European Space Agency (THIS) officially opened the European Innovation Center in the field of space deep-tech technologies (ESDI) — ESA's first permanent presence in Switzerland. The center was created in close cooperation with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and is located in the Switzerland Innovation Park Innovaare in Willigen. The inauguration of the center emphasizes the growing role of deep-tech technologies in the development of space and their potential to contribute to the economic growth and competitiveness of Europe.
The ESDI initiative is the result of a partnership between ESA and Switzerland, the country, which occupies a leading position in the world in the fields of robotics, nanotechnologies, quantum computing, artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The center aims to accelerate the commercialization of deep-tech developments, adapting them for the needs of the space industry, as well as for the everyday life of European citizens.
ESDI launches platforms for scientific research in the fields of quantum technologies, data processing and the latest materials. The first such platform was ESA Phi-Lab Switzerland, which is integrated into the organizational structure of PSI.
According to the ESA strategy 2040, ESDI will also develop partnerships with academic institutions and public and private institutions in the field of R&D. The purpose of such partnerships is to strengthen Europe's scientific potential, development of local skills and infrastructure, creating new jobs in the space sector and accelerating the implementation of space solutions in the European economy.
At the opening of the center, ESA's Director of Commercialization, Industry and Competitiveness Geraldine Naja and the CEO of the Swiss Deep Tech Nation Foundation Joanna Sieber signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The document envisages the creation of effective links between the space sector and the Swiss deep-tech ecosystem, and will also contribute to the formation of a community around deep-tech technologies in the field of space.