immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Company

  • Million-euro financing accelerates autonomous construction site technology

    Million-euro financing accelerates autonomous construction site technology

    Venture capital firms from three continents have invested in Gravis Robotics: The spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, founded in 2022, has raised 23 million dollars in an early financing round, according to its information.

    The round was led by the venture capital companies IQ Capital from London and Zacua Ventures from San Francisco. Pear VC from Palo Alto, California, Imad Ventures from the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, Sunna Ventures from Miami and the Zurich-based company Armada Investment as well as the globally active cement manufacturer Holcim from Zug also participated.

    Gravis Robotics offers autonomous earthmoving machines that combine artificial intelligence, machine vision and human interfaces to increase throughput, reduce waste and improve safety on construction sites, whether the operators are in the cab or coordinating the work remotely.

    With the recent funding, Gravis now has the technology, partnerships and global distribution channels across the industry to drive the adoption of true autonomy on a large scale, the company said. In addition, it also announced “a wave” of new industry partnerships. For example, Gravis Robotics has partnered with Taylor Woodrow in the UK on a major infrastructure project at Manchester Airport, carrying out the first autonomous excavation work on a major active construction site in the country. There are also agreements with Holcim and the South Korean company HD Hyundai.

    The fastest route to autonomy is through increasing productivity, CEO Dr. Ryan Luke Johns is quoted as saying. “By providing operators with real-time 3D intelligence and the ability to seamlessly switch between autonomy and advanced control, we are covering more of the work, accelerating the application and creating the data pipeline needed to learn new skills from the industry’s most challenging tasks.“ The company considers it an advantage to have its Zurich headquarters “at the heart of the renowned robotics and automation ecosystem”.

  • Selection of future-oriented start-ups strengthens digital property development

    Selection of future-oriented start-ups strengthens digital property development

    A total of 95 young companies applied for Swiss Prime Site ‘s 27th Accelerator Programme. of these, 21 were allowed to present themselves and eight reached the final. Four of them have now been selected to work with the property company, according to a press release from Venturelab. The Schlieren-based start-up promoter is working with Swiss Prime Site on the programme and is conducting the associated workshops.

    The winning companies are Jurata AG, Legartis Technology AG, Optiverse AG and Epic Fusion AG. All four are active in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), the focus of the current Accelerator programme. Jurata develops solutions for law, accounting and taxes, Legartis for contract review and analysis. Optiverse is working on using AI to make meetings more efficient, while Epic Fusion is optimising workplaces.

    “I was really impressed with the quality of the presentations. Each project was well prepared and professionally presented, with a clear business case for Swiss Prime Site,” said Victor Wolff Casado, Digital Project Manager at Swiss Prime Site. “Venturelab’s unique start-up network and expertise help us to drive innovation in a systematic and fast process.”

  • Construction industry sets an example in terms of quality, innovation and tradition

    Construction industry sets an example in terms of quality, innovation and tradition

    Maulini SA was awarded the Prix SVC Genève 2025 on 27 November, according to a press release. Founded in 1910, the company employs around 270 people. It is active in the construction of new residential, industrial and administrative buildings as well as the renovation, transformation and insulation of listed and contemporary buildings in Geneva and the region. The company has also been offering services as a general contractor for ten years.

    The jury of the Prix SVC was impressed by the history of the family business with its four generations and the commitment of the teams and management. “In a sector where it is not easy to anchor innovation in everyday life, we have been able to observe the development of a family business that consistently endeavours to ensure its impact and sustainability,” said jury president Sophie Dubuis in the press release. “This award recognises its strong local roots, its innovative spirit and its excellence.”

    This is the third time that the Swiss Venture Club(SVC) has awarded the Prix SVC Genève. More than 700 guests from business, politics, society and the media attended the award ceremony at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva. The aim of the event was to “highlight the entrepreneurial diversity of the region”, according to the press release.

    The other finalists included watch supplier Fiedler SA in Carouge GE, landscaper Jacquet SA and the La Colline physiotherapy group in Geneva, as well as Pneus Claude SA in Satigny GE.

  • Strategisches Wachstumsprogramm setzt auf Digitalisierung und Effizienz

    Strategisches Wachstumsprogramm setzt auf Digitalisierung und Effizienz

    Sika hat ein strategisches Wachstumsprogramm vorgestellt. Das weltweit operierende Unternehmen für Spezialchemie mit Sitz in Baar will mit dem Fast-Forward-Programm sowohl Investitionen als auch an anderer Stelle Einsparungen im dreistelligen Millionenbereich vornehmen, heisst es in einer Mitteilung.

    So will Sika im Bereich digitaler Transformation 120 bis 150 Millionen Franken investieren. Für effiziente Strukturanpassungen in China und anderen Märkten wird für das laufende Jahr mit einem Umfang von 80 bis 100 Millionen Franken gerechnet. Parallel zu den Investitionen will das Unternehmen in verschiedenen Bereichen jährlich 150 bis 200 Millionen Franken einsparen, mit „voller Wirkung ab 2028″. Zudem bestätigt Sika seine Strategie 2028 und damit ein angestrebtes Umsatzwachstum zwischen 3 und 6 Prozent.

