Top Stories from Western Switzerland (May 2026)

The Swiss Company That Makes Semiconductors Possible (A Conversation with Stephan Haferl)

In this episode of Getting Serious, Comet Group CEO Stephan Haferl explains how the Fribourg-based deep-tech company’s X-ray and RF power systems sit at the heart of global semiconductor fabrication, and shares his perspective on geopolitical risk, Swiss industrial excellence, and what it takes to lead in an era of polycrisis.

Switzerland’s guardian of measurement steps into the quantum era

In Bern, the Federal Institute of Metrology METAS has developed a quantum metrology competence center structured around four pillars, covering quantum components, communication infrastructure, sensors, and timing standards. The infrastructure positions Western Switzerland’s precision industries for the next generation of quantum-enabled technologies.

Swiss Biotech Report 2026: talent and tenacity drive record performance

Switzerland’s biotech sector reached record revenues of CHF 7.5 billion in 2025, with privately financed companies raising CHF 1.15 billion, up 38% year-on-year. Western Switzerland contributed CHF 253 million in private and CHF 454 million in public company financing to the national total.

Why FACTORYYY chose the Marly Innovation Center to launch its Swiss operations

French spare parts specialist FACTORYYY has established its Swiss operations at the Marly Innovation Center in Fribourg, targeting manufacturers facing obsolescence and supply disruptions in the energy, rail, and industrial sectors. The establishment was supported by GGBa, CCI France Suisse, and the Fribourg Development Agency.

Why Switzerland? The Secret Behind Switzerland’ Economic Success

Switzerland’s rise from a resource-poor mountain nation to a global leader in competitiveness, innovation, and quality of life reflects decades of investment in education, institutional stability, and high-value industry. This article explores the historical, economic, and structural foundations of one of the world’s most resilient economic models.

Medtronic reaches 10 million implantable devices produced in the canton of Vaud

Medtronic marked the production of ten million implantable devices at its Tolochenaz campus in the canton of Vaud, coinciding with 50 years of Swiss presence. The site produces one in four pacemakers and one in two ICDs manufactured worldwide, employing over 400 people on campus.

Why DECUBE established its Swiss operations in Neuchâtel

Belgian engineering group DECUBE has established its Swiss subsidiary at Microcity in Neuchâtel, offering services across electricity transmission, generation, storage, and grid connection. Supported by GGBa and invest Neuchâtel, the subsidiary was operational within two months of the establishment decision.

Neurosoft Bioelectronics raises USD 7.5 million to advance its brain interface platform

Geneva-based Neurosoft Bioelectronics raised USD 7.5 million in an oversubscribed seed round to advance its soft, stretchable brain-computer interface platform and develop a cortical AI foundation model. The raise brings total funding to over USD 20 million, with clinical trials ongoing in the US and Europe.

Switzerland ranks 3rd globally for corporate R&D intensity

Swiss companies rank 3rd worldwide for R&D intensity at 8.4% of revenue, and 6th for total spending at EUR 34 billion, with 14 companies among the global top 500, according to the EY Top 500 R&D study. Roche leads Swiss R&D investment with EUR 14.3 billion in annual expenditure.

Switzerland ranked the world’s best country by U.S. News

Switzerland topped the 2026 U.S. News Best Countries rankings for the eighth time, placing first in Economic Development and Governance under a new fully data-driven methodology covering 100 objective indicators. The result confirms that Switzerland’s institutional reputation reflects measurable performance rather than perception alone.