Tag: immoTable

ImmoTable Basel – Of superclusters, new bridges and the path out of digital antiquity

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Christof Klöpper, CEO of Basel Area Business & Innovation, kicked things off. He painted a picture of a region that is far more than “just” a pharmaceutical location. Although the life sciences supercluster remains a global leader, the innovation ecosystem has diversified.

Supported by the three cantons of Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt and Jura, the organization focuses on international start-ups and a public-private partnership that is strongly driven by industry. Klöpper’s message was clear: the task is not just classic location promotion, but the active provision of innovation infrastructure for an ecosystem that is constantly growing.

Basel-Stadt and the 500 million lever
Julian Kamasa from the Office of Economy and Labor underlined how the canton of Basel-Stadt intends to further expand its position as a leading innovation location, supported by around 800 life sciences companies and numerous start-ups. At the heart of this offensive is the new “Basel location package”, with which the canton will take on a pioneering role throughout Switzerland from 2025.

With an annual budget of 150 to 500 million francs, targeted investments will be promoted. 80% of the funds will flow into an innovation fund that rewards research and development activities at the location in particular. The remaining 20 percent supports social and ecological goals such as parental leave or climate protection measures.

The core message is clear. Those who conduct substantial research in Basel benefit the most. The canton wants to use this financial leverage to consolidate its position as a leading European healthcare location, build up targeted tech expertise and transform the economy towards a circular economy. The great potential of urban transformation areas plays a key role in this.

An urban planning liberation
The presentation by Marko Kern (SBB) and Marc Février (Canton of Basel-Stadt), who presented the winning project for the new Margarethenbrücke bridge and platform access, took a concrete turn. A key project for future mobility. In view of the massive increase in passenger numbers due to the SBB expansion phase 2035 and the desire for more space for streetcar and bicycle traffic, the old bridge needs to be replaced.

Following a study commission process, in which the listed SNCF hall posed a particular challenge, the project by Penzel Valier AG won out. It envisages a slender, elevated bridge with a green roof. This creates more space for all road users and integrates a new, barrier-free streetcar stop in the middle of the bridge.

The benefits of the project are manifold. It improves the transfer at the SBB railroad station, relieves the Centralbahnplatz, optimizes the bicycle and pedestrian connections between Gundeldingen and the city centre and creates clear added value in terms of urban development with over 11,000 new bicycle parking spaces and additional green spaces. The costs in the low to mid three-digit million range are being borne jointly by the federal government and the canton, and the project is a prime example of successful cooperation.

Out of the “digital antiquity“
Isabel Gehrer (pom+) held up a critical mirror to the industry. Her presentation “From digital antiquity to the industry of the future” showed the discrepancy between Switzerland as a world champion of innovation and a construction and real estate industry that provocatively remains in “digital antiquity” in terms of digital maturity.

While Switzerland once again takes first place in the Global Innovation Index 2025 and Basel is home to three of the top 10 investors in Roche, Novartis and Syngenta, the real estate industry invests significantly less in innovation than other sectors. Only BIM has really caught on.

Gehrer referred to Bill Gates’ concept of the “Green Premium”. Sustainable solutions must become so efficient that they no longer cost a premium. She cited the automotive industry as an example of success, where battery costs have fallen by 80 percent since 2010, making electric cars suitable for mass production.

Her approach comprises four points. Securing research infrastructure through better networking between universities and industry, increasing research and development intensity, mobilizing venture capital for PropTechs and conducting strategic foresight in order to use transformation areas such as Klybeckplus as experimental spaces. Her appeal to the industry: “Let’s make it real.”

Real Estate Award 2026
To conclude the ImmoTable, Mara Schlumpf turned her attention to the coming year. The next Real Estate Award will take place on October 22, 2026 at Trafo Baden and will bring together around 300 decision-makers from the industry. The gala combines award ceremonies with top-class networking. Outstanding projects and companies will be honored in five categories, such as sustainability, digital, marketing, project development & innovation and the real estate personality of the year. The target group includes project developers, real estate and construction companies, investors, politicians and the media. For partners, the award offers exclusive visibility and access to a first-class network.

The immoTable event impressively demonstrated that Basel has the capital, the infrastructure and the political will to change. Now it is up to the real estate industry itself to use the funds and areas provided with the necessary innovative spirit and to take the leap from digital antiquity into the future.

December 2025
102. immoTable Schaffhausen on the road to the future

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Councillor Daniel Preisig gave an overview of Schaffhausen’s economic development in recent decades. After the industrial crisis and stagnation in the 1990s, Schaffhausen has recovered thanks to targeted economic development. in 2023, the population record of 1969 was reached again for the first time. Preisig emphasised how projects such as the conversion of the old steel foundry and the relocation of roads to create traffic-free promenades along the banks of the Rhine contributed to the city’s attractiveness. Schaffhausen is continuously investing in smart, future-orientated urban development and digital administration.

Dino Tamagni highlighted the impressive economic development of the canton of Schaffhausen. The region’s industrial success story began with the construction of the Moser Dam in the 19th century. The hydroelectric power plant, once the largest of its kind in Switzerland, laid the foundations for the establishment of important industrial pioneers such as Georg Fischer, SIG and IWC, which turned Schaffhausen into a central industrial centre.
In the 1990s, globalisation led to plant closures, job losses and emigration, resulting in the loss of 11% of jobs. However, targeted economic measures, such as the creation of an economic development agency, enabled Schaffhausen to overcome the challenges and regain its competitiveness.
Today, the canton has one of the strongest economies in Switzerland, with the highest GDP per capita. Thanks to the promotion of innovation projects and the continuous expansion of the infrastructure, Schaffhausen remains an attractive and future-orientated business location.

