Switzerland Innovation is a network of six innovation parks across 16 locations in Switzerland based on a joint initiative of public institutions, academia, and the private sector with a statutory mandate from the Swiss government.
Following the formal acknowledgment by the Foundation Council of the national foundation Switzerland Innovation, the Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino Ltd. was established as a non-profit organization responsible for managing the park’s operations. This organization will drive the park’s activities and foster collaboration between businesses, startups, academic institutions, and research centers in Ticino.
The establishment is the result of ongoing efforts by local government institutions and Fondazione Agire, the canton’s innovation agency. The park will be governed by a board composed of representatives from the canton of Tessin, the regional business community, and first-class research academic institutions, ensuring a broad-based approach to innovation and development.
The Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino I Site of Park Zurich will focus on three key competence centers:
- Swiss Drone Competence Center – Located at Riviera Airport in Lodrino, this center will specialize in the development and testing of autonomous flight technologies, leveraging Ticino’s strengths in artificial intelligence, electrical engineering, and material sciences.
- Life Sciences Competence Center – Situated in Bellinzona, this center will focus on biofabrication, with particular emphasis on animal-free drug testing and innovative applications in biotechnology.
- Lifestyle Tech Competence Center – Based in Lugano, this center will explore the integration of new technologies in sectors such as fashion, food, wellness, and digital design, with a strong focus on digital transformation.
The association to the Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino is poised to strengthen ties with Ticino, particularly through the Greater Zurich Area and local universities, boosting innovation. Peter Bodmer, President of Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich Foundation, points out that it complements Zurich's portfolio in key innovation areas.
State Councillor Vitta and State Councillor Carobbio Guscetti emphasize this is a key project for the economic growth of Ticino, aimed at fostering research and development in collaboration with local universities. It will create spaces for innovative work, encourage knowledge exchange, and attract businesses and talent, helping Ticino become a more competitive and attractive region, offering high-value jobs.
(Press release)
Image L-R: Christian Vitta, President of the Cantonal Government and Director of the Department of Finance and Economics; Marina Carobbio Guscetti, State Councillor and Director of the Department of Education, Culture, and Sport; Luca Bolzani, President of the Agire Foundation; Mauro Dell'Ambrogio, President of Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino SA; and Gianmaria Frapolli, Director of Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino SA