Meanwhile opens its first international subsidiary in Fribourg

French robotics company Meanwhile has chosen Fribourg for its first international subsidiary, strengthening its presence in Switzerland and reinforcing its capacity to serve clients across the country.

Founded in Lyon, Meanwhile specializes in autonomous mobile robotics solutions designed for the transportation of goods in manufacturing industries and healthcare facilities. With nearly 100 robots already deployed in France, Switzerland, Belgium, and soon Italy, the company is accelerating its international development with the creation of MEANWHILE Swiss Ltd. at the Marly Innovation Center (MIC).

The establishment of a subsidiary marks a strategic step for Meanwhile, ensuring closer proximity to Swiss customers and faster on-site intervention. “With the opening of this subsidiary, we can initiate a real commercial approach in Switzerland and guarantee our Swiss clients greater responsiveness when needed,” said Sacha Stojanovic, Founder and President of Meanwhile SAS.

Fribourg was selected for its central location between French- and German-speaking Switzerland, offering a strong base to serve both markets. The move was supported by several partners, including Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa) and the Fribourg Development Agency (FDA), who assisted in identifying the ideal location and connecting the company with local stakeholders.

Cross-border collaboration

The project also benefited from the involvement of Bpifrance and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional economic agency, which provided financing and risk-coverage mechanisms to facilitate international expansion. Historical partners such as CuraVer (administrative management) and Eurex Suisse (accounting, legal, and social matters) continue to support the company’s activities.

“This strategic choice underlines our ambition to establish ourselves permanently in Switzerland and confirms our commitment to placing proximity and service quality at the center of our strategy,” added Stojanovic.

Meanwhile’s expansion into Switzerland marks another milestone in its ambition to become a key player in autonomous mobile robotics. By combining technological innovation with its “For Human” philosophy, allowing people to focus on higher-value tasks, the company continues to strengthen its role in reshaping logistics and operational efficiency across industries.