    „Sika lanciert das Fast Forward-Programm aus einer Position der Stärke. Wir verzeichnen die höchste Gewinnmarge unserer Unternehmensgeschichte und machen Sika mit Fast Forward fit für die Zukunft“, wird Thomas Hasler, CEO von Sika, in der Mitteilung zitiert. „Wir investieren gezielt in Digitalisierung und Effizienz, um weltweit noch näher an unseren Kunden zu sein. Unser Ziel ist es, digitaler Spitzenreiter in unseren Märkten zu werden – als Grundlage für weiteres Wachstum und zur langfristigen Stärkung unserer hohen Profitabilität.“

  • Innovation for building refurbishment sets new standards across Europe

    Innovation for building refurbishment sets new standards across Europe

    HeiQ receives the German Sustainability Award for Products for its Xpectra technology, as detailed in a press release. The coating is sprayed onto buildings and reflects up to 74 per cent of heat radiation. According to the jury, the spray coating makes it easier to retrofit existing buildings in particular: “With this award, the jury is highlighting an innovation that shows how material-efficient technologies can simplify and accelerate the energy-efficient refurbishment of buildings and thus make an effective contribution to climate protection.”

    Xpectra is managed within the Schlieren-based HeiQ Group by HeiQ Xpectra GmbH, which is based in Regensburg, Germany. HeiQ will accept the award on 4 December in Düsseldorf. The company is now planning to scale the technology in Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. “The German Sustainability Award is a successful example of HeiQ as an innovator of deep-tech materials and of our joint commitment to innovation and sustainability,” Oliver Zech is quoted as saying. He is the CEO of HeiQ RAS AG, which is also based in Regensburg. “The award strengthens our position on the market and opens up new opportunities for joint marketing.”

    HeiQ is a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, is based at the IJZ Innovation and Young Entrepreneur Centre and is a member of Start Smart Schlieren.

  • Lift technology strengthens the development of the destination Andermatt

    Lift technology strengthens the development of the destination Andermatt

    As a partner of Andermatt Swiss Alps, the Finnish lift and escalator manufacturer KONE has realised one hundred installations since 2011, according to a press release. As part of Samih Sawiri’s development project for the destination, 1.7 billion Swiss francs are being invested, with a focus on long-term partnerships. KONE passenger and goods lifts are now in operation in luxury hotels, villas and flat blocks in the area. The company, which has its Swiss headquarters in Brüttisellen, is also responsible for new escalators and a moving walkway at Andermatt railway station.

    According to the press release, most of the passenger lifts installed are the KONE MonoSpace 500 DX and KONE MonoSpace 700 DX models, while the goods lifts are TranSys DX models. In addition, customised lifts have been manufactured for the five-star Chedi Andermatt hotel, for example.

    Sustainability in terms of energy efficiency, energy recovery and service life played an important role in all projects, according to the company. This is not only in line with the Andermatt Responsible initiative, but also with KONE’s principles. It is noted that KONE was voted one of the 20 most sustainable companies in Europe by the trade magazine “Corporate Knights” in 2025.

    According to Jan-Eric Mahnkopf from Andermatt Swiss Alps, a project of this size and duration can only be successfully realised with strong, long-term partnerships. “With KONE, we have a technologically leading and flexible partner at our side who has reliably fulfilled our high demands on quality, design and efficiency for years,” Mahnkopf is quoted as saying as the construction project manager.

    According to KONE, this long-term approach has the advantage of optimising planning and logistics and always having sufficient materials and personnel on site. “The collaborating teams are perfectly attuned, they know the needs and requirements of the partner,” says Lukas Lehmann, the responsible KONE sales manager.

  • All the world’s buildings in a 3D model

    All the world’s buildings in a 3D model

    The GlobalBuildingAtlas comprises around 2.75 billion digital building models, making it the most comprehensive collection of spatially explicit building data to date. It includes all buildings for which suitable satellite images were available in 2019. The 3D models have a spatial resolution of 3×3 meters and are therefore around 30 times finer than previous global data sets. The atlas was developed by a team led by Prof. Xiaoxiang Zhu, holder of the Chair of Data Science in Earth Observation at TUM, which combines remote sensing, artificial intelligence and data-driven urban research in a global approach

    Detailed 3D models and global coverage
    Of the 2.75 billion entries, standardized LoD1 3D models are available for around 2.68 billion, which depict the basic shape and height of the buildings in simplified geometry. This allows volumes to be calculated, urban structures to be analyzed and settlement patterns to be compared worldwide. Of particular importance is the systematic coverage of previously underrepresented regions such as Africa, South America and rural areas, which are now captured with the same accuracy as dense metropolitan areas

    Tool for planning, climate and risk
    The data makes it possible to examine growth dynamics in fast-growing cities, identify high-density neighborhoods with potentially strained living space and determine infrastructure requirements more precisely. Researchers and administrations can thus develop indicators that show where the expansion of transport, energy and water networks, additional housing or climate adaptation measures are particularly urgent. At the same time, the GlobalBuildingAtlas creates a globally standardized reference system that allows analyses of urbanization, energy consumption and disaster risks on a comparable data basis.

