Why Switzerland is a launchpad for Global Startups?

From Fintech to Deeptech – Why Switzerland Is a Launchpad for Global Startups

Ranked first in the Global Innovation Index in 2024 and in 2025, Switzerland’s startup ecosystem continues to shine as a global innovation hub, having ranked 9th in the world according to the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index.

Renowned for its political stability, cutting-edge research institutions, and vibrant innovation hubs like Zug’s Crypto Valley and Lausanne’s biotech cluster, Switzerland uniquely blends tradition with forward-thinking entrepreneurship. With a surge in startup formation, over 50,000 new companies annually, including 400 tech startups in 2023 alone, this ecosystem thrives on a potent mix of world-class universities, a multilingual talent pool, and robust government support Startupticker.ch. 

This dynamic environment is powered by world-class universities like ETH Zurich and EPFL, a highly educated multilingual workforce, and strong government support through initiatives such as Innosuisse.

Switzerland’s startup ecosystem thrives on a decentralized model, with innovation hubs in Zurich, Lausanne, Bern, Basel, and Geneva. Zurich, a leading tech hub in Europe, hosts the ETH AI Center, while Lausanne’s EPFL drives advancements in AI and biotech. Swiss entrepreneurship benefits from direct democracy and cantonal autonomy, fostering tailored startup support across regions. 

Strengths of the Swiss Startup Ecosystem

• Swiss Innovation and Stability

Switzerland’s business environment is a cornerstone of its startup ecosystem, offering robust intellectual property protection, favorable tax policies, and a stable economy. In 2024, Switzerland ranked first globally in the Global Innovation Index for the 14th consecutive year, reflecting its strong innovation capabilities. The country’s world-class banking system facilitates startup financing, as detailed in the Swiss Venture Capital Report 2025. This stability enhances its status as a global innovation hub, as reflected in its 9th global ranking in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025.

• Talent and Research

Switzerland’s top universities, ETH Zurich and EPFL, drive innovation with cutting-edge research and a steady talent pipeline. The country’s PhD density remains among the world’s highest, over 3%, compared to 1.8% in the US. In 2024, they launched the Swiss National AI Institute to develop open-source, ethical AI with support from Swisscom, reinforcing Switzerland’s leadership in responsible tech.

• Innovation Hubs and Networks

From Crypto Valley in Zug to Lausanne’s tech clusters, Switzerland’s innovation hubs are globally recognized. Startup support in Switzerland includes accelerators like Innovaud and platforms like StartupTicker, connecting entrepreneurs with mentors and investors Innovaud. Corporate venture funds and public-private partnerships create a collaborative ecosystem, fostering rapid ideation and scaling.

• Global Connectivity

Switzerland’s English-friendly environment, particularly in Zurich, and proximity to the European Single Market make it ideal for international startups. Visa programs for skilled talent and a multilingual workforce enhance its appeal, positioning the Switzerland startup ecosystem as a gateway to global markets without the regulatory complexity of full EU membership.

Key Sectors Driving Innovation

Switzerland excels in high-impact sectors, with AI, deeptech, blockchain, biotech, fintech, and cleantech leading the charge. Below, we highlight these sectors and their standout startups.

AI Sector: Switzerland’s New Frontier

Switzerland’s AI sector is booming, with funding doubling in 2024 despite declines in other areas like biotech. Zurich, dubbed “AI Valley,” hosts global players like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft, alongside homegrown startups leveraging Switzerland’s strengths in pharma, finance, and health tech for AI applications. Notable AI startups include:

• Yokoy Group: A Zurich-based unicorn reshaping corporate expense management with AI-driven automation, ranking third in Switzerland’s startup scene in 2024.
• inait SA: Partnered with Microsoft in 2025 to launch brain-inspired digital reasoning systems, showcasing Switzerland’s leadership in adaptive AI.
• LatticeFlow: A seed-stage AI startup addressing bias and model reliability for enterprise applications.

The Swiss National AI Initiative, launched in 2025, underscores Switzerland’s commitment to ethical AI, positioning it as a global leader.

Deeptech: Switzerland’s Innovation Engine

Switzerland is a global leader in deeptech, driven by world-class research, substantial funding, and a vibrant startup culture. ETH Zurich and EPFL have produced over 500 spin-offs in the past decade, advancing quantum computing, AI, and sustainable technologies.

Innosuisse funded over 600 projects in 2023, injecting nearly CHF 500 million, while the Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation, launched by UBS and Swisscom, aims to mobilize CHF 50 billion over the next decade for deeptech startups. Notable deeptech startups include:

• Climeworks: An ETH Zurich spin-off pioneering direct air carbon capture.
• ID Quantique: A leader in quantum-safe cryptography and quantum key distribution.
• Flyability: Develops drones for industrial inspections in confined spaces.
• Oxyle: An ETH Zurich spin-off with novel wastewater treatment reactors, destroying over 95% of toxic micropollutants Swissnex.

