The Learning Factory is forging new links between industry, research and education
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) plans to establish a learning factory in the Zug Tech Cluster. If Parliament and the public give their approval, operations are set to begin in 2029. The canton and city of Zug intend to contribute 82.5 million Swiss francs.
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) is planning to establish the ETH Learning Factory Zug within the Tech Cluster Zug – an industrial and innovation hub operated by Metall Zug AG. According to a press release, the Learning Factory will enable students, vocational trainees and experts from research and industry to work together on real-world challenges facing industry and society.
The project is supported by ETH, the Canton and City of Zug, and a total of nine Zug-based companies. The Learning Factory will focus on topics such as industrial automation and digitalisation, sustainable systems and digital learning. Around 20 full-time positions are planned on-site for operations, teaching and research. The new learning and working environment is set to include modern workshops, digital learning spaces and meeting areas for interdisciplinary collaboration.
The first phase is scheduled to last ten years and will cost a total of around 110 million Swiss francs. The Canton of Zug intends to contribute 55 million Swiss francs to the funding, and the City of Zug 27.5 million Swiss francs. Further contributions will come from business partners and from services provided by ETH.
Political decisions still need to be made before implementation can begin. In addition to resolutions by the Cantonal Council and the Grand Municipal Council, a referendum is planned in the city of Zug. If approved, the refurbishment could begin in 2027, with commissioning planned for 2029.