Significance

The aviation and space flight industry plays an important role in Switzerland’s economy, and in the Canton of Zurich as well. It is composed of a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises that produce highly innovative products for original equipment suppliers and other large aviation customers. Zurich’s aerospace eco system brings together aviation and space flight suppliers, research institutions, service providers and downstream companies, in order to promote the transfer of knowledge and technology and to strengthen the network of the key industry.  

The aerospace eco system includes the following sub-sectors:     

• Aviation
• Space flight
• Satellite navigation
  

Well-known Companies

Acutronic AG, Aerolite AG, Bucher Leichtbau AG, Flughafen AG, Jet Aviation AG, Skyguide AG, Swiss Int. Airlines AG, SR Technics AG, Ruag Space AG, U-blox AG. The start-ups based in the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre in Zurich (ESA BIC Switzerland) are especially worth mentioning.

Swiss Aerospace Cluster

As a partner member of the «swiss aerospace cluster», the Division of Business and Economic Development of the Canton of Zurich plays a formative role in the key industry. The activities of the eco system are directed primarily at innovative SMEs. The objectives are to provide a platform for communication, to facilitate the SMEs’ presence at international events through cooperation opportunities (at fairs, B2B meetings, etc.), and to help create partnerships.  

ESA BIC Zurich

Launched by initiative of the Technology Transfer Programme Office (TTPO) of the European Space Agency in 2013, the aim of the ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) is to promote start-ups within the field of space technologies and applications.

Innovation Park

Aviation and space flight are an innovation focal point of the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich in Dübendorf. Cases in point are the parabolic flights of the »UZH Space Hub” conducted on the airfield at the site, and companies like Matternet and Aerotain that are now located in the Innovation Park.