  • Basel focusses on the circular economy

    Basel focusses on the circular economy

    BaselCircular is not a traditional funding initiative, but forms the basis for a new innovation ecosystem in the region. As a public-private partnership, the initiative is working with the Basel business community to develop structures that combine knowledge, research and entrepreneurship. At the centre of this is the networking of established companies, start-ups and universities. They form a system that promotes innovation, shares knowledge and makes circular business models marketable – according to the principle of “enabling the enabler”.

    Knowledge, technology and cooperation
    A central field of action is the creation of digital platforms for knowledge exchange and cooperation. Practical tools and expert systems are being developed in collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland and other scientific partners. AI-based tools are planned to make it easier for companies to adapt circular solutions. However, personal exchange remains crucial, as technology serves as an amplifier for human collaboration.

    Inspiring the next generation
    The network aims to inspire young people to become entrepreneurs in the circular economy. Together with educational institutions, programmes are being developed to promote start-ups. Existing start-up support centres are supported in firmly integrating sustainability into their competitions and training courses.

    Shaping the future
    A survey of companies in Basel has shown that knowledge and implementation levels in the circular economy vary greatly. BaselCircular is responding to this with customised offers and close collaborations, initially in the construction and life sciences sectors. Further areas will be added from 2025. This is a clear signal that Basel is actively strengthening its role as a centre of innovation and is resolutely driving forward the transformation towards a resource-efficient economy.

  • Dynamics of the economic future in Ticino

    Dynamics of the economic future in Ticino

    The urbanisation of Pian Faloppia was a strategic project for the future. Modern transport connections, a high-performance electricity network and an advanced water supply system create optimal conditions that are particularly attractive to companies with innovative aspirations. The specific site planning of the Balerna municipal association was developed in close dialogue with owners and entrepreneurs in order to sustainably strengthen the settlement area.

    Innovation dynamics and network expertise
    Companies from the precision engineering, watchmaking, solar technology and advanced logistics sectors operate in the centre. The interaction between research, industry and entrepreneurship is a key success factor. Companies located here benefit from links to research centres and universities as well as access to a qualified workforce, creating a powerful and future-oriented economic dynamic.

    Management with vision and synergies
    With the newly created role of Area Manager, Pian Faloppia is focussing on actively supporting and developing the quality of the location. This position bundles regional development structures and ensures targeted networking between companies, authorities and other stakeholders. This creates synergies that continuously strengthen the economic region and ensure attractive conditions for companies to settle here.

    Quality of life as a location argument
    The location is not only characterised by economic advantages, but also by a high quality of life. A wide range of leisure and cultural activities as well as the natural surroundings guarantee attractive conditions for specialists and managers. The temperate climate and Swiss stability offer additional planning security for long-term developments. The Pian Faloppia development centre is an example of future-oriented regional development in Ticino. The consistent focus on sustainable innovation, networking and synergy creates an attractive economic area that offers prospects for companies and skilled workers alike.

  • Hydrogen plant in Seewen suspended – market development remains crucial

    Hydrogen plant in Seewen suspended – market development remains crucial

    According to a press release, ebs Wasserstoff AG is suspending its project to produce hydrogen at the site of the surfacing plant in Seewen. The reason given for the decision is that sales and profitability are currently insufficient. However, the market situation is being monitored. Should demand increase, the project could be resumed.

    The Schwyz-based energy supplier ebs Energie AG holds a 60 per cent stake in ebs Wasserstoff AG, the road and civil engineering company A. Käppeli’s Söhne AG Schwyz holds a 25 per cent stake and the Basel-based energy supplier IWB holds a 15 per cent stake. Together, they submitted a planning application for a production plant in Seewen in 2022.

    According to a breakdown by ebs, the plant would produce hydrogen with a capacity of 5 to 6 megawatts for up to 100 lorries a day. This would have been sufficient for 11.1 million lorry kilometres per year and would have saved 7.8 million kilograms of CO2. The investment costs were estimated at CHF 16.8 million.

    Some of the hydrogen could also have been fed into the gas grid by ebs Erdgas Biogas AG. The waste heat from the electrolysis process could have been utilised in the surfacing plant.

  • Positive market trend strengthens portfolio development

    Positive market trend strengthens portfolio development

    The listed real estate fund Swiss Life REF (CH) ESG Swiss Properties recorded a significant increase in total income of CHF 121.5 million for the 2024/2025 financial year, compared to CHF 57.6 million in 2023/2024, according to a statement from Swiss Life. The return on investment was 5.1 per cent.

    The reason for the positive performance is the 2.4 per cent net change in the market value of its properties. As at 30 September 2025, the fund held a total of 194 portfolio properties with a market value of CHF 3,233 million. The fund only recorded a decline in net income, which is mainly due to higher income taxes.

    The net asset value (NAV) per unit increased to CHF 116.65, which corresponds to an increase of 2.6 per cent compared to the previous year. The total distribution for 2024/2025, which will take place on 28 November 2025, amounts to CHF 2.70 per unit (CHF 58.3 million in total), with realised income of CHF 2.71 per unit (CHF 58.5 million in total). In relation to the market price, the distribution yield is therefore 2.03 per cent; in relation to the NAV, it is 2.31 per cent.

