Your guide to Switzerland’s startup ecosystem – focus on the Basel Area
Operating in a good startup ecosystem gives you access to resources, experts and institutions conducive to business growth and success.
The Swiss startup ecosystem ranks among the top 10 in the world.
Keep reading to learn about what makes a great startup ecosystem and some of the key players and support institutions in Switzerland and the Basel Area.
What makes the Swiss startup ecosystem one of the best?
A startup ecosystem is a network of individuals, organizations and resources that support the growth and development of startups.
A variety of actors make up a startup ecosystem. These include entrepreneurs, founders, investors, mentors, accelerators, incubators, government agencies, universities and research institutions.
The Swiss startup ecosystem is ranked among the top 10 globally as of 2024. It’s grown by nearly 15x in the past decade.
While Switzerland may not have the largest startup ecosystem, it’s regarded as one of the most innovative. In 2023 Switzerland ranked first in the Global Innovation Index for the 13th time in a row.
This is likely one of the major reasons why, despite a very challenging global economic environment, over CHF 2.5 billion was invested in Swiss startups in 2023, primarily in the cleantech, biotech, ICT (fintech), and MedTech sectors:
Here are some important factors required to build a thriving startup ecosystem, and reasons why Switzerland is good in terms of each one:
1. Access to capital
Startups need funds to grow and financing can come from various sources.
Swiss startups benefit from competitive government startup financing schemes (for example, the BRIDGE program), multiple venture capital firms that focus on local startups, angel investors, crowdfunding platforms, and accelerators.
A stable banking system and strong currency contribute to the Swiss startup ecosystem. Switzerland’s banking system is efficient and the Swiss franc is one of the world’s strongest currencies.
2. Skilled workforce
Startups need access to highly skilled and educated talent to help them develop and execute their business plans.
Switzerland has a robust domestic labor market complemented by foreign skilled workers. The country ranked highest on the Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2023. Switzerland has remained the most talent-competitive country globally for over a decade.
3. Supportive policies and regulations
Governments play an essential role in creating a supportive and financially attractive environment for startups by enacting policies and regulations encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation and investment.
For example:
- The corporate income tax levied on Swiss startups is approximately 12% to 21% (comprising federal tax plus the relevant cantonal rate), which is lower than the global average.
- Switzerland has one of the highest GDP per capita due to its stable economic and political systems, all of which which attracts investors.
- Switzerland offers various incentives and grants to its entrepreneurial ecosystem, such as tax exemptions for research & development activities.
- Liberal labor market regulations allow for a fast movement of talent. Startups can hire and fire easily.
- Regulations support the adoption and development of new technologies, making it a favorable environment for tech-driven startups.
4. A strong network of mentors and advisors
Experienced mentors and advisors provide valuable guidance and support to startup founders and help them navigate the challenges of building a new business. A startup ecosystem is incomplete without such mentors.
5. Access to infrastructure and resources
Startups need access to resources such as laboratory and coworking spaces, and access to research institutions and universities. These provide access to difficult-to-access technology platforms or facilities enabling them to build and test their idea.
With its remarkable technology infrastructure and state-of-the-art research facilities, Switzerland offers startups the perfect environment to flourish.
Key players in the Swiss startup ecosystem – from a Basel Area perspective
Here are some of the key players in the Switzerland startup ecosystem:
1. Incubators and accelerators.
Swiss incubators and accelerators allow founders to innovate and turn ideas into viable businesses. Here you get access to mentors, coaches, and consultants.
Innosuisse (Coaching, Innovation Projects, Swiss Accelerator), Tenity, kickstart, and Venturelab are among your best choices Swiss-wide. For Basel-based startups, we run the tailored accelerators i4Challenge, DayOne Accelerator, and BaseLaunch.
2. Awards
Government grants, awards, and competitions ensure that startups can develop their ideas to secure more significant investments.
The Swiss startup ecosystem offers financing support through various awards, grants, and competitions. These include the Innosuisse Scale-Up Award, the >>venture>> startup competition, the Swiss Medtech Award, De Vigier Award, and ClimateLaunchpad.
3. Venture capital and investors
Collaboration with local investors and venture capital firms comes with the benefit of having access to local expertise, proximity to portfolio companies, and insights into regional economic conditions.
The Swiss startup ecosystem offers many venture capital firms and investor networks.
4. Universities and research institutions
Universities help build the expertise required to drive innovation. They provide startups – directly or indirectly – with talent, research facilities, entrepreneurial education, funding, networking opportunities, and access to subject-matter experts.
ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne are globally known for their expertise and innovation, alongside the ETHZ Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, and the University of Basel among many others.
5. Information platforms and training associations
A startup ecosystem flourishes when aspiring founders have access to resources to structure and polish ideas, as well as to improve their business skills.
Digital Switzerland, Startup Ticker and Startup.ch are some organizations offering training and information to entrepreneurs in the Switzerland startup ecosystem.
6. Events and networking organizers
Events bring together the startup community and connect you with other founders, funding providers and mentors. These provide learning opportunities, exposure and visibility to young startups.
Upcoming events
Founders Dinner: Basel
Le tout connecté 2025
RNA Leaders Europe
7. Lab and coworking space providers
Coworking spaces offer access to amenities, resources and a community of innovators. Such places are necessary to meet clients and investors or attend business training seminars.
Switzerland Innovation, Office Zürich, Office Lab, Impact Hub, and Home of Innovation are popular coworking space providers that play a key role in the Swiss startup ecosystem.
Like workspaces, laboratories can be shared, too! Shared labs are a great way for startups to keep costs low while conducting initial experiments.
”Nearly half of European startups fail within three years. Securing sufficient funding, sourcing talent, and ensuring consistent business growth are challenges that founders face regularly.
The thriving Basel startup ecosystem can help you offset some of these difficulties, and we at Basel Area Business & Innovation are here to help your startup thrive.
Maurus BaslerManager Entrepreneurship at Basel Area Business & Innovation
A selection of key startup enablers in the Basel Area
There are many different enablers to consider for your venture. All of them can offer you support, networks and access to resources. Some are government-funded and free, while others have a price tag. It is important to inform yourself and find out what fits best for you and your startup.
For our region, we can recommend the following:
1. Basel Area Business & Innovation
We’re the Basel region’s investment and innovation promotion organization and your go-to agency for launching or relocating a business venture in/to Switzerland’s most dynamic region. We’re dedicated to helping startups, institutions and companies find business success in the Basel Area by connecting entrepreneurs with the right organizations and finding suitable office and lab space. Additionally, we offer incubator and accelerator programs in healthcare innovation, therapeutic innovation and industrial transformation.
Who should engage with Basel Area Business & Innovation?
Every entrepreneur and business trailblazer looking to settle in Switzerland’s most vibrant startup ecosystem should get started by getting in touch with us.
—> Innovate and accelerate with us
2. Startup Academy Basel
The startup academy connects startups with institutions of higher learning and other businesses. Its Basel branch provides tailored support to (almost) all kinds of startups at any stage of development, leveraging the unique strengths of the region’s ecosystem. A range of offers supports its mission to foster entrepreneurial thinking and support innovation:
- Coworking in a range of spaces from small and cozy nooks to large and energizing meeting rooms.
- Mentors who’ve overcome the obstacles you’re currently facing.
- Events like workshops, joint lunches and after-work sessions to meet like-minded people.
- Startup and scaleup programs that support you for 24–36 months with expert mentoring, financing support, publicity opportunities and much more.
The Startup Academy Basel provides its services either free of charge or at a very reasonable price, with the Startup-Programme, for example, only costing CHF 120.-/month.
Who should engage with the Startup Academy Basel?
Anyone with a business idea, an interest in entrepreneurship or even just the dream of being one’s own boss is welcome at the Startup Academy Basel.
—>More about the Startup Academy
3. Impact Hub
The Impact Hub is one of the top support institutions for Swiss startups and offers both accelerators and incubator programs. It supports young startups that work on services, solutions and products to get closer to 5 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. Its goal is to create a supportive ecosystem for social entrepreneurs and impact-driven businesses. The organization provides founders access to resources, networks and knowledge to help them create positive social and environmental impact and accelerate their startups.
The Impact Hub:
- provides coworking space and unique networking opportunities with experienced founders.
- offers programs for acceleration.
- enables access to global markets.
- is located in the Basel Area, which is a hub for social entrepreneurs.
- has a track record of successful startups.
Who should engage with the Impact Hub?
You should join Impact Hub if you have a startup in the sustainability niche. Scientists, academic researchers, individuals and entrepreneurs can apply to join.
4. IFJ (Institut für Jungunternehmen)
IFJ offers various business-related services to Swiss founders. This institution conducts helpful workshops and webinars and fosters entrepreneurship and innovation in Switzerland by supporting and empowering entrepreneurs.
