EAER to fund two new multidisciplinary research and innovation projects in the space sector
Berna, 01.10.2025 — The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) has decided to support two new research and innovation projects in the space sector. The projects focus on robotics and optics, respectively, and aim to deliver scientific excellence and pioneering cutting-edge technologies. With a total of just over CHF 6 million allocated to these two projects, the federal government is seeking to strengthen the international standing of Swiss universities and industry players in space research.
The MoonWalker project is being conducted by ETH Zurich and the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland (OST) in collaboration with industry partners Maxon International AG (Sachseln, OW) and ANYbotics AG (Zurich). The aim is to develop a walking robot that can reach difficult-to-access areas such as craters and caves during lunar exploration missions. This project positions the Swiss partners well for potential European Space Agency (ESA) missions and represents an investment by Switzerland in the pioneering field of robotics research. The project receives around CHF 3.1 million in federal funding for the period 2026–2029.
The project “TESSA” (Technologies to Enhance Space Situational Awareness) receives around CHF 3 million in federal funding for the period 2025–2029. It is led by the University of Bern and EPFL in collaboration with s2a systems Sàrl (Montsevelier, JU). The aim is to develop an adaptive optical system for the Zimmerwald Observatory that can detect objects in near-Earth orbit with even greater precision than before. Innovative techniques for determining attitude and position will make it possible to identify space debris and other objects more efficiently. The project will therefore make an important contribution to the sustainable and safe use of outer space.
The Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Ventures in Space (MARVIS) funding programme is a federal instrument designed to support national research and development activities in the space sector. The aim is to position Swiss stakeholders well for participation in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes and to strengthen Switzerland’s role in space research. MARVIS funding activities are aligned with the Federal Council’s 2023 Space Policy and therein formulated areas of activity.
MARVIS seeks to support multidisciplinary projects that foster collaboration between research and industry. The aim is to build scientific excellence at Swiss universities while addressing the needs of industry partners. Commissioned by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and tendered by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), MARVIS projects undergo a multi-stage review and selection process before receiving final approval from the EAER.