    The fund’s portfolio grew by one residential property in 2024/2025, while eight smaller properties were sold. These transactions led to a net capital gain totalling CHF 6.1 million and, thanks in part to the positive changes in the market value of the properties, to a reduction in the leverage ratio to 20.6 per cent (2024: 22.1 per cent). The total return in the reporting period was 14.8 per cent.

  • Digital energy hub strengthens solar industry

    Digital energy hub strengthens solar industry

    The Swiss Federal Technology Fund has granted Solarify a guarantee. Together with the commitment of the Abendrot Foundation, the developer and operator of swarm-financed solar systems based in Wabern will be able to further develop its Digital Energy Hub, according to a press release.

    The Solarify Digital Energy Hub is used for the intelligent management and optimisation of solar systems in a flexible energy system. It aims to integrate the systems into a sustainable and stable energy system.

    Solarify’s business model enables interested parties to invest in solar energy without having to build and own solar systems themselves. A system is realised as soon as enough investors have been found for the project. Solarify takes care of the maintenance of the systems and markets the electricity produced. Every three months, the participants receive a share of the profits from the sale of electricity.

  • New heating centre strengthens energy supply in Villmergen

    New heating centre strengthens energy supply in Villmergen

    After around two years of construction and CHF 15 million invested, the AEW heat network in Villmergen provides sustainable heat for local companies, as detailed in a press release. The heat network, which combines renewable heat from regional waste wood and wood from cascade utilisation with modern storage and control technology, strengthens regional supply security as part of the Energy Strategy 2050, according to the press release.

    At the centre of the heating centre is an efficient waste wood boiler with an output of 2,000 kilowatts. A further waste wood boiler, heat pumps and a peak load boiler are also planned, which will generate a total output of up to 10,000 kilowatts.

    A modern heat storage tank with a volume of 160,000 litres will ensure operational efficiency, while a photovoltaic system with an annual output of 220 megawatt hours (MWh) will produce sustainable electricity. 145 MWh of the electricity produced is used for the plant’s own consumption. Using power-to-heat technology, the system converts surplus electricity into heat and thus adapts to fluctuations in the energy system. This leads to particularly efficient energy utilisation, while at the same time supporting the stability of the power grid, explains AEW.

    Once completed, the heating centre will supply up to 14,500 MWh of heat per year and cover the needs of around 700 single-family homes. This will save around 710,000 cubic metres of natural gas and 1,500 tonnes of CO2 per year, explains Daniel Wernli, Head of Heat Production at AEW.

    From planning to construction and operation, AEW has deliberately commissioned companies from the region. The local population will also be involved: in spring 2026, AEW will organise an open day at the heating network and explain how sustainable heat is produced from regional wood.

  • Startups provide impetus for a sustainable energy future

    Startups provide impetus for a sustainable energy future

    The Energy Startup Day took place on November 19 at the Kultur & Kongresshaus Aarau. The event offered start-ups the opportunity to present themselves and make contacts. Several presentations were also on the program. And finally, five start-ups were awarded prizes.

    Borobotics AG, based in Technopark Winterthur, won the Jury Award and with it an Energate PR & Event Package. The company is working on a new type of geothermal drill for use in urban areas. The first of two Swissolar Awards went to SmartHelio from Prilly VD for its artificial intelligence-based software for the use of photovoltaic systems. The start-up won a Swissolar Marketing & Event Package. The second Swissolar Award, and with it a Swissolar Event Package, went to Synergi Solutions from Helsinki. The Finnish start-up has developed an app to optimize energy consumption.

    Voltiris from Epalinges VD won the Audience Award and with it a Communication Package from Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Electrosuisse and Swisspower. Voltiris develops modules for agrivoltaics in greenhouses. And the Investor Award went to SensorXSolutions, which won the SICTIC (Swiss ICT Investor Club) prize, which is equivalent to an invitation to an investor event. The young company from Sarnen has developed intelligent systems for detecting and handling gases such as methane in order to curb the greenhouse effect.

    The organizers welcomed a total of around 230 participants. ZHAW, Electrosuisse and Swisspower organized the event and were supported by numerous partners.

  • Expansion of growth markets through regional production

    Expansion of growth markets through regional production

    Sika intends to grow further in the Middle East. With this in mind, the specialty chemicals company for the construction and industrial sectors has acquired the Saudi Arabian company Gulf Seal. It manufactures bitumen waterproofing membranes in the capital Riyadh. According to a press release, this offering optimally complements Sika’s sealing technologies already available in the region.

    According to the Saudi company Gulf Seal, which was founded 20 years ago, it works with the “most modern French technology”, which is sourced from its sister company Axter France. This makes Gulf Seal the only certified manufacturer of waterproof bitumen membranes in the Middle East with European CE certification.

    Sika expects Gulf Seal’s production plant and the established export channels to the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to significantly strengthen its own market position in these growth markets. In Saudi Arabia itself, this acquisition strengthens Sika’s ability to deliver major construction projects related to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the 2034 FIFA World Cup and ongoing urbanization.

    “Gulf Seal’s established market position and local production capabilities, combined with Sika’s broad product range and global expertise, offer exciting opportunities for further growth in the GKR region,” said Christoph Ganz, Sika’s Regional Manager EMEA. “We look forward to welcoming the Gulf Seal team to the Sika family.”

