It is no coincidence that the Greater Zurich Area is home to so many world-class patents for medical technology as nowhere else in Europe. Technology leaders such as Roche Diagnostics, Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, Hamilton, Sonova, Cardinal Health and DePuy Synthes (Johnson&Johnson) operate headquarters or research and production facilities here. They value the large pool of international specialists, the R&D collaborations with leading universities and start-ups, the protection of intellectual property, and the business-friendly environment.
Switzerland is considered to be one of the world's most important locations for medical technology. The Greater Zurich Area contributes significantly to this. In fact, there is no other location in the world where medical technology is of such high importance in relation to total gross domestic product and labor force. Access to highly qualified specialists, first-class universities and research institutions such as the University of Zurich (UZH), the University Hospital Zurich (USZ), the ETH Zurich, and also the renowned Balgrist University Hospital are crucial assets. Leading and internationally recognized medical experts as well as developers and programmers conduct research to reduce or completely eliminate diseases of the human musculoskeletal system.
The medical technology in Greater Zurich aims for the best quality and quick access to innovations for the patients. Thanks to the innovative Swiss spirit, new medical technology products are in great demand on the world market. According to Swiss MedTech, 85% of all the imports from the top 10 importing countries are medtech imports. The USA ranks first, followed by Germany and the Netherlands. More than half of all Swiss medtech products are imported from the USA and Germany.
A large number of medtech companies in the Greater Zurich Area
The Greater Zurich location has a high density of medtech companies that are covering the entire value chain. There are a total of around 1400 medical technology companies in Switzerland. These create over 58,000 jobs. Most of the highly specialized manufacturers, suppliers and dealers are located in the Greater Zurich Area. Some of the top medtech companies include Cardinal Health, DePuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson), Hamilton, Roche Diagnostics, Stryker, and Zimmer Biomet.
In comparison with other leading European business locations, Greater Zurich Area has the highest number of patents in medical technology - both in terms of quantity and quality (world-class patents). (Source: BAK Economics)
Life sciences in the Greater Zurich Area
Life sciences in the Greater Zurich Area
Do you want to be close to major players, innovative start-ups and leading research institutes in the life sciences space? The Greater Zurich Area has evolved into a dynamically expanding life sciences hotspot, thanks to the region’s academic excellence, business-friendly regulations, IP protection, large international talent pool and R&D collaborations between universities and start-ups, as well as large multinational corporations.
Why Greater Zurich for Medical Technology?
The Greater Zurich Area is unique: Knowledge and experience are exchanged within individual research departments but also between different companies and institutions. This creates a remarkable symbiosis of fruitful cooperation in the Swiss medtech industry. Universities and technology institutes offer various specialized programs, and hospitals or companies from related industries cooperate. Medical technology thus combines academic knowledge with technical know-how and craftsmanship. This exchange specifically promotes innovation.
Innovation and collaboration
Innovations can only make a difference if they are safe, effective, and applicable. As artificial intelligence and digitalization are creating new forms of medical technology, medtech companies and research institutions in Greater Zurich are collaborating in order to explore new approaches and create the best possible results through partnerships and shared knowledge.
Internationally focused and competitive
Switzerland is a prosperous and economically liberal country with an excellent infrastructure. Highly trained specialists and comparatively low tax rates offer good conditions for international companies. The generally low tax level for companies and - depending on the canton - also for the people living there is another advantage.
Capital and talent
The immediate proximity to one of the world's most important financial centers provides favorable conditions, especially for new companies. Various types of financing such as venture capital or private equity funds are available in Greater Zurich.
In addition, there are renowned universities that attract international students and future top professionals. Switzerland has a very good dual education system and benefits from the multilingualism of many experts, making it the world-leading talent hub (IMD).
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Find out what makes Greater Zurich a hotspot for life sciences companies.
This fact sheet gives the hard data on why Switzerland is a medical technology hub.
Learn more about the benefits of doing business in the Greater Zurich Area.
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