European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI)

On 27 May 2025, the European Space Agency (ESA) inaugurated the European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI), the first ESA presence in Switzerland, created in close collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). The centre is located at the Switzerland Innovation Park Innovaare in Villigen.

Located in the immediate vicinity of the Paul Scherrer Institute, ESDI is designed to accelerate the commercial adoption and availability of deep tech, for space and for the benefit of European citizens. To this end it designs, establishes, and runs platforms for deep tech research in quantum, data, and materials, bringing to use technologies of tomorrow for the world of today. The first such platform is ESA Phi-Lab Switzerland, which is integrated into the organisation of PSI.