Why Western Switzerland for Tech Companies: an interview with Marjorie Hamelin

Silicon Valley may be the tech hub of the world, but Western Switzerland offers a unique appeal of its own. GGBa’s California representative (Greater Geneva Bern area), Marjorie Hamelin, shares her insights on what makes this region an attractive alternative for tech companies. From a highly skilled talent pool and seamless access to European markets to a robust ecosystem supporting precision manufacturing, Western Switzerland presents a distinctive environment for companies looking to expand and thrive globally.

The article “Why Western Switzerland for Tech Companies: GGBa vs Silicon Valley – an interview with Marjorie Hamelin” was originally published by Venturelab and written by Rita Longobardi.

What key factors make Western Switzerland a compelling option to Silicon Valley for tech companies to grow? 

Western Switzerland offers a compelling alternative to Silicon Valley for tech companies to grow due to three key factors:

1. Access to highly qualified talent with a top-notch education system:  institutions like EPFL and the University of Geneva produce highly skilled graduates, particularly in STEM fields. This strong educational foundation and vocational training support innovation and research, making the region attractive for tech companies seeking top-tier expertise.
2. Access to Europe with a multilingual task force and liberal labor laws: the region’s workforce is notably multilingual, with proficiency in languages such as French, German, Italian and English, facilitating communication and business operations across borders. Additionally, Switzerland’s liberal labor laws offer flexibility and efficiency in hiring.
3. Ability to design and manufacture quality products for high-precision industries: Western Switzerland has a strong industrial base and a reputation for excellence in designing and manufacturing high-quality products, particularly in sectors like robotics, biotech, medtech, and aeronautics. The region’s advanced infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities support cutting-edge R&D, for instance, the iPrint Institute in Fribourg expert in additive manufacturing, or the Swiss Battery Center in Bern.  In 2021 for instance, manufacturing accounted for approximately 18% of Switzerland’s GDP, comparable to other industrial powerhouses like Germany.

These factors collectively make Western Switzerland a highly attractive alternative to Silicon Valley for tech companies looking to grow and expand globally.

“Platforms like Venture Kick are especially effective at connecting startups with mentors, investors, and strategic partners.”

How does the cost of doing business in Western Switzerland differ from Silicon Valley, and what impact does this have on tech companies looking to scale?

Although Switzerland is known for its high cost of living, the San Francisco Bay Area has a higher cost of living index than most Swiss cities, making Switzerland comparatively more affordable.  

In Western Switzerland, companies benefit from a combination of high productivity (higher than in the States), a skilled workforce, and access to cutting-edge research—all of which offer a strong ROI.  The Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) for instance offers tech transfer services to leading American multinationals as well as startups in the areas of Digital health, Lab tech, Aerospace, Photonics, etc. with 30 years of experience, 500+ CSEM researchers have produced over 200 patent families.

Companies choose Western Switzerland not for cost reasons but for its commitment to excellence, quality, precision, and advanced technologies. Notable examples include Logitech, which is revolutionizing the future of work, and Comet Plasma Control Technologies, a leader in RF power delivery for the semiconductor industry, both of which have established a strong presence in Silicon Valley.

Can you discuss how Western Switzerland’s ecosystem supports tech startups in areas like funding, networking, and collaboration compared to the more established scene in Silicon Valley?

Silicon Valley is unique in its scale, concentration of VC money (attracting over USD 100 billion annually), and influence on global technology. Switzerland, on the other hand, stands out for its precision, quality, and strong industrial base with Nestlé, Richemont, Swatch, Givaudan etc.  Both Silicon Valley and Switzerland offer complementary strengths that create a powerful synergy. Together, they provide a robust platform for companies aiming to drive forward advanced tech globally.
 

“Western Switzerland provides the tools and support necessary for tech companies to grow.”

What makes Silicon Valley unique is its innovative mindset and abundant networking opportunities. In Western Switzerland, we embrace these principles and offer free personalized assistance to decision-makers as they expand into our region. Introducing Americans to successful entrepreneurs and specialized organizations in Switzerland can be incredibly beneficial, allowing them to learn about both the advantages and pitfalls of the local business environment. Platforms like Venture Kick and Kickstart Innovation are especially effective at connecting startups with mentors, investors, and strategic partners, fostering a strong community and collaboration. Other examples include the Biotech Campus in Geneva, a Swiss center of excellence for neurotech, which offers extensive networking opportunities through collaborative environments, events, shared facilities, and strong ties with academic institutions. Also, unlimitrust with SICPA in Vaud and the Trust Village in Geneva attract US cybersecurity firms with their know-how in Digital Trust. 

While Silicon Valley may have a more mature ecosystem, Western Switzerland provides the tools and support necessary for tech companies to grow.