SME pages
Switzerland Switzerland focused on the applications of nanotechnology at an
initial stage and is one of the fastest growing countries in the field of
instrumentation, and has the highest nanotechnology funding in the world
on a per capita basis. In order to strengthen the Swiss economy through
stimulating and exploiting nanotechnology and to support SMEs, the Swiss
government continued this effort with the TOPNano21 programme which ran from
2000 to 2003. This strategy is now continued through the Swiss Innovation
Centre .
Government Initiatives
TOPNano21 funded more than 200 projects in new technologies. One of the main focuses of the programme was the development and application of new nanoscale technologies and to encourage preparations for founding new companies.
KTI/CTI- The Innovation Promotion Agency
CTI is the Swiss innovation promotion agency. With the motto "Science to market", it focuses on the rapid conversion of state-of-the-art laboratory findings to marketable products. Nanotechnology and Microsystem Technology Funding (CTI Nano/Micro)CTI was responsible for the operational implementation of TOP NANO21, and has continued this work to ensure that successful projects and synergies between various organisations are developed to their full potential.
CTI Start-upCTI Start-up is an initiative of the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (OPET). Under this programme individuals who want to start up a business can submit proposals to CTI for funding and assistance.
CTI Start-up Label
The best projects are awarded the CTI Start-up Label, which gives credibility, provides integration into networks, and help access venture capital.
The CTI networkCTI Start-up considers active networking as an important factor for long term growth and has started the CTI Network to enable new entrepreneurs to find the right financial and technology partners.
CTI Invest is a fully private institution which brings together business ventures, entrepreneurs, investors and their respective networks. They conduct events where the companies coached by CTI Start-up can present themselves and where the members can evaluate them and network.
Venturelab Training has been set up with the aim of creating more entrepreneurs in Switzerland. It aims to create more value added jobs in the high technology sector. Venturelab helps and advises entrepreneurs, young people and contractors, in a tangible way, to create their own company.
The Secretariat of State to the Economy (SECO) created the SME Task Force to meet the needs of the SMEs in Switzerland and to act as a focal point with government and industry.
Regional Government supports
Western Switzerland is famous for its microtechnology industry with over 1000 companies employing more than 60,000 people, making it a major player in the Swiss economy. The region is well established as a global centre of excellence in miniaturization which gives a solid foundation for expertise in nanotechnologies.
The Science Park of Ecublens (PSE)
The purpose of Scientific Park PSE is to encourage and support scientific collaboration between Colleges, the University of Lausanne (UNIL), and industry (start-up, spin-off, antennas R&D of existing companies). PSE’s mission is to support the creation of startup companies in the field of high technology and to accommodate the maximum number of industrial companies on the FPSL (Federal Institute of Technology) Campus. Y Parc in Yverdon is a science and technological park designed to support hi-techbusinesses in the secondary stage of commercial application and marketing of new technology. The 50 hectares of grounds include a Business and Innovation Centre, a building accommodating close to 60 businesses involved in microtechnology, microelectronics, biotechnology and medical technologies.The Bipole Lausanne Region is a science park located next to the University of Lausanne's Institute for Biochemistry, the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and the Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research which supports biomedical and biotechnology businesses, especially those involved in oncology and immunology.
Cast (Centre d'appui scientifique et technologique)
Cast (Centre d'appui scientifique et technologique) of the Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne (EPFL) plays a key role in making the expertise of EPFL accessible to businesses in the region.
The Centre for Technology Transfer (CeTT)
The Centre for Technology Transfer (CeTT) of the Vaud Higher School of Engineering facilitates contacts, collaboration, and project management between innovative businesses and the school. CeTT offers technology transfer, conducts special tests, and develops prototypes in the areas of materials, energy, mechanics, microtechnology, electronics and microelectronics.Vaud Association for Innovation and Technology Promotion
Vaud Association for Innovation and Technology Promotion (AIT) is a non-profit group working to improve the competitiveness of SMEs.Basel Area
Basel Area promotes the benefits of Basel's economic region and is the main contact point for companies and entrepreneurs wishing to establish their business in the region, as well as for new businesses and young entrepreneurs from within the region itself.
Zurich, and its environs, is considered to be the business centre of Switzerland and offers a variety of services to new companies. The Greater Zurich Area AG supports international companies as they evaluate possible business locations and settle in the Greater Zurich Area, and is responsible for outward promotion and marketing.
The Ark is a project of economic development launched by Switzerland's Secretariat for Economic Affairs and the State of Valais. The Ark facilitates the creation of new business and aims to nurture further research among existing business.
Private and Public Centres
IFJ (Institute for Young Enterprises)
Since its formation in 1989, the institute has supported the development of more than 2000 business plans. It assists start-ups and SMEs with strategy and marketing consultation through each development stage until the company is well established.
Neode is a science and technology park housing both start-up and established micro and nanotechnology companies.
Entrepreneurs Organization (EO)
EO is one of the largest international organisations dedicated to entrepreneurs. It spreads over five continents with more than 5000 members. More than 30 companies are involved in EO activities in Switzerland.
FONGIT brings together valuable business, government and academic resources tocatalyse business development in technology industries.
eStarter.ch - The market place for SMEs
eStarter.ch helps SMEs by providing them with an opportunity to promote their company online for free.
The Swiss Centre for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) Inc., is a privately owned, knowledge-based company whose main activities lie in the fields of nanotechnology, microelectronics, systems engineering, information and communication technologies.
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
CERN has developed many novel technologies, pushed existing ones to new limits, and provided training opportunities in new technologies. CERN has created a Technology Transfer Centre to facilitate the transfer of its technology to industry and assist the creation of start-ups based on its technologies (such start-ups need not be run by the person developing the technology). Materials with Novel Electronic Properties (MaNEP) is one of the 14 National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR), and has a pool of more than 250 scientists from Swiss universities and industry. MaNEP has a Knowledge and Technology Transfer (KTT) strategy to assist in the transfer of its innovations to industry.
Investors
NanoDimension provides early-stage venture capital for the nanotechnology industry. It has a strong expertise in nanotechnology and high-tech commercialization as well as a solid investment track-record (over 40% IRR with multibillion funds). The firm facilitates the transfer of nanotechnology from research labs to manufacturing companies. NanoWorld Holding AG is a financial holding company which does not conduct operational business. It invests in nanotechnology through the acquisition of manufacturing companies.
Trade Alliances and Networks
Founded in 1998, the Swiss Economic Forum is a national organisation offering services for entrepreneurship and innovation. It offers unique networking platform for all business stakeholders and one of its recent meetings was attended by over 1200 CEOs from across Switzerland.
Swiss Nanotech engages with the Swiss nanotechnology community with the purpose of commercialising technologies, in particular through promoting Swiss nanotech in the US. It is an initiative by Swiss Business Hub which is a member of the Swiss Business network.
