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Top Stories from Western Switzerland (July 2024)

Business environment

17 July 2024

Top Stories Western Switzerland

From breakthroughs in biomanufacturing and neutrino research to major investments in agri-food and Alzheimer’s treatments, discover Western Switzerland’s top stories from July 2024.

Biomanufacturing in Western Switzerland

Western Switzerland, often referred to as “Health Valley,” is a major life sciences hub with over 3,000 companies. Supported by top universities and research institutions, the region excels in biomanufacturing and is home to major CDMOs and biotech companies. It offers a skilled workforce, advanced infrastructure and supportive government, making it a key player in the development and production of biologics and vaccines.

University of Bern successfully measures neutrino interaction rates at unprecedented energies

Researchers at the University of Bern’s Laboratory for High Energy Physics have measured neutrino interactions at unprecedented energy levels using CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. This breakthrough, the first observation of electron neutrinos in an LHC experiment, provides insights into neutrinos and fundamental physics, helping to explain the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe.

Nearly CHF 500 million invested in Fribourg’s pioneering AgriCo campus

Fribourg is investing nearly CHF 500 million to develop the AgriCo campus in St-Aubin, reinforcing its leadership in the agri-food sector. The campus, which includes 27 hectares of building land and 100 hectares for agricultural experimentation, will create more than 700 jobs by 2027. This investment supports sustainable development, circular economy practices and collaboration with the Grangeneuve Agricultural Institute and Agroscope.

Asceneuron raises USD 100 million to advance Alzheimer’s treatment

Asceneuron, a biotech company based in Lausanne, has raised USD 100 million in Series C financing led by Novo Holdings. The investment will be used to advance the clinical development of Asceneuron’s OGA inhibitors, in particular ASN51, for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The funding will also support Phase 2 trials and the further development of treatments for other neurodegenerative diseases, thereby expanding therapeutic options for patients.

Neuchâtel embraces innovation in medical diagnostic technologies

Neuchâtel has acquired the Philip Morris buildings in the Serrières Valley to create an innovation cluster specializing in medical diagnostics. The 7,000-square-meter site will house nearly 400 jobs and will be managed by Microcity. The cluster, which brings together multinationals, SMEs and academic partners, aims to develop advanced diagnostic tools to improve precision medicine and healthcare efficiency, while raising Neuchâtel’s international profile.

Geneva VC Forestay Capital secures USD 220 million towards Enterprise AI and SaaS

Geneva-based Forestay Capital has closed its second fund, securing USD 220 million to invest in fast-growing enterprise AI and SaaS companies. Building on the success of its first fund, Forestay II targets early growth investments in Europe and Israel. The fund aims to support visionary teams, with initial investments in Israeli cybersecurity and Swiss engineering intelligence companies.

WattAnyWhere raises CHF 2.2 million to convert ethanol into clean electricity

WattAnyWhere has closed a seed round of CHF 2.2 million, bringing its total funding to nearly CHF 5 million. Based in Sion, the start-up develops fuel cell systems that convert renewable ethanol into clean electricity and support electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The funding supports the company’s strategic contracts and sets the stage for further growth and innovation.

BioAlps, Western Switzerland’s life sciences cluster

BioAlps promotes Western Switzerland as a world-class center for life sciences innovation. Established in 2001, it supports academia, entrepreneurs, investors, and public authorities by facilitating communication, organizing events, and providing networking opportunities. With around 1,400 members, BioAlps enhances the region’s reputation and accelerates R&D in the life sciences sector.