3 Swiss hubs at the forefront of life science innovation

From Basel to Zurich, Switzerland’s life sciences hubs each offer unique strengths and opportunities. But choosing the right location for your business isn’t just a decision – it’s a strategic necessity. So where in Switzerland is the best fit for your business?

Why Switzerland is a top location for life science startups and innovation

Swiss pharmaceutical companies continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation, with recent investments in research and development reaching approximately CHF 2.4 billion. The Swiss biotech sector reported record revenues in 2024 with CHF 7.3 billion in capital investments surpassing CHF 2 billion, a remarkable 50% increase from the previous year. For 13 consecutive years, Switzerland has topped the UN’s Global Innovation Index, reinforcing its status as a global innovation hub. Additionally, Switzerland's four national languages — German, French, Italian and Romansh — not only reflect its rich cultural diversity but also enhance its capacity for global communication.

Switzerland’s central European location provides startups with seamless access to key markets like Germany, France and Italy, encouraging collaboration and efficient product distribution. Whether you’re developing therapies, scaling operations, or driving innovation, Switzerland offers unparalleled opportunities.

Download our exclusive guidebook to explore stats, research centres and infrastructure tailored to your needs.

What are the top Swiss cities for life sciences?

Switzerland has several exceptional cities for life sciences, with Basel, Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne leading the way. Each offers unique strengths that make them ideal for startups and industry leaders alike.

Whether your focus is on biotech, medtech or pharmaceuticals, these cities provide the infrastructure, talent, and networks to help your business thrive. Below we explore what sets each city apart and help you determine which is best suited to your business goals.

1. Basel

Basel is widely regarded as a global powerhouse for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, earning its reputation as Europe’s leading hub for life sciences innovation. The city is home to some of the world’s largest life sciences companies, including Roche, Novartis and Johnson & Johnson, as well as over 700 biotech and pharmaceutical companies. This concentration of industry leaders and innovative startups creates an unparalleled ecosystem for collaboration and advancement in biotechnology, medical technology and personalised medicine.

Ideal positioning

Basel’s strategic location at the intersection of Switzerland, France and Germany offers startups seamless access to three major European markets. This unique positioning facilitates cross-border collaborations, international partnerships and streamlined distribution channels, making it an ideal base for companies with aspirations for a global reach.

World-class research and talent pool

The city’s life sciences landscape is further bolstered by its cutting-edge research institutions, including the University of Basel and the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research. These institutions not only drive groundbreaking advancements but also cultivate a highly skilled workforce. Basel has one of the highest concentrations of life sciences professionals in Europe, giving startups access to top-tier talent.

Networking hotspot

Additionally, Basel’s proximity to major international events like the annual BioValley Basel Conference provides startups with networking opportunities that can accelerate growth and innovation. The city’s business-friendly environment, supported by strong public-private partnerships, ensures startups have the resources, infrastructure, and funding needed to succeed.

For life sciences startups looking to establish themselves in a world-class hub, Basel offers the perfect blend of expertise, access and opportunity.

2. Geneva & Lausanne

The Lake Geneva region, encompassing both Geneva and Lausanne, is a thriving hub for biotech, medtech, and pharmaceutical innovation, often referred to as Switzerland’s "Health Valley." This dynamic area is home to over 750 companies and 500 cutting-edge laboratories that drive advancements in life sciences.

Home to the WHO

Geneva stands out for its focus on global health and public health innovation. As the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) and numerous international NGOs, it is a global link for initiatives addressing worldwide healthcare challenges. Geneva also fosters significant innovation in diagnostics and vaccines, benefiting from its proximity to international policymakers and funding organisations.

Hotbed for biotech innovation

Lausanne, anchored by the prestigious École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), is a powerhouse for biotech research and nanotechnology. It has become a magnet for startups specialising in advanced therapeutics and medical technologies. The city’s world-class infrastructure and collaborations with leading academic institutions create fertile ground for groundbreaking innovation.

Strategic location and cross-border collaboration

What sets the Lake Geneva region apart is its strategic location at the crossroads of Switzerland and France. This geographical advantage offers startups and businesses the opportunity to blend Swiss precision with French creativity, cultivating a unique culture of cross-border collaboration. The region’s seamless connectivity to both countries enhance access to talent, resources and markets, making it an ideal base for startups with international ambitions. The Lake Geneva region hosts prominent innovation hubs such as Campus Biotech in Geneva and BioAlps, which spans both cities. These hubs provide startups with access to world-class infrastructure, expert mentorship and a vibrant network of industry leaders, enabling them to scale quickly and effectively.

Whether your focus is on global health innovation or cutting-edge medical research, Geneva and Lausanne each provide unique advantages. With their blend of world-class research institutions and international organisations, the Lake Geneva region is a hotspot for collaboration, discovery and growth.

3. Zurich

As Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich is a hub of innovation and industry, excelling in life sciences and medtech. Together with Zug, the region is home to over 1,400 medtech companies, cementing its position as a global leader in the sector. Beyond life sciences, Zurich’s reputation as a leading financial centre provides startups with unparalleled access to funding and venture capital, making it an ideal location for new ventures.

Thriving medtech ecosystem

Renowned for its strong concentration of medtech manufacturers, Zurich nurtures a highly collaborative ecosystem where startups and established industry players work closely with universities and hospitals. Over 90% of Swiss medical equipment manufacturers in the region partner with these institutions, creating a seamless network that spans the entire value chain.

Dynamic startup hub

Zurich also boasts Switzerland’s most vibrant startup environment, with 1,794 startups benefiting from the city's unique combination of financial resources, academic excellence and entrepreneurial support. With world-class institutions like ETH Zurich, ranked as one of the best universities in the world, focus on innovation ensure startups have access to the resources, expertise and partnerships needed to thrive.

Whether you're a medtech innovator, biotech researcher, or entrepreneur with a bold vision, Zurich’s dynamic environment positions your startup for success.

Switzerland offers world-class life sciences hubs, each with unique strengths. Basel excels in pharma, Geneva leads in global health, Lausanne drives biotech innovation and Zurich dominates medtech. With top talent, cutting-edge research and strong funding opportunities, Switzerland is the ideal base for life science startups. Still undecided about which area is right for you? Download our guide to explore the best fit for your business.

Want to learn more about why switzerland is a pharma powerhouse?

Switzerland has become a top destination for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, attracting global leaders and startups alike. From world-class talent to strong innovation investment, find out why so many life sciences businesses are choosing Switzerland. Read our in-depth blog now to explore Switzerland’s thriving life sciences industry!

Personalised support for your Swiss life science journey

Are you ready to take your life science business to the next level in Switzerland? With over 20 years of market expertise, an SECO license, and a local office in Switzerland, our team is uniquely positioned to help startups like yours succeed.

Whether you're exploring the vibrant hubs of Basel, Zurich, Lausanne, or Geneva, we provide tailored advice to ensure your business thrives in Switzerland’s unparalleled life sciences ecosystem.

Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support your recruitment and growth needs: hobsonprior.com/switzerland-recruitment-services.