  • 27 years of commitment to Schlieren’s transformation

    27 years of commitment to Schlieren’s transformation

    Albert Schweizer has been shaping the economic development of the city of Schlieren since 1998, i.e. for over 27 years. During this time, he has not only located companies and organized space, but also led dialogues between business, politics and administration. Always with a clear philosophy, networks and trust instead of blind optimization of figures.

    “Schlieren has grown rapidly, but in a controlled manner, with location promotion that is not just based on figures, but on networks and trust,” is an apt description of Albert Schweizer’s approach. A classic industrial city has become a dynamic technology location.

    From industry to biotechnology
    Schweizer’s ability to consistently turn opportunities into projects made all the difference. He organized spaces, untied knots, launched festivals and created the conditions for companies to settle and grow in Schlieren. The transformation of former industrial wasteland into centers of biotechnology and medical technology is particularly impressive. A strategic change that repositioned Schlieren.

    Well-deserved retirement
    Albert Schweizer will take his well-deserved retirement next spring 2026. This will mark the end of an era for the city of Schlieren, but his mark will remain – in the networks he has built up, in the projects he has initiated and in the culture of location promotion that he has helped to shape.

    “We are proud of how Schlieren has developed,” says Mayor Markus Bärtschiger, paying tribute to Albert Schweizer’s achievements.

    Albert Schweizer’s retirement marks the departure of not only an experienced location promoter, but also the architect of modern Schlieren. His award is a well-deserved finale to an influential career that shows that sustainable development comes from people – people who not only manage the economy, but also build trust.

  • Generation change at suissetec with Dennis Reichardt

    Generation change at suissetec with Dennis Reichardt

    Dennis Reichardt has been involved in the association for almost two decades and, as an entrepreneur with 120 employees in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing sectors, brings a strong practical focus to the table. His “idée suisse” combines the ambition to position suissetec as a driver of energy efficiency and renewable solutions with a clear commitment to cooperation across all language regions.

    With a focus on quality, promoting young talent and cohesion, Reichardt wants to lead the association in a phase in which building technology plays a key role in achieving climate targets and decarbonizing the building stock. For the industry, this means continuing along the same path, but with an even stronger focus on innovation, the development of skilled workers and an integrated systems approach.

    Continuity through honorary presidency and rolling planning
    With the transition of Daniel Huser to the honorary presidency, suissetec remains closely linked to a leader who has shaped the association for over eleven years and consistently promoted cross-trade thinking. His leadership style, which is interdisciplinary, cooperative and focused on the overall benefit of the industry, forms a frame of reference for the new presidency.

    At the same time, the gradual renewal of the Board of Directors ensures institutional stability. With clearly planned handovers of office and term limits, know-how is passed on continuously without slowing down the impetus for renewal. In this way, suissetec is positioning itself as an association that thinks long-term, plans ahead in terms of personnel and at the same time remains open to new faces and perspectives.

  • Basel Area has developed into a life sciences supercluster

    Basel Area has developed into a life sciences supercluster

    Specifically, Basel Area Business & Innovation works on the one hand to attract foreign companies that are expanding to the Basel region. On the other hand, the non-profit organization supports innovative start-ups in their foundation. In both areas of activity, the focus is on the region’s leading industries of life sciences, healthcare technology and production technology.

    As a third pillar, Basel Area Business & Innovation operates the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area, which is also home to its own accelerator programs BaseLaunch and DayOne. At its three locations on the Main Campus in Allschwil, the Novartis Campus in Basel and in the canton of Jura, the Innovation Park offers a large number of start-ups a state-of-the-art infrastructure and a wide range of services so that they can concentrate on research and promising projects.

    The Basel Area has undergone enormous economic development in recent decades. The constant transformation of the business location has been decisive. Silk ribbon production in the 19th century gave rise to the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. At the end of the 20th century, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries finally went their separate ways and the pharmaceutical companies Roche and Novartis subsequently left their mark on the location. Over the past 20 years, small, agile biotech start-ups and private research institutions have enriched the ecosystem. Today, the Basel Area is regarded as Europe’s most important location for pharma and biotech and as an actual life sciences supercluster, in which the healthtech and medtech sectors are also strongly represented.

    The Basel Area’s life sciences ecosystem currently consists of more than 800 companies, over 1,000 research groups and around 35,000 specialists. It is unique in Europe that the entire value chain is represented in the Basel Area. From basic research at university institutes to the further development of innovations in the laboratory by start-ups or the research and development departments of established pharmaceutical companies through to the market launch, production and distribution of medicines.

    The Basel Area also offers the opportunity to conduct clinical trials at local hospitals and to be supplied with active ingredients by various pharmaceutical suppliers. CDMO Lonza, Bachem, Primopus, Celonic, Corden Pharma and ten23 health are all present in the Basel Area. There are also plenty of local service providers that are necessary for the functioning of the life sciences industry, for example in the areas of logistics, consulting and ICT.

    The academic landscape has developed in parallel with the growth of the industry. While the University of Basel has long focused on life sciences, the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich was added a few years ago. It expands the research capacities of privately financed institutes such as the Friedrich Miescher Institute, Roche’s Institute of Human Biology and the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering.