Switzerland’s deeptech ecosystem extends globally through the Deep Tech Alliance, with members like ETH’s IE Lab fostering European collaboration Deeptech Alliance.

Biotech and Medtech

Home to pharma giants like Novartis and Roche, Switzerland’s biotech scene thrives in Lausanne and Basel. Startups like Cutiss and InSphero leverage academic partnerships and R&D grants, with FimmCyte using AI for medical breakthroughs.

Fintech and Digital Banking

Switzerland’s banking heritage fuels fintech innovation, with Zurich hosting startups like Numbrs and Alpian in digital payments and neobanking. The sector benefits from a tech-savvy population and strong financial infrastructure.

Blockchain and Crypto

Crypto Valley Switzerland, based in Zug, remains a global hub, hosting the Ethereum Foundation and SEBA Bank, a regulated crypto bank leading institutional adoption.

Cleantech and Renewable Energy

Sustainability drives Switzerland’s cleantech sector, with startups like Climeworks, a pioneer in direct air carbon capture, raising $650M to scale globally, and Oxyle advancing environmental solutions.

Funding Landscape

Switzerland’s funding environment is maturing, with total startup investments reaching CHF 2.4 billion in 2024, though overall funding dipped due to global trends Swiss Venture Capital Report 2025. AI and deeptech startups bucked this trend, with funding doubling. Key funding sources include:

Well-developed exit opportunities, including acquisitions and IPOs on the Swiss SIX Exchange, further bolster the ecosystem.

Support Mechanisms and Financing

Switzerland startup funding opportunities are diverse, supported by accelerators like Innovaud, F10, and Kickstart Innovation, which provide mentorship and investor access. Platforms like Startup.ch track trends, while events like Startup Days in Bern foster networking. Public initiatives like Innosuisse and the Swiss Startup Group bridge research and market readiness, with corporate venture funds and cantonal banks adding financial depth. Despite progress, limited access to large-scale venture capital remains a challenge compared to larger hubs Swiss Venture Capital Report 2025.

Key Ecosystem Players and Infrastructure

A robust network of players powers the Swiss startup journey:

Innovation hubs like Trust Square in Zurich and EPFL Innovation Park in Lausanne create dense ecosystems where academia, business, and government intersect, fostering breakthrough ideas.

Case Studies: Swiss Startups to Watch

• Climeworks (Zurich): A cleantech and deeptech leader in direct air carbon capture, scaling globally after a $650M raise
• MindMaze (Lausanne): A neurotech unicorn valued over $1B, bridging AI and brain-computer interfaces for healthcare and gaming
• SEBA Bank (Zug): A regulated crypto bank leading institutional blockchain adoption in Crypto Valley
• Ava Women (Zurich): A femtech startup with a wearable fertility tracker used in over 30 countries, blending AI and healthtech

Challenges and Opportunities

Starting a business in Switzerland offers immense potential but comes with hurdles. High living costs in Zurich and Geneva strain early-stage startups, with office space and salaries among Europe’s highest. The conservative investment culture demands significant validation before funding, slowing innovation. The small domestic market (8.5 million people) necessitates early internationalization, requiring multilingual teams and compliance expertise. Foreign founders face bureaucratic challenges with visas and business registration, despite programs like Startup Visa Switzerland. However, opportunities abound:

• Leveraging Innovation: Switzerland’s #4 ranking in AI R&D and favorable conditions make it ideal for scaling AI and deeptech ventures WIPO Global Innovation Index 2024.
• Expanding Funding: Growing international investor interest signals untapped potential Swiss Venture Capital Report 2025.
• Global Reach: Proximity to Europe and a business-friendly environment make Switzerland a launchpad for global expansion.

Entrepreneurs can navigate challenges with startup support in Switzerland, such as Innovaud’s resources.

The Switzerland startup ecosystem in 2025 is a dynamic fusion of tradition and transformation, blending stability, world-class research, and vibrant hubs like Zurich and Lausanne. The AI and deep tech sectors, fueled by initiatives like the Swiss National AI Initiative and startups like Yokoy, Climeworks, and ID Quantique, position Switzerland as a global leader in ethical and impactful technology AI in Switzerland: Trends and Best AI Companies. Swiss startups in blockchain, biotech, fintech, and cleantech showcase the country’s versatility. For entrepreneurs asking how to start a startup in Switzerland, this ecosystem offers unmatched opportunities to innovate and scale globally.

Ready to dive into the Switzerland startup ecosystem? For personalized guidance on starting a business in Switzerland or scaling internationally, Finevolution can help you in getting set up.