Space Florida and Swiss Partners Forge Space Economy Bridge
Advancing Trade, Technology, and Talent Across Continents
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 last week 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.
"It marks the start of real, measurable action to build a global network of ports for research, trade, talent, and innovation.”
Rob Long, Space Florida.
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,” said 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.
“Establishing a European Space Hub requires highly qualified talents and young professionals from various disciplines and universities," said Professor Elisabeth Stark, CSA Board Member and vice president Research at the University of Zurich. 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.
The signing is described as 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.