Electronics Weekly
Saying it will boost Europe’s growth and competitiveness, the agency highlighted a growing role of “deep tech” in space exploration.
The centre was created in collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). The location is the Switzerland Innovation Park Innovaare in Villigen, in the northern canton of Aargau.
Phi-Lab
The ESDI, says ESA, is designed to accelerate the commercial adoption and availability of deep tech for space. For the benefit of Europeans. By deep tech, the ESA is referring to quantum and materials science research, for example.
The first research platform within the ESDI is the Phi-Lab.
It aims to speed progress from research and laboratory demonstrations to market-ready products, says the agency.
ESDI Growth
The opening highlights the growing role of deep tech in space exploration and its potential to boost Europe’s growth and competitiveness, says the ESA.
“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,” commented Josef Aschbacher, the Director General of ESA, at the official inauguration ceremony. “ESDI will contribute to strengthening the European deep tech ecosystem and promoting Swiss and European leadership in this domain.”
PSI
For its part, PSI highlighted Switzerland’s research infrastructure:
“The European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre is a vital part of the strengthened ties between ESA and Switzerland,” said Christian Rüegg, Director of PSI.
“By leveraging Switzerland’s world-class research infrastructures and fostering interdisciplinary innovation, this collaboration will advance deep tech for space activities and transformative applications on Earth.”
As part of its strategy 2040, ESDI will work with public and private R&D bodies, including higher education institutions.
Images: ESA
See also: European Space Agency looks ahead with ESA Strategy 2040
