Top Stories from Western Switzerland (February 2025)

From discussions on Switzerland’s global competitiveness to advancements in bioinformatics, cybersecurity, and medical diagnostics, discover Western Switzerland’s top stories from February 2025.

Is Switzerland still competitive? (A conversation with Prof. Stéphane Garelli)

Switzerland remains one of the world’s most competitive economies, but what underpins its success? In the first episode of Getting Serious with Woody Wade, Prof. Stéphane Garelli, a leading expert on global competitiveness, shares his insights on Switzerland’s economic strengths. He highlights the country’s world-class infrastructure, education system, and innovation-driven mindset as key factors in its stability and global influence. The discussion also explores how artificial intelligence and energy trends are shaping Switzerland’s economic future.

The Centre for Pathogen Bioinformatics was inaugurated in Bern

The Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics has launched the Centre for Pathogen Bioinformatics (CPB) in Bern to strengthen genomic surveillance of infectious diseases. The CPB will play a crucial role in epidemic monitoring, real-time genetic sequencing, and supporting public health policies. Led by Aitana Neves, the center collaborates with national and international institutions to ensure that Switzerland remains at the forefront of pathogen research and data-driven solutions to global health challenges.

Fribourg: The Growth Hub of Switzerland – A Video Series (Part 2/8)

The second episode of the Fribourg Growth Hub series explores the canton’s success in bioeconomy and Industry 4.0, two sectors that drive a substantial portion of its GDP. Featuring Jerry Krattiger, Managing Director of the Fribourg Development Agency, this episode highlights how Fribourg blends tradition and innovation, attracting global companies like Rolex and Nespresso while fostering cutting-edge advancements in automation, biotech and agritech.

Trust Valley launches Trust4SMEs to boost cybersecurity for Lake Geneva region SMEs

The Trust Valley has launched Trust4SMEs, a pilot program to strengthen the cybersecurity of 25 small and medium-sized enterprises in the Lake Geneva region. Supported by leading cybersecurity companies and academic institutions, the initiative offers customized training, mentoring and consulting services at a reduced cost. With cyber threats on the rise, Trust4SMEs aims to strengthen Switzerland’s digital resilience and expand its reach nationwide.

Neuchâtel’s Human Lean Diagnostics cluster is set to welcome its first tenants

The Human Lean Diagnostics (HLD) innovation cluster in Neuchâtel is preparing to welcome its first tenants in June 2025. Dedicated to advancing medical diagnostics, the cluster will focus on point-of-care medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, digital health solutions and automation. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and strong links to academic institutions such as EPFL and UniNE, the HLD aims to position Neuchâtel as a global leader in health technology.

An artificial intelligence health hub is set to open at Campus Biotech

Switzerland’s first AI-driven health hub is set to open at Campus Biotech in Geneva in the second half of 2025. A collaboration between the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG), the Wyss Center, and the Department of Health and Mobilities of Geneva, the hub will integrate AI into neurological and psychiatric treatments. Spanning 1,000 square meters, it will serve as a research and innovation center, driving advancements in neuromodulation, AI-assisted diagnostics, and digital health solutions.

Swiss start-ups secure CHF 2.4 billion in 2024 amid shifting investment trends

Despite an 8.5% decline in venture capital funding, Swiss start-ups raised CHF 2.4 billion in 2024, with biotech and cleantech emerging as key growth sectors. The Swiss Venture Capital Report 2025 highlights a shift towards mid-sized rounds and increased investor interest in sustainable technologies. While Zurich saw a decline in funding, cantons such as Vaud, Geneva and Bern experienced notable investment growth, signaling optimism for 2025.