ETH Zurich, together with the Canton of Zug, the City of Zug, and nine local companies, is launching the ETH Learning Factory Zug at Tech Cluster Zug. This new facility will serve as a learning, research, and practice hub where ETH students work alongside apprentices and professionals on real-world industrial problems, deliberately connecting academic and vocational education. The project is supported by a total investment of approximately CHF 110 million over ten years, with CHF 55 million from the Canton of Zug, CHF 27.5 million from the City of Zug, and additional funding from industry partners and in-kind contributions from ETH Zurich.
The Learning Factory will focus on industrial automation and digitalization, sustainable systems, and digital learning. It will feature modern learning spaces, workshops, digital learning environments, and areas for interdisciplinary collaboration. ETH Zurich will operate the facility with around 20 full-time positions on site, responsible for teaching and research. The project aims to create a collaborative ecosystem where companies benefit from research-based ideas and access to qualified talent, while students and apprentices gain hands-on experience on real projects.
The Canton of Zug will enter into two funding agreements: one with Tech Cluster Zug (Urban Assets Zug AG) covering infrastructure and use, and one with ETH Zurich and the ETH Zurich Foundation covering operations and further development. The City of Zug will also conclude a funding agreement with ETH Zurich and the ETH Zurich Foundation. All agreements are for ten years, with termination options after five years if key milestones are not achieved. The parliamentary processes, including a popular ballot vote in the City of Zug, are expected to be completed by end of 2026. If approved, conversion could start in 2027, with occupation possible during 2029.
For the region, the ETH Learning Factory Zug represents a long-term investment in education and innovation, creating a place where learning, research, and practice converge. It prepares future generations to meet technological, social, and economic challenges while strengthening the dual education system. Companies around Tech Cluster Zug gain significant potential for collaboration, and the project opens up new forms of talent development and co-education.
Tech Cluster Zug AG, a forward-looking company within the Metall Zug Group, is driving the development of the Tech Cluster Zug district. Metall Zug AG is a group of industrial companies headquartered in Zug, with around 900 employees across three Business Units: Medical Devices (Haag-Streit Group), Technologycluster & Infrastructure (Tech Cluster Zug AG and Urban Assets Zug AG), and Investments & Corporate (Gehrig Group AG and Metall Zug AG). The holding company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Further information is available at Metall Zug's privacy statement and the original release on NewMediaWire.
