Space Florida and Swiss Partners Forge Space Economy Bridge

EXPLORATION PARK, Fla.—June 17, 2025—Today Space Florida, the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA), and Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich (IPZ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Paris Air Show to establish a formal corridor that will accelerate the global space economy. By connecting Florida’s aerospace infrastructure with Switzerland’s leadership in precision engineering and advanced research, the collaboration will focus on biotechnology, biomedicine, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing and materials science.  

The partner entities aim to expand the flow of space technologies, increase investment opportunities, and support commercial growth across both regions. “This is more than partnership—it’s about progress. It marks the start of real, measurable action to build a global network of ports for research, trade, talent, and innovation.” said Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida. “Together we’re mobilizing resources to create a seamless space commerce corridor for innovation, creating new trade flows, and a stronger global space ecosystem with Florida at the center.”  

With this agreement, Space Florida, CSA, and IPZ are now laying the foundation for the industrial space era at the Dübendorf site, the birthplace of Swiss aviation. “Establishing a European Space Hub for Space Florida enables the integration of the Greater Zurich Area up to the Rhine Valley into the global value chains of the space industry,” explains Prof. Oliver Ullrich, Chairman CSA and Director of the UZH Space Hub.  

Space Florida and its Swiss counterparts will work to develop a logistics and trade hub that positions the state of Florida as the primary launch point into the Americas. This includes strengthening aerospace supply chains, expanding commercial cargo operations, and fostering greater access to dual-use technologies and space-enabled services.  

Professor Elisabeth Stark, CSA Board Member and Vice President Research at the University of Zurich, said: “Establishing a European Space Hub requires highly qualified talents and young professionals from various disciplines and universities. Through the CSA’s academic partners, we offer Space Florida precisely this critical access.”  

The agreement also emphasizes support for early-stage and scaling companies in aerospace and deep tech. Through shared access to testing and prototyping infrastructure and coordinated commercialization efforts, the collaboration will accelerate the development of next-generation technologies for both civil and commercial applications.

“The memorandum confirms the Zurich Innovation Park as a strategic location for the development of future-oriented technologies and ecosystems in the heart of Europe,” said Peter E. Bodmer, President of the Innovation Park Foundation.  

Today's signing is a critical step in building a more connected and competitive global space ecosystem. By aligning Florida’s and Switzerland’s strengths, the agreement helps unlock new pathways for innovation, investment, and international growth.

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Media Contact
Alayna Curry, APR
acurry@spaceflorida.gov

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.  

About the CSA
The Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA, www.spacevalley.ch) acts as a competence center for research, education, and international cooperation in space and aviation. It plays a key role in coordinating the strategic development of the Swiss space sector with a focus on commercialization and global partnerships. The CSA evolved from the University of Zurich’s Space Hub founded in 2018 and has consistently expanded to include further partners from academia, government, military, and industry.

About the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich
The Innovation Park Zurich, located in Dübendorf, offers over 70 hectares of space for technology-driven research, development, and entrepreneurship. Its goal is to strengthen the competitiveness of Switzerland as a business and research location.

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