Top Stories from Western Switzerland (May 2025)

From taxing artificial intelligence to breakthrough infrastructure and healthtech investments, discover Western Switzerland’s top stories from May 2025.

Taxing artificial intelligence: what happens when work disappears? (A conversation with Xavier Oberson)

Swiss tax law expert and Montreux Jazz Festival vice-president Xavier Oberson joins Getting Serious with Woody Wade for a wide-ranging conversation on how AI is transforming economies. From his proposal to tax artificial intelligence to reflections on jazz, ethics, and Switzerland’s role in global innovation, this episode explores what the future of work might look like in an AI-powered world. This episode is available on YouTube and Spotify.

AgroFoodPark launches in Bern to support sustainable food innovation

A public-private initiative in the canton of Bern is helping food entrepreneurs bring sustainable innovations to market. AgroFoodPark, launched by BFH-HAFL and partners, offers shared infrastructure, pilot production capabilities, and scientific support. It enables start-ups and SMEs to develop plant-based and clean-label products, with IP remaining in the hands of creators.

Fribourg: The Growth Hub of Switzerland – A Video Series (Part 5/8)

Episode 5 of the Fribourg Growth Hub series traces the canton’s remarkable industrial transformation. From Liebherr’s early investment in the 1970s to Richemont, Michelin, and Nespresso’s major operations today, Fribourg has evolved into a global center of industrial excellence. With Rolex’s billion-franc investment cementing this legacy, the region continues to attract world-class players.

PULSE, a new era for innovation in Western Switzerland

In May 2025, the PULSE Innovation Center in Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne officially opened its doors. Designed for adaptability, sustainability, and collaboration, the 43,000 m² site hosts companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific and Kidelis. With Minergie and BREEAM certifications, rooftop solar panels, and state-of-the-art facilities, PULSE is set to become a central hub in Western Switzerland’s Health Valley.

Aktiia rebrands to Hilo and raises USD 42 million to scale cuffless blood pressure monitoring

Neuchâtel-based Aktiia has rebranded as Hilo and closed a USD 42 million Series B funding round. The company is pioneering cuffless blood pressure monitoring through optical signal technology integrated into smartphones and wearables. With over 120,000 devices sold, Hilo plans to expand into new markets and advance its AI-powered platform for hypertension management.

Geneva-based start-ups awarded FIF funding to accelerate innovation in health and mobility

Four start-ups in Geneva have received CHF 600,000 from the FONGIT Innovation Fund. Recipients include BrainScape Medical (brain monitoring), AnimalCare Engineering (pet diagnostics), FlowRide (sustainable urban transport), and EarlySight (retinal imaging). The funding supports technology validation, market entry, and growth.

Why Western Switzerland for biomanufacturing and life sciences companies (Interview with Yassin Nahi)

Yassin Nahi, GGBa’s Life Science Director, outlines why Western Switzerland is a top destination for biomanufacturing. The region combines research excellence, regulatory advantages, and specialized infrastructure to support companies at all stages of growth, and is uniquely equipped to drive innovation in bioproduction and advanced therapeutics.