    Finally, the infrastructure is another ace up the Basel Area’s sleeve. Additional laboratory space has been created in recent years, and more will follow in the coming years. Companies that need laboratories can now choose from numerous providers such as Superlabs, iCITY Reinach, Tech Park Basel or Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area. Office space with meeting rooms is also easy to find, whether in a coworking area, a dedicated office or an open-plan office.

    In short, the Basel Area boasts a uniquely high density of companies and specialists in the life sciences sector. No other location in the world has so much to offer in so little space.

    Find out more:
    www.baselarea.swiss
    www.baselsupercluster.com

  • Video technology improves occupational safety on construction sites

    Video technology improves occupational safety on construction sites

    Zurich North America and Zurich Resilience Solutions (ZRS), the risk manager of insurer Zurich, will require the use of Arrowsight technology on all Zurich-insured construction completion projects in New York City. Arrowsight, based in Katonah, New York, focuses on video-based behavior modification and coaching analytics to improve jobsite safety and reduce workplace accidents.

    The background to the collaboration announced in a press release is a three-year pilot program in which Arrowsight video analysis and coaching was applied to eight major construction projects and one complex civil engineering project. Compared to twelve construction projects on which the safety technologies were not used, the Arrowsight work resulted in 50 percent fewer workplace accident reports.

    “Increasing worker safety while reducing risk and potential fraud with our cost-effective video equipment is a milestone for the industry. The reduction in the frequency and cost of claims is a direct result of compliance with workplace safety regulations – from 70 percent before the introduction of Arrowsight to 97 to 100 percent after using our technology,” Adam Aronson, founder and CEO of Arrowsight, is quoted in the press release. “We have been working with Zurich and Arrowsight on a major project in New York City since 2024 and are very pleased with how few claims we have had so far,” says Deborah Broom, VP Risk Management at Tutor Perini Corp, a participating construction company.

    Arrowsight will operate throughout the US as the exclusive provider of camera-based construction site technology for Zurich North America. Zurich Resilience Solutions will be the exclusive risk management service provider for Arrowsight.

  • New digital solutions for the real estate market

    New digital solutions for the real estate market

    SMG Real Estate, part of the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, is expanding its portfolio with the acquisition of the Swiss business of immoverkauf24 from Hamburg. According to a press release, the acquisition particularly strengthens the digital acquisition of properties for sale. With this step, SMG Real Estate is strengthening the business base of partnered real estate agents and creating new opportunities to broker real estate more efficiently.

    The integration of www.immoverkauf24.ch-Portals will take place as part of an asset deal, meaning that employees will not be taken over or integrated. The real estate platform’s business in Germany and Austria will continue unchanged. According to the press release, the background to the takeover is the highly competitive Swiss residential market, particularly for owner-occupied homes for sale. Acquiring mandates is “more important than ever” for real estate professionals, but is also associated with increasing competition for contacts for prospective sellers.

    “With immoverkauf24, we are adding another piece of the puzzle to our existing platform portfolio. The platform fits seamlessly into our strategy of providing real estate agents with the best digital tools throughout the entire marketing process – from the acquisition of new sales mandates to successful completion,” says Martin Waeber, Managing Director of SMG Real Estate

    SMG Real Estate already operates ImmoScout24, Homegate and Flatfox. It is part of the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, a network of digital marketplaces operated by TX Group, Ringier and Mobiliar.

  • Modern logistics construction focuses on efficiency and sustainability

    Modern logistics construction focuses on efficiency and sustainability

    Transstahl AG, which belongs to Pestalozzi, is to be able to transport long and bulky goods even more efficiently and flexibly throughout Switzerland in future. The Pestalozzi Group is therefore building a new logistics center in Pieterlen, for which the ground-breaking ceremony has now been held, according to a press release. In addition to representatives from Pestalozzi and Transstahl, Beat Rüfli, Mayor of Pieterlen, and Simon Enderli, Head of Location Promotion for the Canton of Bern, as well as other guests also took part in the ceremony.

    The logistics center will be 100 meters long, 30 meters wide and 12 meters high. An energy-efficient heating system is planned, as well as a photovoltaic system and charging stations for electric trucks and cars. A large proportion of the materials used come from the Pestalozzi Group, which specializes in steel technology and building services.

    “With this ground-breaking ceremony, we are investing in the development of our group of companies and making a clear commitment to Switzerland as a business location and to working in partnership with municipalities and regions,” Matthias Pestalozzi is quoted as saying in the press release. He is the owner and Delegate of the Board of Directors of the Pestalozzi Group.

  • New impetus for the Schwarzbubenland region

    New impetus for the Schwarzbubenland region

    The Forum Schwarzbubenland has appointed a new location promotion officer for the districts of Dorneck and Thierstein. According to the association, it has entrusted National Councillor Christian Imark with the mandate. The aim is to better meet the needs of a dynamic economic situation.

    On the one hand, the location promoter should help to attract new companies in order to strengthen the economic base. On the other hand, he is to support local companies in overcoming current challenges and achieving growth. Finally, Imark is to intensify cooperation between business, education and politics.

    “As an experienced personality from politics and business, Christian Imark brings with him the ideal tools to make our region better known, position it successfully and provide new impetus,” Dieter Künzli, President of Forum Schwarzbubenland, is quoted as saying in the press release.

