ETH Learning Factory Zug to Bridge Academic and Vocational Education Through Industry Collaboration

The ETH Learning Factory Zug represents a significant development in Swiss education and industry collaboration, creating a hub where ETH Zurich students, apprentices, professionals, and researchers will work together on real-world industrial and societal challenges. This initiative deliberately connects academic and vocational education, further developing the dual education system by having aspiring poly-mechanics learn alongside ETH students as ideas transform into functioning prototypes. The project is supported by ETH Zurich, the Canton of Zug, the City of Zug, and nine companies based in Zug, with the Government Council of the Canton of Zug and the City Council of Zug committing to participate in the first phase.

A new learning and working environment will be created on the premises of Tech Cluster Zug AG, featuring modern learning spaces, workshops, digital learning environments, and areas for interdisciplinary collaboration. The activities will focus on industrial automation and digitalization, sustainable systems, and digital learning, with ETH Zurich operating the facility and being responsible for teaching and research, supported by approximately 20 full-time positions on site. The total cost of the first phase over ten years amounts to approximately CHF 110 million, with the Canton of Zug contributing CHF 55 million and the City of Zug CHF 27.5 million, while additional funding comes from industry partners and contributions in kind from ETH Zurich through teaching activities by its faculty.

The Canton of Zug will enter into two funding agreements: one with Tech Cluster Zug 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 for operations, development, and equipment, with all agreements set for a ten-year term and termination options after five years if key milestones are not achieved. This financial structure ensures long-term stability for the project, which aims to create a place where knowledge, practice, and innovation converge directly, benefiting companies through practice-oriented, research-based ideas and access to qualified talent, while apprentices and students gain experience by working on real industrial projects.

For the Canton and City of Zug, the project opens up a new form of talent development and co-education of students and apprentices, offering long-term benefits for education, research, and the economy, while creating significant potential for a collaborative ecosystem for companies located around Tech Cluster Zug. As a future-oriented project with strong appeal, it represents a long-term investment in education and innovation for all partners, laying the foundation for preparing future generations of skilled professionals to meet technological, social, and economic challenges. Parliamentary processes, including a popular ballot vote in the City of Zug, are expected to be completed by the end of this year, with approval leading to a conversion project starting in 2027 and occupation of the building possible during 2029, marking a pivotal step in bridging educational divides and fostering industrial innovation.