Foreign direct investment in 2023: Western Switzerland confirms its attractiveness Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the GGBa and its cantonal partners, Western Switzerland attracted 76 new foreign companies in 2023, creating more than 600 jobs. These investments, mainly from France, China and the US, highlight the region’s strengths in life sciences and digital technologies, while reaffirming Western Switzerland’s status as a globally attractive hub for innovative business ventures. In the face of geopolitical uncertainty, GGBa’s focused, impact-driven approach signals a robust future fo ..read more

In a significant advancement for Neuchâtel’s innovation district, the JD7 project, led by Silatech SA, has been unveiled, marking a new era of architectural brilliance and collaborative potential in the canton. JD7 aims to be a hub for the CSEM, research and development centers, start-ups, and other key innovation actors, filling a crucial gap in the existing infrastructure between prestigious institutions like UniNe, He-Arc, CPNE, and EPFL. This ambitious project, with an investment of CHF 70 million, underscores the economic stakes for the canton of Neuchâtel, highlighting a commitment to fo ..read more

be-advanced is revolutionizing the support landscape for entrepreneurs in the canton of Bern and beyond, offering a wide array of services tailored to the unique needs of start-ups and SMEs. Whether you are looking to launch your own venture, elevate your startup, scale your SME, or network with the right people, be-advanced provides the guidance and resources necessary for success. Entrepreneurs face constant challenges in the rapidly evolving business world, where staying competitive and forward-thinking is paramount. Recognizing this, be-advanced offers targeted, individualized support to h ..read more

Switzerland launches the SwissChips initiative to strengthen the domestic semiconductor industry The SwissChips initiative aims to bolster the nation’s semiconductor industry by enhancing research and innovation in semiconductor technologies, microelectronics, and integrated circuit design. This move seeks to secure Switzerland’s digital sovereignty and competitive edge amid growing production efforts abroad and limited access to European research infrastructure. With a collaborative investment of CHF 41.6 million from various Swiss institutions, the initiative focuses on creating a robust net ..read more

The Swiss start-up ecosystem experienced a notable downturn in 2023, with venture capital investment falling by 35% compared to the previous year, totaling CHF 2.6 billion. This decline, the first significant one since the 2008/2009 financial crisis, was highlighted in the Swiss Venture Capital Report, a collaborative effort by startupticker.ch, the industry association SECA, and startup.ch. This reduction in funding was particularly severe among more mature start-ups, which typically require higher capital. Despite the decrease in investment volume, the number of financing rounds remained rel ..read more

Ecosystem Overview (Agri&Food in the Canton of Fribourg 1/11) “Agri&Food in the Canton of Fribourg” is an 11-part video series that offers an insightful look into Fribourg’s agrifood sector. The series underscores Fribourg’s role as an emerging hub for agrifood and agritech innovation, highlighting its economic, cultural, and innovative prowess. LEM Surgical secures CHF 8.7 million to advance spinal surgery with robotic solutions LEM Surgical has raised CHF 8.7 million in Series A funding to advance its “Sapien” robotic system for spinal surgery. This funding marks a significant step i ..read more

Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, has once again been recognized as the premier destination for European expatriates, holding its position as the most liveable city for the third year in a row. This prestigious ranking is based on the latest annual Location Ratings Report from ECA International, which evaluates global cities based on various liveability factors crucial for expatriate life. ECA’s Location Ratings objectively evaluate cities globally, assessing over 500 locations. Factors considered include health services, housing and utilities, isolation, social networks, leisure faciliti ..read more

In a landmark decision set to transform the Swiss economic landscape, the Federal Council has announced the abolition of industrial tariffs effective from January 1, 2024. This move comes following the necessary amendment to the Customs Tariff Act passed by Parliament on October 1, 2021. The decision was ratified by the Federal Council in a meeting held on 2 February 2022. The selection of January 2024 as the commencement date aims to minimize transitional costs for both economic operators and administrative authorities. With this timeline, all concerned parties have ample opportunity to make ..read more

In a compelling showcase produced by GGBa, the canton of Bern’s startup ecosystem is brought to life through a series of engaging interviews and narratives. This video, featuring a mix of ecosystem partners and thriving startups, offers a unique window into the heart of the canton’s entrepreneurial spirit, where each story weaves a tale of ambition, innovation, and success within Bern’s supportive and dynamic startup environment. A collaborative and supportive environment Sebastian Friess from the Bern Economic Development Agency and Sébastien Hug from the Innovation Office of the University ..read more

Siegfried and Lonza secure top positions in global pharmaceutical outsourcing rankings Valais-based pharmaceutical companies Lonza and Siegfried have secured top spots in global pharmaceutical outsourcing rankings, with Lonza ranking first and Siegfried sixth. This recognition by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News highlights their significant roles in drug manufacturing and packaging. Amidst industry challenges like supply chain variations and a shift towards comprehensive service models, both companies have demonstrated resilience and strategic growth, with investments in new facili ..read more