Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich Welcomes New Partner Starlab Space
Dübendorf (ots)
Starlab Space-a joint venture between Airbus, Voyager Space, Mitsubishi Corporation, and MDA Space-marks the arrival of a major industry partner at Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich (IPZ). Today, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Zurich between the partners Starlab Space GmbH (in the process of being established), the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich Foundation, and the newly established Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The access to an airfield, large areas available for necessary infrastructure, strong research partners such as the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, the newly established Center for Space and Aviation based at IPZ, and Zurich's status as an innovative economic hub convinced Starlab that Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich is the ideal partner.
With the planned decommissioning of the International Space Station (ISS) in 2030, Starlab aims to ensure a seamless continuation of research and scientific activities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Additionally, it seeks to open Low Earth Orbit to private enterprises, enabling the development of high-quality products and applications that benefit from the unique conditions of microgravity. These include semiconductors, fiber optics, and biomedical products such as medications, human tissue from stem cells for transplants, or tumor organoids for precision medicine.
With the Memorandum of Understanding signed today, Monday, Starlab Space plans to commence business activities at Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich. At the IPZ, Starlab could establish and operate a Payload Operations & Control Center, a Center of Excellence for payload development and operations, as well as additional ground segments of Starlab focused on biotechnology, biomedicine and pharmaceuticals. This aims to create the foundation for an ecosystem in which space experts, researchers, scientists, established industries, innovative start-ups, and spin-offs work closely together in direct exchange. This collaboration could position the Greater Zurich area, along with its industrial and research partners, as the European hub of the global Starlab network. Additional Starlab locations include the George Washington Carver Science Park in Ohio, USA, with further sites in Japan and Germany under consideration.
Space Valley Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Successfully harnessing the industrial potential of Low Earth Orbit requires sufficient production and transportation capacities at economically viable costs and efficient knowledge transfer from research institutions to practical applications. The Canton of Zurich has recognized this potential and has designated "Space" as one of its three innovation lighthouse projects in a government resolution (No. 372/2024). In response to rapid global developments, the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein was established in 2024, and headquartered at Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich under the leadership of Prof. Oliver Ullrich. This internationally-oriented regional center is supported by a broad coalition of academic and industrial partners from German-speaking Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Its strategic goals include promoting aerospace utilization in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, translating research successes into societal and economic benefits, and positioning the region within the global space economy.
Collaboration Between Industry and Academia
The Canton of Zurich and the Greater Zurich Area (GZA) form a robust economic region within Europe, combining global companies, leading startups, and top universities ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich-long-standing partners of Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich. With Starlab and the newly founded Center for Space and Aviation, Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich, the Canton of Zurich, and the entire region are set to become a hub for the New Space Economy in Europe, with access to rapidly expanding markets.
About Starlab Space
Starlab Space LLC is a global joint venture dedicated to developing, building, and operating the commercial space station Starlab. Starlab serves a worldwide client base, including space agencies, researchers, and companies of all sizes, ensuring the continuous human presence in low Earth orbit and a seamless transition from the International Space Station (ISS) to the new era of commercial space stations. The joint venture includes Airbus, Voyager Space, Mitsubishi Corporation, and MDA Space. The European subsidiary, Starlab Space GmbH (in the process of being established), serves as the direct interface for European partners and customers.
About the Center for Space and Aviation
The Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein was established on December 9, 2024, as a federal foundation. It represents a broad coalition in complementary fields of research, education, innovation, and application, integrating existing institutions in German-speaking Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Focused on the New Space Economy in low Earth orbit, the Center's strategic goals include advancing aerospace applications in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, transforming research achievements into societal and economic benefits, and positioning the region in the global space economy. Its contributors include:
- Innovation Cluster Space and Aviation at the University of Zurich (UZH Space Hub)
- Center for Aviation and Space Competence at the University of St. Gallen (CFAC-HSG)
- National Center for Biomedical Research in Space at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (NCBRS-HSLU)
- Swiss SkyLab Foundation as a Civil Research Flight Facility at Dübendorf Airfield
- Aeromedical Institute of the Swiss Air Force (FAI)
- Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein
- Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL)
About Switzerland Innovation Park Zürich
Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich, located next to Dübendorf airfield, is a dynamic hub where universities, research institutions, and national and international companies collaborate to advance innovation and shape the future. Focused on three core areas-space & aviation, robotics & mobility, and advanced manufacturing-the park leverages its unique strengths to develop transformative solutions. Dedicated to reinforcing Switzerland's position as a global leader in innovation, the park attracts national and international research initiatives, fosters groundbreaking advancements, and drives cutting-edge innovation for a sustainable and competitive future.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Dr. Oliver Ullrich, Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein: oliver.ullrich@uzh.ch
Mareike Suppa, Starlab Space GmbH/Airbus Defence and Space GmbH: mareike.suppa@airbus.com
Nicolas Menzato, Department of Economic Affairs, Canton of Zurich: nicolas.menzato@vd.zh.ch