    Christian Imark (born 1982) has been a member of the National Council for the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) since 2015. He is also the owner of Airboxx GmbH, a company based in Fehren SO that specializes in the rental of marquees. The location promotion mandate comprises a 30 percent workload.

    Imark replaces Karoline Sutter, who took over location promotion in 2022. At that time, the mandate still consisted of the location promotion of Schwarzbubenland and the neighboring Baselbieter Laufental. Sutter took over the mandate together with Rita Stoffel-Meury.

  • Innovation impetus for the construction and property industry

    Innovation impetus for the construction and property industry

    Professor Adrian Wildenauer is to become the new head of the Centre for Smart Building & Real Estate at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences(HWZ). The centre will become part of the newly created Department of Banking & Finance, Controlling and Real Estate, according to a press release. The department will begin its work in January 2026 and will be headed by Nadine Rusch-Schenker.

    By taking on the new role, Adrian Wildenauer wants to play an active role in shaping the further development of the construction and real estate industry. He is currently a professor of digital construction at Bern University of Applied Sciences(BFH). Previously, he worked at SBB AG as Head of BIM Standardisation & Industry Activities and in other management positions in the real estate sector. His research focuses on the areas of Building-as-a-Service and digital construction.

    “With Adrian Wildenauer, we are gaining an internationally networked expert who combines theory and practice in a unique way. His work on smart building, digital twins and data-based services strengthens the innovative power of the HWZ in the field of real estate management,” said Brian Rüeger, Rector of the HWZ, in the press release.

  • Expansion of the company site for future growth

    Expansion of the company site for future growth

    HKG, a company specialising in building technology and energy consulting based in Aarau, is moving to new premises in Baden. From 1 March 2026, it will be operating from its site at Täfernstrasse 14a in the Dättwil district of Baden. HKG is currently still looking for additional employees for the new location, as detailed in a press release. The new offices are described as a “state-of-the-art workplace with light, space and a feel-good atmosphere” as well as a “workplace of the future” with a roof terrace, focus zones and modern infrastructure.

    Founded in 1978, Herzog Kull Group Holding operates in various fields of electrical engineering. These include electrical engineering, building automation, building IT and security, as well as consulting, energy, digitalisation and overall planning. While Herzog Kull Group Holding is headquartered in Rotkreuz, companies belonging to the group such as HKG Engineering and HKG Consulting are based in Aarau.

  • Smart access solutions

    Smart access solutions

    Salto was founded in 2000 in the Basque Country with the vision of developing flexible and wireless access systems. The company quickly grew into an international group of companies with over 1,850 employees and more than 100,000 installations at 10 million access points. Today, the industry leaders Gantner and Vintia are also part of the “Salto Wecosystem”

    Pioneering technologies and continuous milestones
    The Salto Virtual Network, a virtual, highly secure locking system, revolutionized the industry back in 2002. The introduction of Salto Wireless in 2008 laid the foundation for wireless, real-time networked access control. A milestone for large-scale projects and flexible building structures. With JustIN Mobile, Salto launched mobile access solutions back in 2015 and further developed access management with cloud platforms

    New solutions for the future
    2025 With XS4 Face, Salto is focusing on biometric access control via facial recognition and combining this with mobile user registration. The new ID management system Salto IDM expands the portfolio with comprehensive identity management functions. Continuous product series and functional enhancements ensure that the company keeps its finger on the pulse

    User-centered design and global partnership
    Salto remains a driver of innovation, driven by user-centered design, reliability and social responsibility. The solutions provide secure and convenient access to over 40 million people every day, from educational campuses to healthcare and large companies. The anniversary underlines the company’s ambition to continue offering open, secure and smart access experiences for the connected world.

  • Reorganisation of location promotion in Schlieren

    Reorganisation of location promotion in Schlieren

    Christina Doll will take over as head of location promotion in the city of Schlieren from 1 December. According to a city press release, the 44-year-old will take over the position from Albert Schweizer, who is retiring after 27 years with the city.

    The change of position is linked to an intensification of location promotion. Christina Doll will perform the function in an 80 per cent position. Her predecessor Schweizer filled the position with 30 per cent in addition to his work as property manager. The city council believes that the increase in working hours is necessary “to successfully develop Schlieren as a business location”. In future, companies should have a direct contact person for their concerns.

    The economic geographer with a degree from the University of Hanover is considered to be well connected thanks to her many years of experience in location promotion. Most recently, she made a name for herself as deputy managing director in the development of the Zurich airport region as an economic network and location development organisation. As a part-time guest lecturer at various universities, the 44-year-old has taught how organisations can better exploit their development potential through participatory methods and the use of collective intelligence. She is the winner of the scholarship for the EMBA Digital Leadership at the Zurich School of Business 2022.

  • New headquarters strengthens the future of the hydropower company in Kriens

    New headquarters strengthens the future of the hydropower company in Kriens

    ANDRITZ Hydro is moving to a new headquarters, but will remain based in Kriens. According to a press release, research and development, sales, project management and administration with around 130 employees will move to the Schappe Centre near the reconstructed premises of the former Bell Maschinenfabrik. A new neighbourhood will be built on the site of the predecessor company.

