The Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA) and the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Space Florida – the aerospace finance and development authority of the US State of Florida.
The goal is to establish a hub for commerce, logistics, research, innovation, and education between Florida and Switzerland and Liechtenstein, serving the European region.
At the Paris Air Show, the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA), the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich (IPZ), and Space Florida signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding today.
Space Florida is the aerospace finance and development authority of the US State of Florida. The aim is to create a transatlantic partnership to foster trade, research, and innovation activities — with Switzerland as a hub and the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich as the base. This establishes a direct transatlantic connection between the space ecosystems of Switzerland/Liechtenstein and Florida.
Technological Focus Areas: 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 creation of a transatlantic network for commerce, logistics, research, innovation, and education, and the use of the civil aviation infrastructure at Dübendorf Airfield. The partners will also grant each other access to infrastructure, services, know-how, and testing facilities, including parabolic flights from Dübendorf. Moreover, the partners aim to facilitate cross-border activities.
“This is more than a partnership – it is 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 aerospace corridor for innovation, open new trade routes, and establish a stronger global space ecosystem with Florida at its center.”
Location Advantages: Infrastructure, Talent, and Innovation
Dübendorf Airfield and the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich offer a unique New Space infrastructure: an active airfield with existing research flights and an innovation park with direct access to the airfield. Equally important are the space and aviation competencies consolidated within the CSA by leading universities.
Prof. Elisabeth Stark, CSA Board Member and Vice President for Research at the University of Zurich, stated: “Establishing a European Space Hub requires highly qualified talent and young professionals from various disciplines and universities. This is exactly the decisive access point we offer Space Florida through our 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 site for the development of future-oriented technologies and ecosystems in the heart of Europe.”
Integration into Global Value Chains of the Space Industry
The agreement lays the foundation for industrial settlement, technology transfer, and investment. It gives companies and research institutions access to a space market that, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), could grow to over USD 1.8 trillion 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 regions in Europe with strong startup dynamics and investment willingness. “Establishing a European Space Hub for Space Florida enables the integration of the Greater Zurich Area and the Rhine Valley into the global space industry value chains,” concluded Prof. Oliver Ullrich, Chairman of 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 in the space economy at Dübendorf – the birthplace of Swiss aviation.
Next Steps
On 23 June, a joint working group will begin coordinating the implementation of the cooperation. The kickoff meeting will take place in Hangar 4 at the Innovation Park.
About CSA
The Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA, www.spacevalley.ch) serves as a center of excellence for research, education, and international cooperation in the aerospace sector. It plays a key role in coordinating the strategic development of the Swiss space sector, focusing on commercialization and global partnerships. CSA originated from the Space Hub of the University of Zurich, founded in 2018, and has since expanded to include a wide range of partners from academia, government, military, and industry.
CSA partners include University of Zurich, Empa, University of St. Gallen, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein, Swiss Air Force Medical Institute, Department for Economic Affairs of the Canton of Zurich, Communications Office of the Liechtenstein National Administration, Swiss Skylab, and the Air Force Center.
About Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich
The Innovation Park Zurich is a place of transformation. Spanning over seventy hectares near the city of Zurich, it is developing into a unique ecosystem for research, development, and innovation. The Innovation Park combines Swiss strengths such as high quality of life, political stability, and legal certainty with the momentum of international innovation. In an urban setting, state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, workshops, and testing areas are being built. As a vibrant hub for creative minds, it fosters exchange between research, industry, and society. Current focus areas include aerospace, robotics and mobility, and materials and product development. Companies and research institutions in the Zurich area offer excellent conditions to shape the world of tomorrow.
About Space Florida
Space Florida is where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off. As the state’s independent aerospace finance and development authority, Space Florida brings a mix of unrivaled experience, unmatched financial tools, and unbeatable location to the table by providing critical business financing opportunities for the aerospace industry, managing infrastructure investment in the state’s spaceport system, and facilitating research and development, workforce, education, and investment programs.
Featured image credited to istock.com/JakeOlimb
