Canton Zug to invest CHF55 million in ETH research centre

The canton of Zug is to provide CHF55 million ($68.5 million) for the establishment of a joint learning and research centre run by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich and representatives of Zug’s business community.

The facility is intended to combine academic education with professional practice on the Tech Cluster Zug AG site in the Göbli area of Zug. According to a report to Parliament, students from ETH Zurich, researchers, lecturers and apprentices from Zug-based companies will eventually work together on industry-relevant, practice-oriented tasks.

The requested funding of CHF55 million relates to the implementation of Phase 1. This comprises the refurbishment of two existing buildings and ten years of operation, expected to commence in 2029/30. According to the documentation, the project is to be financed from the additional revenue generated by the OECD minimum tax.

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The total cost for the first phase amounts to CHF110 million. In addition to the cantonal funding of CHF55 million, the City of Zug is to contribute CHF27.5 million, the industry partners CHF16.6 million and ETH Zurich CHF10 million.

The final vote will take place after the second reading. The parliamentary procedures are due to be completed by the end of the year. In addition to the Cantonal Council, the proposal also requires the approval of the Zug City Council and the voters in the city of Zug.

The proposal was uncontested during the session. All parliamentary groups, as well as the Education and Economic Affairs Committees, supported the initiative. It was noted that the learning and research centre would combine academic and vocational education. It would create a place “where students, apprentices and professionals work and conduct research together”, said cantonal parliamentarian Michèle Schmid.

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Translated from German, reviewed by an English Department journalist.