The highlights of their offering are:
- Advice from experienced founders and subject-matter experts
- Intensive courses on specific business domains such as accounting, trademark protection and business plan basics
- Networking events
- Business plan tools
- Management software
- Support programs
- Financing opportunities
IFJ’s offering covers all aspects that new startups usually struggle with at every stage of their journey. The services are free of charge for founders.
Who should engage with the IFJ?
Anyone, from individuals to organizations, who is interested in entrepreneurship or starting and growing a business can join IFJ. Register for its workshops if you need support with a specific business domain.
The programs and resources are especially beneficial for early-stage founders and growth-stage startups.
5. Standortförderung Baselland
Standortförderung Baselland supports the cooperation between startup founders, investors, government administrators, innovation centers, research institutions and other players in the startup ecosystem. The organization helps with administration issues, with sharing resources, establishing connections to local experts, and finding real estate most appropriate for business activities and growth.
Standortförderung Baselland is a vital support institution in the Basel Area startup ecosystem. You can reach out to it for answers to technical questions and to find contact details for specialist administrative departments of the canton.
Who should engage with Standortförderung Baselland?
Founders who need help setting up their business in the Basel Area can benefit from their resources and services. Also, you can engage with the organization if you want to relocate to the canton or want help with networking or financing.
—> More about Standortförderung Baselland
6. Standortförderung Basel-Stadt
Standortförderung Basel-Stadt extends a comprehensive array of support services, with a special emphasis on nurturing startups looking to establish themselves within the vibrant economic landscape of Basel-Stadt. The Standortförderung serves as the go-to resource for businesses seeking guidance on administrative matters, company formation, and insights into the economic dynamics of Basel-Stadt.
The organization ensures that founders gain access to the right resources and expertise to thrive in Basel-Stadt’s dynamic business ecosystem.
Who should engage with Standortförderung Basel-Stadt?
Standortförderung Basel-Stadt is the ideal resource for entrepreneurs and startup founders about to launch a new venture in Basel-Stadt. People who need assistance in navigating the complexities of starting a business find a knowledgeable partner at the Standortförderung Basel-Stadt.
—>More about Standortförderung Basel-Stadt
7. Creapole
Creapole has supported startups in the Canton of Jura and the development of improvement and innovation projects within Jura SMEs for over 10 years.
Its team can help you set up a new company or support your innovation efforts in an existing SME. If you want to set up a company, Creapole will guide you through every stage to make sure everything goes smoothly. To realize an innovative project in your existing company, Creapole’s project managers will help you determine your company’s needs and organize a personalized support structure adapted to your specific project.
Who should engage with Creapole?
If you’re based in Jura and you need help setting up a business or realizing a project related to innovation, organization, or processes within your company, Creapole’s team is happy to help.
8. Uni Basel Innovation Office
The University of Basel has its own innovation and entrepreneurship hub, called Innovation Office. It’s located in Allschwil and aims to help entrepreneurs develop their sustainable business ventures to positively impact society.
To make that vision a reality, the Innovation Office runs educational courses in entrepreneurship, organizes inspirational encounters for founders, operates startup incubation and acceleration programs and initiates valuable linkages to industry.
Their offer is divided into three categories:
- Learn: If you’re at the very beginning of your entrepreneurship journey, you benefit from entrepreneurial courses, inspirational events and opportunities to connect with role models, startups and seasoned entrepreneurs.
- Create: If you already have an idea for a startup, you get help creating it or elevating it through accelerator programs, non-dilutive funding grants and comprehensive support.
- Grow: If you’re running a successful startup in Switzerland and want to take it beyond our borders, you can expect facilitation with international programs and cross-border collaborations.
Who should engage with the Innovation Office?
Whether you have just an idea for a sustainable business venture or are already successfully running one, the Innovation Office will help you take it to the next level.
—>More about the Innovation Office
9. Business Parks
The Business Park Baselland and the Business Parc Reinach offer support services for startups in the canton of Baselland
At both places, entrepreneurs can get a free initial consultation about their idea, after which they can get support in developing their business and financial plans.
Do you want to join Switzerland’s startup ecosystem?
Nearly half of European startups fail within three years. Securing sufficient funding, sourcing talent and ensuring consistent business growth are some challenges founders face regularly.
You can offset some difficulties by setting up shop in Switzerland’s thriving startup ecosystem.
Attend a one of our events to learn about the benefits of joining a Switzerland startup ecosystem, the various players that can help you succeed and the mentorship programs available.
You can always talk to our experts to learn how to join.
Or sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on events, exciting statistics, success stories for a morale boost and valuable insights from industry leaders in the Swiss startups ecosystem.
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