zurich area bring excellent conditions for this – and together shape the world of tomorrow.
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