Top Stories from Western Switzerland (August 2025)

From solar-powered aviation records to breakthroughs in personalized medicine and sustainable infrastructure, discover Western Switzerland’s top stories from August 2025.

SolarStratos: Raphaël Domjan breaks world record in solar-powered flight

Swiss eco-adventurer Raphaël Domjan has set a new altitude world record for manned solar-powered flight, reaching 9,521 meters with SolarStratos. The feat highlights Switzerland’s leadership in clean aviation and follows Domjan’s earlier appearance on the Getting Serious podcast.

FAIRTIQ launches nationwide pilot with Slovakia’s national railway operator

Bern-based FAIRTIQ is expanding across Europe, launching a nationwide pilot with Slovakia’s ZSSK rail operator. The mobile ticketing platform simplifies public transport access and supports digital transformation in mobility, with additional trials underway in the UK and Norway.

Fribourg: The Growth Hub of Switzerland – A Video Series (Part 8/8)

The final episode of our video series spotlights Fribourg’s bilingual advantage, international connectivity, and dynamic talent pool. The canton’s linguistic diversity and young population make it a compelling choice for global businesses.

Biopôle launches enhanced Investment Programme to boost life sciences start-ups

Biopôle SA has revamped its support model with a 24-month investment programme combining non-dilutive funding, investor-style training, and access to expert guidance. The initiative helps resident start-ups attract capital and scale with confidence.

Neuchâtel’s SeaNest develops floating platform technology to meet rising sea level challenges

Saint-Blaise-based SeaNest is developing modular, recycled-plastic floating platforms to address rising sea levels. Designed for diverse applications, from housing to infrastructure, this innovation positions Neuchâtel at the forefront of sustainable maritime technology.

Geneva team develops lung cancer “mini-tumors” to accelerate personalized treatments

Researchers at HUG and UNIGE have created 3D patient-derived lung cancer “mini-tumors” to test drug responses in under three weeks. This model brings functional precision medicine closer to the clinic, enabling safer, faster, and more personalized cancer care.