Explore insights, news, and background stories from the Greater Zurich Area – one of Europe’s most advanced business and innovation hubs. This is where international companies, tech pioneers, and investors find the latest updates on artificial intelligence, robotics, biotech, fintech, and more. Whether you're looking for real-world expansion cases, startup success stories, or key developments in Switzerland’s business environment, our articles offer firsthand perspectives and strategic guidance.
COVID-19 drug cuts mortality rate
Molecular Partners has demonstrated the efficacy of its new coronavirus drug in studies conducted with the Free University of Berlin in hamsters. The mortality rate was drastically reduced. In-human trials are set to begin in November.
High-precision drug delivery to brain
Researchers at ETH Zurich have succeeded in developing a high-precision method for delivering therapeutic agents to the brain down to the millimeter. This method should allow psychiatric, neurological and oncological treatments to be undertaken with fewer side effects in future.
Avaloq to become part of NEC
Freienbach SZ – Avaloq is set to change hands. The Japanese IT group NEC is acquiring a 100 percent shareholding in Avaloq. The purchase price for the banking software firm based in the Greater Zurich Area will reach 2.05 billion Swiss francs. Avaloq will continue to operate as an independent entity headquartered in Switzerland.
Sleepiz awarded CE label
Zurich - Sleepiz has developed a contactless sleep monitoring device, which has now been awarded the CE label. This represents confirmation that the product developed by the ETH spin-off complies with the applicable regulations.
Solar energy set to help produce climate-friendly cement
Zurich - The ETH spin-off Synhelion and Cemex, a construction materials firm from Mexico, are planning to operate cement factories with solar energy in future. CO2 emissions created during the production process are to be converted into synthetic fuels.
ETH membrane filters radioactively contaminated water
Zurich – A filter membrane developed by ETH researches is highly efficient at filtering radioactively contaminated water. It is to be used by hospitals in future. The membrane might also help prevent over one million liters of radioactively contaminated water leaked from the nuclear accident in Fukushima being dumped in the Pacific Ocean.
New competence center for LifestyleTech
At the new LifestyleTech Competence Center in Lugano in the canton of Ticino, companies and universities are collaborating at the interface between lifestyle and technology. In addition to smaller local companies, major international players such as Microsoft and Bally are working on the development of technological solutions for the lifestyle sector of tomorrow.
Algorithm provides planning application information
Zug – The startup smartconext uses an intelligent algorithm to search through data on planning applications and makes this accessible via its platform. A new function will now enable construction companies to find relevant applications more quickly.
Sonja Wollkopf Walt on how Greater Zurich attracts talent and investors
Zurich, the economic, financial and technological hub of Switzerland, is blessed with scenic natural beauty and high quality of life. Home to world-class universities, Zurich enables businesses and innovation-driven start-ups access to skilled labour and high technology research capabilities.
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