OST, RhySearch and Switzerland Innovation Park Ost are jointly driving forward the expansion, renovation and operation of the clean room in Buchs: with the new “Sensor Innovation Hub”, companies will benefit from optimized support services. The St.Gallen government supports the project and is requesting a special loan of around CHF 22 million from the cantonal council.
The high-precision manufacturing industry is economically significant for the canton of St.Gallen. It is based on an efficient local research environment and access to expertise, state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure. However, specialized systems and laboratory equipment place very high demands on the absence of particles. The availability of future-proof cleanrooms in which air quality can be monitored and the corresponding specialists are therefore crucial for manufacturers of precision components.
In order to ensure long-term support for companies, “OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule”, “RhySearch – das Forschungs- und Innovationszentrum Rheintal” and Switzerland Innovation Park Ost are working together. Under the title “Sensor Innovation Hub”, they will expand the research possibilities of the cleanroom in Buchs and make them better known and accessible. They are jointly driving forward the renovation, expansion and operation of the cleanroom to ensure that it also meets future requirements.
With the “Sensor Innovation Hub”, the research partners and industry are intensifying their collaboration. The hub will also offer companies optimized support services for their innovation projects. This ties in with the cantonal innovation promotion strategy for SMEs. The hub strengthens the Buchs location in the areas of innovation, research and education as well as the OST’s training and further education offers. It thus further increases the attractiveness of Eastern Switzerland, also for skilled workers.
Government’s key objective: increasing innovative strength
The St.Gallen government supports the objectives of the “Sensor Innovation Hub” and is requesting the Cantonal Council to provide the necessary funding of CHF 22.02 million for the renovation, expansion and continued operation of the cleanroom at the OST Buchs site. The Cantonal Council is expected to discuss the bill at first reading in the spring 2025 session and at second reading in the summer 2025 session. The referendum is expected to take place in the fall of 2025.
A high level of innovation is crucial for the long-term success of a company and for St.Gallen as a strong business location. Framework conditions that promote innovation and the networking of business, research and educational institutions are success factors.
The “Sensor Innovation Hub” complements existing initiatives of the Canton of St.Gallen and contributes to increasing its innovative strength. The “Sensor Innovation Hub” thus supports the objectives of the St.Gallen government’s priority planning for the years 2021 to 2031.
