10. February 2026
Launch of the Alpine Drone Consortium (ADC) in Uri
The Alpine Drone Consortium (ADC) was officially founded and launched in Altdorf on 9 February 2026. The association connects industry, research, and public authorities with the goal of systematically transferring drone technologies from development into real-world operations. The event was attended by State Councillors Urban Camenzind (UR), Christian Vitta (TI), and Marcus Caduff (GR), highlighting the strong inter-cantonal orientation of the initiative. Keynote contributions from Kai Holtmann (Armasuisse), Felix Seidel (Geolab, ETH Zurich), and Yves Bühler (WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, Davos) underscored the broad interest from both industry and academia.
Clear Focus Across the Value Chain
The ADC positions itself as a governance and implementation platform across the entire drone value chain. Its focus is not on isolated test fields, but on real operational alpine environments with complex terrain, variable weather conditions, and strict regulatory requirements. The goal is to build a robust, scalable drone ecosystem that delivers tangible benefits for industry, safety, and society.
Key focus areas include:
- Real operational environments for drone applications in alpine regions
- Safety, regulation, and compliance in close coordination with authorities
- Scaling and implementation of applications for industry and public authorities
- Networking of industry, research, and administration to accelerate innovation transfer
Broad Support from Key Stakeholders
The ADC was initiated by InnovationsTransfer Zentralschweiz (ITZ) in close collaboration with Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino and brings together public agencies, research institutions, and companies under a common structure. Operational and strategic implementation is ensured by an interdisciplinary steering committee, including representatives from:
- InnovationsTransfer Zentralschweiz (ITZ)
- Swiss Drone Competence Center (SDCC)
- DIGISKY (Safety & Compliance)
- EBIRD Logistics AG (Operational Drone Applications)
- THE SPACE OPS (Airworthiness and Regulation)
- WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF)
- CSEM (Technology and Applied Research)
Significance for the Canton of Uri
For the canton of Uri, where the ADC is based in the InnovationsBiotop, this initiative represents an opportunity to become part of a nationally relevant drone ecosystem. The ADC provides a structured framework for pilot projects, collaborations, and potential business establishments in the field of drone and alpine technologies, thereby sustainably strengthening Uri as a hub for innovation and economic development.
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