Top Stories from Western Switzerland (November 2025)

From blockchain leadership and sustainable ingredient innovation to Switzerland’s digital competitiveness and renewed access to Horizon Europe, discover Western Switzerland’s top stories from November 2025.

How to empower founders across the developing world (a conversation with Alisée de Tonnac)

The latest episode of Getting Serious features Alisée de Tonnac, Co-Founder and CEO of Seedstars, who discusses how the organization supports entrepreneurs across emerging markets. She highlights Seedstars’ work in more than 80 countries, the role of AI in reaching last-mile founders and Switzerland’s contribution to impact investing.

Switzerland tops IMD’s 2025 Digital Competitiveness Ranking

Switzerland ranks first in IMD’s 2025 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, ahead of the United States and Singapore. The country’s performance reflects its strong digital infrastructure, education system and innovation environment, despite global pressures related to trade fragmentation and evolving regulatory frameworks.

Bern’s LEM Surgical completes first U.S. clinical procedures with its Dynamis robotic system

LEM Surgical has successfully completed its first clinical procedures in the United States using the Dynamis Robotic Surgical System. The milestone follows the company’s FDA clearance and the opening of its new headquarters in Bern, supporting its expansion into next-generation robotic spine surgery.

Fribourg’s Seprify enters commercial phase with first major customer Oterra

Seprify has secured its first commercial agreement with Oterra to bring its cellulose-based white pigment to the global food industry. The bio-based alternative to titanium dioxide has been validated across more than 15 applications and will enter large-scale production in Europe from 2026.

Springbok opens Lausanne office to support Swiss companies in scaling AI-driven marketing

Belgian digital marketing agency Springbok has opened its first Swiss office in Lausanne to help companies deploy AI-powered content, automation and customer experience solutions. The new hub strengthens the agency’s European presence and supports Swiss organizations seeking to transform their digital and AI capabilities.

Neuchâtel, Switzerland’s capital of blockchain innovation

Neuchâtel has consolidated its position as Switzerland’s leading blockchain hub, now home to more than 100 companies active in distributed-ledger technologies. A decade of strategic economic diversification has helped the canton build a resilient ecosystem supported by partnerships between start-ups, universities, law firms and financial institutions.

Solide Finance expands to Geneva to revolutionize cross-border payments

Fintech company Solide Finance has established its operations in Geneva to help banks modernize international payment systems using blockchain and stablecoins. The start-up is collaborating with local institutions to develop an interbank network focused on speed, security and compliance, with support from GGBa and OCEI.

Switzerland re-associates to Horizon Europe, Euratom and Digital Europe

Switzerland has regained full association to Horizon Europe, Euratom and Digital Europe through the EU Programs Agreement. The move restores eligibility for Swiss universities, start-ups and companies to receive EU funding and coordinate research consortia, strengthening Western Switzerland’s position in major scientific and technological collaborations.