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Matternet’s sucess story in Switzerland: the future of delivery
The U.S. company Matternet is the leading developer of commercial drone delivery systems for urban and suburban environments. In 2017, Matternet became the first company in the world to be authorized for commercial BVLOS operations of drone logistics networks over cities in Switzerland.
In 2019, Matternet and UPS partnered to launch drone delivery services in the U.S. and together started the first revenue drone delivery operations in the U.S. In 2022, Matternet M2 became the first drone delivery system to achieve standard Type Certification by the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S.
Q&A with Oliver Evans, Head of Global Business Strategy at Matternet Inc
Switzerland was chosen for several compelling reasons: first and foremost, the FOCA had taken (and maintains) a globally leading role in developing a robust regulatory frame for safe, beneficial drone operations. Ever since our first BVLOS flights in Switzerland in 2014, FOCA and Matternet have had a fruitful and exciting collaboration leading to a number of commercial global firsts, and the establishment of proven processes for the review and approval of such operations by the regulator.
Secondly, Switzerland is home to outstanding academic institutes like ETH, EPFL and the University of Zurich, which lead the world in relevant fields like robotics, and we have collaborated extensively over the years.
Additionally, although Switzerland is a relatively small country, it has a number of unique attributes that are of immense value to a company like ours: it is home to an extraordinary number of companies that are global leaders in their respective industries: pharmaceuticals, banking, specialized engineering, etc. It has an excellent reputation for the robustness of its safety and quality culture, and thus successful implementation of services in Switzerland accelerates the adoption also across the world.
Matternet’s services in Switzerland are undergoing a very significant transition, from serving individual customers in the healthcare industry on specified routes, to providing a network of routes serving the healthcare industry in a city. Essentially, we are creating a new layer of urban infrastructure which facilitates and improves services for an entire industry, as well as helping the city to address some of the most important planning issues: relieving congestion and improving safety of the street, as well as minimizing noise and emissions of traffic.
Achieving the above goals is an extraordinarily complex undertaking, involving close collaboration and creativity of a wide range of stakeholders. The size and sophistication of the Swiss market enables a dialogue and concertation towards practical goals which is peerless in the world.
We cannot control and implement our program without reaching and engaging key decision-makers in a wide range of stakeholders from the world of politics and industry. Greater Zurich Area and sister organizations have opened many such channels of communication, as well as providing invaluable guidance and assistance as we opened our office and commenced operations.
7 reasons why drone companies invest in Switzerland
Unrivaled expertise in robotics and microsystems
Inspired by its watchmaking and innovation heritage, Switzerland has developed unique know-how in precision mechanics, microelectronics, and robotics.
World-class education and research hub
Among the best universities worldwide, the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and Zurich (ETH), and the University of Zurich are at the forefront of R&D in flying robotics and unmanned systems. Renowned for their practical orientation, the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences are especially strong in training engineers.
Close ties between research and industry
Collaboration between research and industry in Switzerland is strong and highly promoted. The National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) for Robotics connects leading experts from universities and research institutes such as the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research with innovative companies and start-ups. Entrepreneurship is encouraged and promotes the creation of successful spin-offs.
Ideal test environment
Innovations in drone technology can be tested right at your own doorstep in Switzerland: the outskirts of cities, dedicated innovation parks, or military and civilian airfields offer official test grounds for drones.
Leading talent pool of expert technologists
Switzerland attracts the best talent from around the world thanks to its unparalleled quality of life and leading technology ecosystems. Tech companies such as Google, Meta, Disney, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise have chosen Switzerland as their R&D location because of the high availability of engineers and specialists.
Pioneering drone traffic management
In 2018, Swiss air navigation service provider Skyguide introduced Europe’s first drone traffic control system. The U.S. and Switzerland announced in 2020 a joint effort to co-develop harmonized standards for the safe use and integration of unmanned aircraft into civilian airspace. In 2023, the Swiss drone industry harmonized its legal framework with the EU to set safety standards for the manufacturing, certification, andoperation of drones.
Business-friendly regulations
The Swiss regulatory authorities are innovation-friendly, progressive, and pragmatic, allowing fast and flexible adaptation to new technologies such as BVLOS authorizations. Further, companies get direct access to local authorities thanks to the decentralized government structure.
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Greater Geneva Bern area and Greater Zurich Area Ltd are the economic promotion agencies of Western Switzerland and the Greater Zurich region. We offer tailor-made services to guide companies in their investment journey.