    By moving to the modern company centre, ANDRITZ Hydro wants to secure its options for further growth, according to the press release. The relocation of the company management to the Schappe Centre should be completed by the end of 2026. The company already announced in spring that it plans to relocate its service workshop from the centre in Kriens to the industrial area of Buchrain in the north of Lucerne, around 10 kilometres away, by 2028. The company offers services such as electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower plants worldwide for new and existing hydropower plants, from small hydropower plants to large-scale plants.

    “This is a good solution for us,” says site manager Claudio Nold. “We can continue to work and grow under optimal conditions.” Logis Suisse, the landowner of the Bell site, also sees the relocation of the ANDRITZ Hydro headquarters as a benefit in terms of developing the former industrial site into a new urban neighbourhood, according to the press release.

  • Electrical installations in the historic railway station combined with modern technology

    Electrical installations in the historic railway station combined with modern technology

    Ernst Selmoni AG is responsible for the entire electrical system in the new Migros shop in the historic Badischer Bahnhof railway station. The rooms in the former theatre of the Förnbacher Compagnie in the southern part of the station building are, like the entire building, a listed building. Badischer Bahnhof, one of six railway stations in Basel and today the second largest, was opened in its current form in 1913.

    The contract included the complete electrical installation, from the power supply and modern lighting to the technical systems that enable smooth operation. “The work in the listed building was particularly exciting,” said Selmoni in a company press release. The historical substance demanded creative solutions, careful planning and close coordination with the authorities to ensure that tradition and modern technology were in harmony”.

    Christophe Hassler, Business Unit Manager at Selmoni Installation AG, describes this project as “an exciting challenge: realising modern electrical installations in a listed building without compromising its historical substance. With great care and innovative solutions, my team proved that technology and history can harmonise perfectly.”

    Selmoni was founded in 1934. The approximately 600 employees serve global corporations as well as private individuals. The company focuses on innovative solutions and digitalisation in construction. New technologies such as prefabrication, drilling robots, building information modelling and Hololens are already part of Selmoni’s everyday work to make construction projects faster, safer and more sustainable.

    Selmoni is one of five finalists for the Prix SVC Nordschweiz. This prize from the SME network Swiss Venture Club(SVC) will be awarded on 13 November in front of around 1,000 guests at the Congress Center Basel.

  • Domestic property remains attractive for institutional investors

    Domestic property remains attractive for institutional investors

    According to a press release, the IFZ study Mortgage and Real Estate Investments 2025 by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts examined the investment behaviour of 228 institutional Swiss investors, including pension funds, insurance companies, investment foundations and funds. The Institute of Financial Services Zug (IFZ) at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is based in Rotkreuz ZG. According to the study, domestic property in particular remains an attractive investment.

    Pension funds (PFs) are maintaining their average real estate ratio of 24.3 per cent and largely intend to expand it further: 47 per cent want to strengthen their Swiss real estate portfolio, 49 per cent want to keep it stable and only 3 per cent want to reduce it. According to the study, a “home bias” is noticeable in all pension funds: the Swiss allocation of real estate assets is between 85 per cent (large pension funds) and 92 per cent (medium-sized pension funds).

    “On the one hand, the fact that prices have been rising for over 25 years seems to confirm the stability of the market. On the other hand, investments abroad appear less attractive due to currency hedging costs and higher volatility,” said co-head of the study John Davidson on the preference for Swiss portfolios in the press release.

    However, only 9 per cent of the investors surveyed believe that the upward trend will continue. The biggest concern for investors in the Swiss property market is increasing regulation. According to 82 per cent of institutional investors, this will soon lead to an end to the property upturn. Particularly complex building regulations (92 per cent), objections (90 per cent) and stricter tenant protection (88 per cent) are hindering further growth.

    Risks such as a slump in economic growth (45 per cent), higher interest rates over a longer period of time (37 per cent) or weaker population growth (35 per cent) take a back seat to political and regulatory pressure.

    The study is based on surveys of Swiss property funds, investment foundations and insurance companies as well as 135 pension funds. With an investment volume of CHF 568 billion, the pension funds surveyed cover around 50 per cent of the funds’ total assets.

  • Progress in CO2 reduction through modern cement production

    Progress in CO2 reduction through modern cement production

    Holcim AG, based in Zug, has initiated a carbon capture plant for cement production in Câmpulung, Romania. According to a press release, the internationally active building materials manufacturer was able to secure EU funding for the project. The plant in Câmpulung is Holcim’s eighth EU-funded carbon capture project.

    The Carbon Hub CPT 01 plant in Romania is the first onshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in Eastern Europe. Carbon dioxide is eliminated from the flue gases on site and permanently stored underground in compressed form. The geographical and geological conditions in Câmpulung offer good conditions for this, according to the press release. Holcim and its partners, including Carmeuse from Louvain-la-Neuve in Belgium, aim to produce around 2 million tonnes of low-emission cement in Romania every year by 2032.

    “The CCS project in Romania thus supports Holcim’s efforts to turn sustainable growth into profitable growth – a key strategic driver of our NextGen Growth 2030 strategy,” said Simon Kronenberg, Regional Head of Central and Eastern Europe at Holcim, in the press release. “The support from the EU Innovation Fund underlines the capabilities of our engineering teams, the maturity of our technologies and our advanced partnerships along the entire value chain.”