Geneva strengthens its innovation ecosystem with a strategic development plan

Geneva has unveiled its new Innovation Master Plan 2025-2027 (“Plan Directeur de l’Innovation 2025-2027” in French), designed to consolidate the canton’s position as a leading international innovation hub. Backed by CHF 11 million in public investment, the strategy focuses on infrastructure enhancement, targeted financing, and fostering entrepreneurship to bolster Geneva’s economic strength.

Renowned globally for its strengths in finance, luxury goods, and international governance, Geneva is increasingly turning its focus toward innovation as a driver of economic growth. With its new Innovation Master Plan, the canton aims to further strengthen its ecosystem by addressing current challenges faced by start-ups and SMEs, enhancing collaboration among academic and industrial partners, and positioning itself strategically to attract international talent and investment.

A key aspect of the Master Plan is the expansion of the Fongit Innovation Fund (FIF). Responding to gaps in early-stage and scale-up financing, FIF will double its budget and broaden its scope beyond deep-tech startups. New funding streams like FIF Digital and FIF Impact will provide tailored support across sectors, making resources accessible to startups, SMEs, and research groups.

Additionally, the Office for Promotion of Industries and Technologies (OPI) will enhance its role by guiding businesses through the complexities of obtaining federal support from Innosuisse, Switzerland’s innovation agency. This personalized approach aims to improve Geneva-based companies’ success rates in securing essential innovation funding.

Infrastructure expansion is central to the plan. Campus Biotech, a hub of excellence in life sciences and artificial intelligence, will expand with a new nine-story, 3,500 m² building. This addition will significantly increase Geneva’s capacity to host innovative companies, providing state-of-the-art laboratory and office spaces essential for research and commercial development.

To attract international companies and talent, the canton is launching the digital platform “Entreprendre à Genève.” This multilingual tool highlights Geneva’s economic strengths, support mechanisms, and success stories, facilitating integration into its innovation ecosystem. Coupled with strategic outreach missions, this platform aims to position Geneva as a preferred destination for innovative enterprises, particularly in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, luxury industries, and digital technologies.

Moreover, Geneva will leverage international congresses and high-profile events, such as the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions and AI for Good, to promote local innovation on the global stage. These events offer ideal platforms to highlight Geneva’s leadership in sectors including life sciences, finance, and luxury goods.

Finally, the Master Plan places strong emphasis on education and inclusion. Initiatives to instill entrepreneurial skills in young people will be complemented by support measures helping entrepreneurs balance business and family life, creating a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.