During his recent visit to Central Florida, Swiss Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Ralf Heckner, accompanied by Consul General of Switzerland in Atlanta, Rolf Ott, and Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Orlando, Luc Burkhardt, met with representatives of Florida’s space and aerospace industry, political and economic leaders, and members of the Swiss community. The visit focused on strengthening Swiss-American relations, with particular emphasis on innovation, economic cooperation and opportunities for collaboration in space research and technology.

One of the main highlights was the visit to Space Florida, where the delegation met with President and CEO Robert Long and members of his team. Discussions focused on Florida’s growing space and aerospace sector, particularly the development and commercialization of space technologies. Switzerland contributes to international space exploration through its expertise in precision engineering and advanced technologies.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to build on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2025 between Space Florida, the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA), and Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich (IPZ) in Dübendorf. The agreement provides a framework for transatlantic cooperation in space research, technology development and innovation. Areas of collaboration include biotechnology, biomedicine, robotics, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and materials science. The partnership aims to connect Florida’s aerospace infrastructure and commercial capabilities with Switzerland’s research and innovation expertise by facilitating access to research infrastructure, testing facilities and specialized knowledge, including at Dübendorf Airfield. In the long term, the initiative seeks to establish a network of researchers, companies and start-ups on both sides of the Atlantic, strengthen supply chains and create new business opportunities. Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich is intended to serve as the European hub for this collaboration.

Another highlight was the visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where Swiss Ambassador Ralf Heckner and Consul General Rolf Ott met with Center Director Brian Hughes. The discussions provided an opportunity to exchange views on the future of the space sector, emerging challenges and potential areas for further cooperation between Switzerland and the United States. The delegation also had the opportunity to observe preparations for Artemis III, one of NASA’s flagship space exploration missions.

The program also included a meeting with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and representatives of the Orlando Economic Partnership. Discussions focused on strengthening economic ties, attracting investment and identifying opportunities for cooperation in innovation and business development. Switzerland has a significant economic presence in Florida. Swiss affiliates employ nearly 15,000 people in the state, making Switzerland its seventh-largest foreign investor in terms of employment. Bilateral trade supports approximately 33,000 jobs, and Florida exported $558 million in goods to Switzerland in 2023. These figures highlight the importance of Switzerland as an economic partner and the contribution of Swiss companies to Florida’s economy.

An important part of the visit was also the meeting with the Swiss Club of Central Florida, led by its President, Graziella Hediger. Together with Honorary Consul Luc Burkhardt, Ambassador Heckner and Consul General Ott met with members of the Swiss community and recognized their contribution to Swiss-American relations. Florida is home to approximately 33,800 residents of Swiss descent. In his remarks, Ambassador Heckner emphasized that close bilateral relations are built not only through diplomatic institutions and businesses but also through personal connections and the engagement of Swiss citizens abroad. Their professional activities, community involvement and cultural exchanges play an important role in maintaining the strong ties between the two countries. As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence in 2026, the gathering also provided an opportunity to reflect on the longstanding contributions of Swiss citizens to American society.

The visit highlighted the potential for further Swiss-American cooperation in space exploration, research and innovation, as well as the importance of maintaining strong relationships with political, economic and community partners at the local level. From Florida’s launch facilities to Switzerland’s research and innovation centers, both countries have much to offer each other in translating scientific expertise and technological advances into practical applications and new economic opportunities. The Embassy of Switzerland and the Consulate General of Switzerland in Atlanta extend their sincere appreciation to Space Florida and its President and CEO, Robert Long, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, the Orlando Economic Partnership, Brian Hughes and the team at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, as well as Graziella Hediger and the Swiss Club of Central Florida, Honorary Consul Luc Burkhardt and all other partners who contributed to the visit.