Greater Geneva Bern area
GGBa is the investment promotion agency for Western Switzerland, bringing together the cantons of Bern, Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, and Geneva. We assist foreign companies wishing to establish themselves in the region. Thanks to a vast network of representatives, you will be advised and supported throughout the process, from the evaluation of potential sites to the start of your activities.
Western Switzerland: a region renowned for its Life Sciences ecosystem
Western Switzerland, also known as the Health Valley, is renowned for its expertise in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical technologies, making it a leading hub in the industry. Embracing a culture of quality and innovation, the region boasts exceptional infrastructure, featuring cutting-edge research centers, advanced technology parks, and state-of-the-art equipment. Furthermore, it has cemented its position in the medtech sector, with a multitude of companies dedicated to medical technologies.
Life Sciences in Bern
The canton (State) of Bern is a unique and robust life science location in Switzerland – a world-class academic environment of 3 universities, the largest Faculty of Medicine in Switzerland, and a leading scientific environment of 160+ research institutes. This includes the Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine SITEM and the ARTOG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research as well as the largest hospital network with the University Hospital Bern Insel. The life science business environment in Bern is very diverse from its dynamic start-up ecosystem, signature manufacturing companies in the medtech, vaccine and biotech sectors, key suppliers and service providers, as well as its world-renown regional and global headquarters. This unique combination offers a strong variety of expertise to support innovation and help leading companies attain market success.
Key players in the Life Sciences industry in Bern
Life Sciences in Fribourg
The Life Sciences sector is a key driver of innovation and high-value industrial activities in the canton of Fribourg. This dynamic cluster includes cutting-edge research centers, innovative startups, and global players, spanning the entire value chain from biomanufacturing to advanced materials. The canton’s strong academic and industrial synergies, supported by institutions like the Adolphe Merkle Institute and the Biofactory Competence Center, foster a highly collaborative ecosystem. Fribourg’s commitment to sustainability and technological excellence ensures its continued attractiveness for companies at the forefront of life sciences innovation. Discover more:
- Life Sciences: Champions of added value (FNF Business Magazine)
- The importance of the Life Sciences sector for the economy of the canton of Fribourg (BAK Economics Study)
Success stories
Thermo Fisher sees Switzerland as a key part of its success story
As part of the strategic partnership with CSL, Thermo Fisher opened a new biologics manufacturing facility in Lengnau/Bern, Switzerland, in 2022. Initially focused on producing next-generation products for hemophilia patients, Thermo Fisher extends services to other biopharma clients, meeting evolving demands. The site offers highly flexible bioproduction technologies across 140,000m2, including both single-use and stainless steel with up to 12,500L bioreactor capacity. This will provide biopharma companies with a pathway from development to large-scale production as manufacturing needs evolve
UCB Farchim: A Global Leader in Biotech Production in Fribourg
The Fribourg-based company UCB Farchim, which is part of the Belgian pharmaceutical UCB Group, specializes in the manufacture and distribution of drugs to treat allergies, epilepsy and autoimmune diseases. Since 1996, UCB Farchim has invested over 650 million Swiss francs in its Bulle site – with new developments already in the pipeline. Its high-performance biotech production unit in Bulle is one of the best of its kind in the world.
Reach out: our services are free
Do you want to learn more about Life Sciences in Western Switzerland ? Sara Schneider-Hamaï has more than 10 years of experience in leading international investments programs. Her aim is to assist companies in identifying the ideal location for their next international expansion.
