Schlieren gets a new cluster. After the Bio-Technopark, the shopping and the start-up cluster, the new Healthtechpark was opened on Tuesday. The project is based on the work of the Health Tech Park Zurich-Schlieren association, which was founded last year and on whose board the city of Schlieren and the canton are also represented.
The goal: Even more companies and start-ups from the health tech sector should move into the property of the city of Schlieren. It is hoped that if the companies work together from a central location, they can network better – and thus provide decisive impetus in the industry.
The new park is located in the properties at Rütistrasse 12 to 18 at the Innovation and Young Entrepreneur Center (IJZ). 82 percent of the buildings belong to the city. According to location promoter Albert Schweizer, it is currently renting a quarter of its 17,000 square meters to health-tech companies. According to the canton, 12 companies have currently joined the Healthtechpark. The city of Schlieren has gradually renovated its property in recent years and made it suitable for laboratories.
Zurich Economics Director Carmen Walker-Späh (FDP) officially inaugurated the park together with Schlierem City President Markus Bärtschiger (SP). For her, this is "a moving moment," said Walker Späh.
The pandemic has shown society how important the healthtech sector is. For example by producing diagnostic devices or hygiene masks. Walker Späh is certain that further innovative diagnostic methods will be developed in the new park, for example for the treatment of cancer.
Canton pays 200,000 francs over four years
The Healthtechpark not only serves the well-being of the population, but is also important for Zurich as a business location. The canton is already the largest healthtech location in Switzerland. The sector is currently experiencing a boost. The industry is responsible for added value of CHF 5.3 million and 19,000 jobs throughout Switzerland. One in seven of these is in the canton of Zurich – and the trend is rising.
In order for this trend to continue, the new park is needed. Because: “Innovation is increasingly being created in networks. » Finally, Walker Späh emphasized that important partners for the project had been found in the Zurich University Hospital and the Limmattal Hospital. On request, government councilor Walker Späh also said that the canton would support the Healthtechpark with an allocation of CHF 200,000 spread over the next four years. According to this, the park, which is currently financed by sponsors and patrons, should be self-supporting.
The Mayor of Schlieren, Bärtschiger, explained why he didn't consider the Schlieren location to be coincidental. For example, because the Biotechnopark is already located here. The city therefore already knows what laboratories would require – and what permits are required for them. In addition, Schlieren is an important location for start-ups. And the healthcare system is represented on the one hand by the Spital Limmattal and the University Hospital Zurich, on the other hand by the Cantonal Pharmacy Zurich.
Not only the place, but also the time was chosen correctly, as Bärtschiger emphasized. The healthcare system experienced a drive during the corona crisis. "Now people want to show what they can do." Bärtschiger therefore believes that this tailwind should be used.
Location promoter Albert Schweizer receives a lot of praise
The Schlierem location promoter Albert Schweizer was in the spotlight. He received praise from the speakers for initiating the project and working on it for eight years. Councilor Walker-Späh specifically mentioned Schweizer and Mayor Bärtschiger said about him: "He always finds pearls." The park's CEO, Stefan Leuthold, praised Schweizer's vision. And as a thank you for his work, he gave him a special box to remind him to drink enough every day. In line with the health promotion of the new park.
But what good is this park for the Schlieremer population? Markus Bärtschiger replies: "One quickly forgets that Schlieren not only has 20,000 inhabitants, but also 19,000 jobs." And around 50 percent of the tax base comes from the companies based in Schlieren that are subsidized by such parks.
