Top Stories from Western Switzerland (October 2024)
29 October 2024
From bioeconomy innovations and AI-powered spinal therapies to CERN’s 70th anniversary and Switzerland’s top talent ranking, discover Western Switzerland’s top stories from October 2024.
Discovering Swiss Innovation with the Club de Paris des Directeurs de l’Innovation
The Club de Paris des Directeurs de l’Innovation’s three-day visit to Western Switzerland showcased the region’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. Starting in Lausanne, the event included presentations by GGBa and Trust Valley on cross-border collaboration and digital trust, followed by immersive sessions at EPFL, exploring partnerships with major players in AI, biotech, and sustainable energy. Participants then attended the Bioeconomy Forum in Fribourg, emphasizing bioresource innovation, and finished with site visits to Villars Maître Chocolatier, SCOTT Sports, and Michelin, highlighting advancements in sustainable food production, sports technology, and green mobility. This journey illustrated Switzerland’s commitment to technological advancement, fostering collaboration, sustainability, and industry leadership.
Phoenix Pharma Switzerland relocates its headquarters to the canton of Bern
Phoenix Pharma Switzerland has moved its headquarters to Köniz in Bern, creating 100 new jobs. This move consolidates the company’s operations, including the Benu pharmacy chain, on a single site. Strategically located closer to the health authorities, Phoenix intends to expand its network of Benu pharmacies throughout Switzerland and strengthen its presence in the healthcare market.
Fribourg unveils nine finalists for the 2024-2025 IFF Innovation Awards
Fribourg announced nine finalists for the IFF Innovation Awards in three categories: Enterprise, Start-up and Sustainability. Highlights include a smart waste bin from Asyril, a breast cancer blood test from Xemperia, and biodegradable plant pots from SWISS-B. The awards recognize groundbreaking innovations that contribute to Fribourg’s economic development and sustainability.
ONWARD Medical raises EUR 50 million and welcomes a new strategic partner
ONWARD Medical has raised EUR 50 million in a private placement and secured a partnership with Ottobock, a global leader in mobility solutions. The funding strengthens ONWARD’s research into spinal cord injury therapies, including the upcoming US launch of its ARC-EX system. The partnership with Ottobock aims to advance innovative SCI treatments for increased mobility and independence.
Neuchâtel unicorn CloudBees reaches USD 150 million in revenue and becomes profitable
CloudBees, a Neuchâtel-based unicorn specializing in software development platforms, has reached USD 150 million in annual recurring revenue and profitability. With over 500 clients worldwide, CloudBees continues to lead in DevSecOps innovation, recently acquiring AI-focused company Launchable. Positioned for future growth, CloudBees is set to capitalize on the expanding hybrid cloud market.
CERN celebrates 70 years of scientific discovery and collaboration in Geneva
CERN is celebrating its 70th anniversary and its role as a world leader in particle physics. Since its founding in 1954, CERN has made groundbreaking discoveries, from the Higgs boson to the World Wide Web. A recent high-level ceremony underscored CERN’s ongoing commitment to scientific progress, international collaboration and technology transfer for the benefit of global society.
Odlo and DePoly partner to develop first circular base layer
Odlo and DePoly are partnering to create a circular base layer by recycling Odlo’s fabric waste into high quality PET. Using DePoly’s chemical recycling technology, the project aims to establish a sustainable model in textile manufacturing. This initiative, supported by Innosuisse, could lead to Odlo’s first circular base layer collection by 2026, thus advancing circularity in the apparel industry.
Jimmy Jackson’s journey from fiction to award nominee
GGBa’s fictional character Jimmy Jackson—a humorous CEO of a tech company—has garnered a nomination for the 2024 “Réseau Place Économique Suisse” award. By blending storytelling and humor, the campaign has successfully promoted Western Switzerland as a business hub, engaging international investors through a novel, memorable approach to economic promotion.
Switzerland tops IMD World Talent Ranking for 2024 amid rising AI concerns
Switzerland ranks first in the IMD World Talent Ranking for 2024, cementing its reputation as a global talent hub. Despite concerns about AI-driven job displacement, Switzerland’s strong education and innovation sectors highlight its adaptability. The IMD report highlights new education and labor policies to address the challenges AI poses to traditional talent markets, particularly in high-income economies.