Top Stories from Western Switzerland (April 2025)

From strong foreign investment to transformative advances in biopharma, manufacturing and regional planning, discover Western Switzerland’s top stories from April 2025.

Foreign Direct Investment 2024: A Winning Strategy for Western Switzerland

In 2024, GGBa and its cantonal partners supported the establishment of 79 foreign companies across Western Switzerland, set to create 470 jobs within three years. With targeted support for sectors like life sciences, digital tech, and green innovation, Western Switzerland remains a beacon of stability and opportunity amid global uncertainty. GGBa’s 2024 Annual Report is available here.

Why Switzerland works (A conversation with Martin Naville)

In this latest episode of Getting Serious with Woody Wade, Martin Naville, former CEO of the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce, breaks down what makes Switzerland one of the world’s most competitive economies. Drawing from his experience in law, banking, and bilateral business diplomacy, Naville offers sharp insights into the country’s political stability, innovative mindset, and global reach. The conversation is available on YouTube and Spotify.

Toblerone strengthens its Swiss roots with CHF 65 million investment in Bern

Mondelēz International is reinforcing Toblerone’s historic Bern manufacturing site with a CHF 65 million investment. The upgrade includes a new production line and modernized logistics to meet global demand for premium chocolate. This move underscores the brand’s commitment to its Swiss heritage and consolidates Bern’s strategic role in Mondelēz’s European operations.

Fribourg: The Growth Hub of Switzerland – A Video Series (Part 4/8)

Episode 4 of the Fribourg Growth Hub series focuses on the canton’s fast-growing life sciences sector, which generates CHF 1.5 billion annually. Anchored by companies such as Alcon, Medion Grifols, and UCB Farchim, the sector is strategically aligned with Fribourg’s vision of combining bioeconomy and Industry 4.0. The episode highlights the region’s global relevance and future growth potential.

Incyte, a key player in Western Switzerland’s biopharmaceutical innovation landscape

Since establishing its European base in Geneva, U.S.-based Incyte has expanded significantly, now operating international headquarters in Morges and a production site in Yverdon-les-Bains. The company’s success reflects the strength of the local ecosystem, access to talent, and Switzerland’s regulatory advantages. With plans for new treatments and infrastructure growth, Incyte reinforces the region’s position in global biopharma.

Jabil, driving medical innovation from the heart of Neuchâtel’s industrial ecosystem

Global manufacturing leader Jabil has cemented its role in Neuchâtel through its advanced healthcare facility in Le Locle. Specializing in spinal health products, the site integrates cutting-edge manufacturing with local partnerships, including Microcity and EPFL. With 400 employees and a network of global and local collaborators, Jabil exemplifies how Western Switzerland supports industrial excellence in medical technology.

Campus Santé, a landmark investment in Geneva’s future of healthcare and research

A new health innovation campus is underway in Meyrin, Geneva. Backed by close to CHF 1 billion in private funding, Campus Santé will integrate clinical care, life sciences research, and industry in a 150,000 m² ecosystem. Featuring new buildings, green urban design, and public infrastructure links, the project is set to create 3,000 jobs and drive collaboration across Western Switzerland’s healthtech landscape.