On 27 May 2025, the European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI) was officially inaugurated at Switzerland Innovation Park Innovaare. This new initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA), in close collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), marks a major milestone in advancing deep-tech innovation in Switzerland.
ESDI is a joint initiative between ESA and Switzerland, leveraging the country's strengths in robotics, nanotechnology, quantum computing, AI, and biotechnology. It will develop platforms for deep tech research in quantum, data, and materials, starting with ESA Phi-Lab Switzerland integrated within PSI.
The opening ceremony brought together distinguished guests from science, politics, and industry. Following a welcome by Robert Rudolph, CEO of Park Innovaare, keynote addresses were delivered by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, Swiss State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama, ETH Board Vice President Pascale Bruderer, and Aargau Government Councillor Martina Bircher. A highlight of the event was ESA astronaut Marco Sieber’s keynote, in which he underscored the critical role of innovation in space exploration.
With ESDI, Park Innovaare further strengthens its position as a leading location for research and development. The centre provides a dedicated platform for deep-tech research in quantum technologies, data, and advanced materials — enabling the creation of new markets and accelerating access to tomorrow’s technologies.
Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General, said, “The inauguration of the European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre is a testimonial to ESA’s and Switzerland’s joint commitment to push innovation and drive economic growth.” Johann Richard, Head of ESDI, added, “ESDI establishes and operates platforms for deep tech research… making tomorrow's technologies available for today's world.”
Aligned with ESA’s Strategy 2040, ESDI will collaborate with public and private R&D actors, including universities, to bridge the skills gap, enhance European competitiveness, and stimulate space-related job creation. During the inauguration, ESA’s Geraldine Naja and Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation CEO Joanne Sieber signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen ties between the space sector and Switzerland’s deep tech ecosystem.
For more information, see the official media release from PSI and from European Space Agency ESA.