Innovation powering the entire region

The following examples illustrate the wide-ranging and forward-looking innovation potential unfolding across the entire Greater Zurich Area.

Glarus – Strong ecosystem in the fields of food and packaging 

Glarus focuses on industry, efficiency, and sustainability. In 2024, drone company Anavia announced the construction of a new production facility in Glarus Nord – a sign of industrial momentum. With the completion of the land-use planning project NUP II, significant land reserves for future growth have been secured. The canton boasts a strong ecosystem in the fields of food and packaging, with Carlsberg acting as a key driver. In the coming years, around 250 new jobs will be created in the food sector alone. In the field of plastic packaging, the entire value chain is represented – from recycling to production. At the same time, strategic initiatives such as municipal reforms and membership in the Greater Zurich Area have been implemented. Glarus combines economic transformation with social innovation. 

Graubünden – Research in the alpine region 

Graubünden is strengthening its position as a center for research and innovation. A key milestone is the establishment of a Chair for Allergology and Asthma by the University of Zurich in Davos. This is a first – never before has the University of Zurich created a chair outside its home canton – and it underscores Graubünden's medical importance in the Alpine region. The project is part of a long-term partnership and an integral part of the canton’s innovation strategy. It highlights inter-cantonal collaboration and shows how Graubünden is strategically expanding its research potential and gaining national prominence. 

Schaffhausen – Hotspot for FoodTech, AgriTech, and sustainable packaging 

Schaffhausen is establishing itself as a location for forward-looking industrial projects. At the SIG site in Neuhausen, Johnson & Johnson has operated the world’s first industrial pilot plant for disassembling used injection devices since 2024. The "Circulab" project aims to return materials to the production cycle – a pioneering contribution to a circular economy in the pharmaceutical sector. Much is also happening at Knorri Park: The site is being repositioned, opened up, and is evolving into a hotspot for FoodTech, AgriTech, and sustainable packaging. With the arrival of the first companies, an ecosystem for future-oriented industries is taking shape. Schaffhausen is a prime example of how innovation, sustainability, and industrial development go hand in hand. 

Schwyz – Dynamic environment for logistics, production, research, and development

Schwyz is becoming a center for technology-driven innovation. In 2024, the decision was made to establish a research and development center of CSEM – a significant boost for knowledge and technology transfer. At the same time, the growing consumer goods company Carletto Management & Logistik AG has been successfully strengthened. In retrospect, companies such as Pfisterer Switzerland AG, Estée Lauder AG, and Tyco / Johnson Controls have made decisive contributions to the development of the location. The Health Tech Cluster Switzerland has also established itself as a central platform for exchanging and developing medical technology. Schwyz offers a dynamic environment with strong prospects – for logistics, production, research, and development. 

Solothurn – Ecosystem for e-mobility and circular economy 

Solothurn positions itself as a modern business location with international appeal. The launch of the new website www.investinsolothurn.com in 2024 marked an important step towards global positioning. At the Papieri site in Biberist, an ecosystem for e-mobility and the circular economy is simultaneously being developed. The “Circular Center for E-Mobility” aims to connect players across the entire value chain. The settlement of Swiss Battery Technology Center AG – a Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne subsidiary – marks the first concrete step. Even before this, establishing the Biogen plant in Luterbach was a milestone in industrial policy. Solothurn demonstrates innovative strength in the fields of energy, biotech, and circular economy. 

Ticino – Europe’s most powerful supercomputer for AI 

Ticino is rapidly evolving into an innovation hub with international connectivity. In 2024, the Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino was integrated into the national network – supported by the new location agency in Bellinzona. Also that year, the supercomputer “ALPS” was inaugurated in Lugano, one of Europe's most powerful AI systems. The DCAT Summit took place in 2024 for the first time in its 134-year history outside the USA – a strong signal of Lugano’s international visibility. Since joining the Greater Zurich Area in 2019, universities and research institutions have been systematically expanded. These include the campuses of USI and SUPSI, the IRB, the IOR, and new biotech companies like Peptone and blockchain initiatives such as Plan B in Lugano. 

Uri – Center of excellence for alpine technology 

Uri is positioning itself as an internationally recognized center of excellence for alpine technology. Cable car construction, rock engineering, environmental monitoring – the know-how of Uri’s companies is in demand worldwide. With 37 cable cars and seven ski resorts for only 37,000 residents, the canton boasts a high density of alpine infrastructure. Companies like Sisag, Remec, and Wipfli are driving developments in control technology, digital maintenance, and heavy transport in mountainous terrain. Kässbohrer Schweiz AG, with its new location at Werkmatt Uri, is boosting innovation in the field of snow grooming vehicles. The SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun serves as a real-world test environment for new technologies. Through the platform alpintechnik.ch, Uri showcases its concentrated expertise – illustrating how tradition, precision, and innovation merge in the Alps into a forward-looking regional identity. 

Winterthur – Urban space for living, working, and innovation 

Winterthur is establishing itself as an innovation hub focused on sustainability and technology. Since 2024, the Vitus site, located on the former grounds of Rieter AG in Winterthur Töss, has been developed into an urban space for living, working, and innovation – inspired by Winterthur’s Roman name, Vitudurum. In nearby Kemptthal, two important innovation centers are located: The Cultured Hub – founded by Givaudan, Bühler, and Migros – promotes the development of cell-based food. The House of Lab Sciences is being built next door – a state-of-the-art lab facility for start-ups in FoodTech and Biotech. With programs like Launch Control and the business angel network Winti Ventures, targeted start-up support is also being expanded. 

Zurich – Strong AI sector with leading companies 

Zurich has established itself as a leading hub for artificial intelligence and financial technology (FinTech) in Europe. In December 2024, OpenAI opened an office in Zurich and recruited three renowned engineers from Google DeepMind: Lucas Beyer, Alexander Kolesnikov, and Xiaohua Zhai. Anthropic also expands its presence in the city, underscoring Zurich’s importance in the global AI sector. In FinTech, Zurich continues to attract companies such as Revolut, which is expanding its European operations here. The close collaboration between traditional financial institutions and innovative start-ups creates a dynamic ecosystem that further solidifies Zurich’s role as a global financial hub. These developments highlight how Zurich consistently attracts talent and investment, reinforcing its role as an international technological innovation and financial services center. 

Zug – Hotspot for FinTech, Life Sciences, and sustainability 

Zug is one of Europe’s leading innovation hubs. In the fields of FinTech and blockchain, the canton is internationally renowned: Around two-thirds of all blockchain companies in Switzerland are based here or in nearby Zurich – as of early 2024, 512 out of 1,292 companies. Zug also ranks among the strongest FinTech hubs in Switzerland, with 125 companies. At the same time, the life sciences sector is growing rapidly, with players such as KalVista, Madrigal, SpringWorks, and Crinetics. In the area of sustainability, Zug is making an impression with forward-looking mobility solutions: The Zug Alliance – supported by the canton – is driving projects in e-mobility, car sharing, and alternative fuels. Together with partners like AMAG, BYD, Mobility, Ecoceres, and the Cham Group, a sustainable innovation ecosystem is emerging around the Papieri site.