Swiss Tech Program
2026
Research, Innovation and Industry between Liguria and Switzerland
Swiss Tech Program 2026 was created to strengthen and expand the relationships between the innovation ecosystems of Liguria and Switzerland, fostering concrete opportunities for collaboration among universities, research centres, startups, investors and technology-driven companies.
Building on the activities launched through the 2025 Liguria Space Tour, the programme broadens the dialogue between the two territories by focusing on applied research, innovation, advanced industry and internationalisation.
Key Focus Areas:
- Research and Technology Transfer
- Drones and Autonomous Robotics
- Space Economy
- Cybersecurity
- Startups and Venture Capital
- Industrial Collaboration
- Programme Period: March – November 2026
- Locations Involved: Liguria, Zurich and French-speaking Switzerland
From the Liguria Space Tour to the Swiss Tech Program
The exploratory initiatives carried out in 2025 laid the foundation for dialogue and collaboration between some of the leading stakeholders within the Ligurian and Swiss technology ecosystems.
Swiss Tech Program 2026 represents the natural evolution of this journey, transforming initial connections into concrete opportunities for collaboration, innovation and international growth.
The programme aims to build a lasting bridge between research, startups, investors and industry, fostering the development of new projects, strategic partnerships and long-term relationships.
Programme
Objectives
The programme is designed to strengthen the connections between two highly complementary ecosystems and create new opportunities for growth.
- Strengthen collaboration between research and industry.
- Promote technology transfer between universities and companies.
- Support the international growth of innovative companies.
- Facilitate connections between startups and investors.
- Encourage new industrial and technological collaborations.
- Attract investment and expertise between Liguria and Switzerland.
Technology Areas Covered
Swiss Tech Program focuses on a selection of high-potential sectors that are driving technological innovation and industrial development across Liguria and Switzerland.
01. Space Economy
Technologies, services and applications related to the rapidly growing space economy and the aerospace sector.
02. Drones and Autonomous Systems
Innovative solutions for aerial mobility, monitoring, inspection and automation.
03. Advanced Robotics
Research, development and application of intelligent and autonomous robotic systems.
04. Cybersecurity
Technologies designed to enhance digital security, protect critical infrastructure and strengthen cyber resilience.
05. Upstream and Downstream Technologies
Industrial and commercial applications connected to the aerospace value chain and emerging space-related technologies.
The three Initiatives of 2026
Research and Drones Mission in Switzerland
- Date: 20 May 2026
A dedicated mission involving the University of Genoa and Ligurian companies operating in the drone sector, aimed at exploring collaboration opportunities with Swiss centres of excellence, technology clusters and innovation stakeholders.
A Ligurian delegation composed of universities and innovative companies took part in meetings and site visits with Swiss research centres, technology organisations and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration, technology transfer and international development.
Activities Carried Out:
- Meetings with research and innovation centres.
- Presentation of projects, technologies and areas of expertise.
- Insights into drone applications and autonomous robotics.
- Company visits and exchanges with the local innovation ecosystem.
- Assessment of international development opportunities.
Innovation & Investment
Mission in Liguria
- Period: 13–16 October 2026
A delegation of Swiss stakeholders will visit Liguria to discover regional excellence in research, innovation and industry.
Representatives from academia, innovation organisations, venture capital firms and Swiss industry will meet with startups, universities and companies across the region to explore new opportunities for collaboration, investment and technology development.
Planned Activities:
- Meetings with innovative startups.
- Discussions with universities and research centres.
- Dedicated sessions on venture capital and open innovation.
- Networking opportunities with local companies and stakeholders.
- Exploration of investment and partnership opportunities.
Expression of Interest
Interested in joining the Swiss delegation visiting Liguria?
Submit your Expression of Interest to participate in the Mission.
Swiss Italian
Startup Award
- Date: 24 November 2026
The programme also supports the participation of a group of selected Ligurian startups in the Swiss Italian Startup Award. The event, organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Switzerland at the Campus Biotech in Geneva, is designed to connect innovative Italian startups with investors, companies and key stakeholders from the Swiss innovation ecosystem.
Opportunities for Startups:
- Access to Swiss investors, companies and Tech professionals.
- Presence with a booth at the Startup Village.
- International networking opportunities.
- Increased visibility among Swiss companies and stakeholders.
- Opportunity to showcase innovative solutions to a qualified audience.
A Bridge Between
Two Ecosystems
Swiss Tech Program brings together organisations and stakeholders from different yet highly complementary environments, creating new opportunities for collaboration between Liguria and Switzerland.
Ecosystem Involved:
- Universities and research centres
- Innovative startups and scaleups
- Venture capital firms and investors
- Technology companies
- Industrial clusters
- Innovation organisations
- Italian and Swiss institutions
The programme aims to foster long-term relationships capable of generating innovation, economic growth and new development opportunities, while strengthening connections between research, entrepreneurship, investment and industry.
Project Partners
The programme is developed through the collaboration of institutions and organisations committed to strengthening economic, technological and innovation ties between Italy and Switzerland.
FAQ
The Swiss Tech Program is a series of initiatives designed to foster collaboration between research, innovation and industry across Liguria and Switzerland.
The programme is aimed at universities, research centres, startups, investors, technology companies and innovation stakeholders in Liguria and/or Switzerland.
The programme focuses on Space Economy, drones, autonomous robotics, cybersecurity and advanced technologies.
Yes. The programme includes missions, meetings and networking activities with Swiss centres of excellence, technology organisations and innovation stakeholders.
Yes. The programme also includes activities connected to the Swiss Italian Startup Award, providing startups with visibility, networking and access to investors.
To foster concrete collaborations, technology transfer and growth opportunities between the innovation ecosystems of Liguria and Switzerland.