Slightly off topic, but I just wanted to point out that this technology they're working on is largely within reach of you as a hobbyist today. What's impressive is the engineering resources and software control systems they're adding.
But for less than $300, you can build a small 6" quadcopter from base parts, purchase a small control radio, and a pair of inexpensive FPV goggles+transmitter+receiver. Yeah, less than $300. China's amazing at this.
If you get a permit for it in the US (or ignore the law), $50 more gets you radios with miles of range. Your primary limit will be batteries (solutions exist, but bust the budget a bit, fixed wing drones are a lot of more economical here).
But there is nothing magical or special about Switzerland other than a concentration of interest. If you wanted, you could start competing with these folks and stand up in front of a shady incubator looking for your economic kickstart really, really fast. You don't need to fabricate parts to build prototypes and most of this stuff is mass produced.
But for less than $300, you can build a small 6" quadcopter from base parts, purchase a small control radio, and a pair of inexpensive FPV goggles+transmitter+receiver. Yeah, less than $300. China's amazing at this.
If you get a permit for it in the US (or ignore the law), $50 more gets you radios with miles of range. Your primary limit will be batteries (solutions exist, but bust the budget a bit, fixed wing drones are a lot of more economical here).
But there is nothing magical or special about Switzerland other than a concentration of interest. If you wanted, you could start competing with these folks and stand up in front of a shady incubator looking for your economic kickstart really, really fast. You don't need to fabricate parts to build prototypes and most of this stuff is mass produced.