Andreas Campi, Head of Development, Halter AG, presented the “Im Pantli” residential project in the Waldquartier Schaffhausen. A modern residential neighbourhood is being built on the site, which was once used as a workers’ housing estate by Georg Fischer AG. The buildings are arranged around a neighbourhood centre to create urban alleyways and meeting spaces. The car-free development offers spacious, family-friendly flats with private outdoor areas. Childcare facilities and a dedicated bus stop enhance the quality of the location. The project not only promotes modern living, but also a lively community life.

Pascal Stutz, CEO of SVIT Zurich, Joëlle Zimmerli, Managing Director of Zimraum GmbH and Christian Brütsch, Owner and Managing Director of Stratcraft GmbH, presented solutions to the shortage of skilled labour. A key challenge facing the property sector is the shortage of skilled workers and dissatisfaction among experienced professionals. Around 60 % of the senior professionals surveyed feel that their workload is too high, and over 50 % see large portfolios as problematic. The study presented highlighted the need for action and suggested solutions such as the standardisation of processes, intelligent digitalisation and the promotion of leadership skills in order to better overcome the challenges.

Tindaro Milone presented a comparison of energy sources for heat pumps at the immoTable. EKZ operates over 1,200 energy systems across Switzerland and favours sustainable solutions. Air is cost-effective, but less powerful. Geothermal energy offers stable energy, but is expensive and location-dependent. Groundwater is efficient, but requires strict authorisations. Waste water provides a lot of energy, but is irregularly available. Seawater is particularly efficient, but expensive and tied to bodies of water. The choice of energy source depends on the project requirements, with EKZ offering customised solutions. We look forward to welcoming you to the next immoTable in Zug, where the focus will once again be on exciting topics and pioneering developments in the property sector. Join us as experts discuss the future of Zug as a property location and the latest innovations in the sector.

Further information on the event and future dates can be found at www.immotable.ch

October 2024
101. immoTable – Geneva economic area

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The 101st immoTable, the renowned event for the property industry at Signatur Rhône in Geneva, focused on important topics that will have a significant impact on the future of the property world. From sustainable spatial development and geothermal energy as part of the energy transition to health risks in water and legal issues relating to renovations in Geneva, the event provided a comprehensive platform for dialogue on current challenges and innovations in the sector.

The Director of the Department of Territory of the Canton of Geneva, Marta Alonso, presented pioneering urban development and spatial planning projects. By 2060, over 12,000 new residential units, 6,000 workplaces, schools, a large park and revitalised river areas are to be built on an area of 230 hectares. Modern visualisation techniques and 3D models enable a transparent presentation of the development scenarios.

David Faehndrich, Head of the Western Switzerland division at EKZ Contracting SA, emphasised the role of sustainable and economical energy supply systems. Several important projects have already been realised, such as the geothermal energy supply for the new flats in the “Jardins du Bourg” in Châtel-St-Denis. These measures reduce CO₂ emissions and promote the energy transition.

In his presentation, Pierre Descloux, CEO of Dipan SA, emphasised the importance of treating hydraulic systems, particularly with regard to rust, limescale and legionella. He emphasised the importance of ensuring the hygiene and efficiency of these systems.

Cosima Trabichet-Castan, a specialist in property law at MLL Legal, spoke about the challenges of obtaining planning permission and complying with local building regulations. She also spoke about the complex regulatory requirements in Geneva, which according to a recent UBS study has the longest waiting times for building permits in Switzerland. Her presentation highlighted the importance of integrating sustainable practices in this context-rich regulatory environment.

Fabio Nairi from IWG Switzerland spoke about measures to reduce commuting times and CO₂ emissions as well as the transition to hybrid working models.

The 101st immoTable once again proved why the event is one of the top platforms for the property industry. The topics discussed are of key importance for the future development of the industry and offer valuable solutions for current challenges.

Further information on the event and future dates can be found at www.immotable.ch

July 2024
Winterthur Economic Region – From Industry to Service and Education Stronghold

At the 97th immoTable Winterthur, we show what moves the region in cooperation with the City Development and House of Winterthur.

We shed light on this innovative economic area with speakers from business and politics.

Take advantage of the opportunity for networking afterwards. Present your company and services to influential guests.

The 97th immoTable will take place on 1 June 2023, starting at 1.30 pm. Be there and secure your ticket now. We look forward to seeing you.

April 2023
96. immoTable Lucerne

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Monika Schärer welcomed Cantonal Government Councillor Reto Wyss, who informed us about current issues in the Canton of Lucerne. Mr. Zettel, Head of Corporate Development, Lucerne Economic Development, gave an insight into current business and presented current real estate projects. Markus Weber HSLU Co-Director of the Digital Construction course, President of Bauen digital Schweiz showed the potential of BIM, IoT and Lifecycle Data Management. Sabine Ruoss, overall coordinator, and Massimo Guglielmetti, project manager for the Lucerne through station, showed us what is planned and will be built for the through station over the next 20 years. Finally, Clemens Högger from Energie360° showed us a forward-looking and economical energy solution with regard to the energy strategy challenge. At the Apéro Riche, the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn more with the speakers and partners was actively used.

April 2023
Zurich airport region – digitization and development

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The event was moderated by Monika Schärer, who confidently guided the guests through the afternoon. After a brief welcome, Arun Banovi, owner of immo!nvest/immoTable, and Christoph Lang, managing director of FRZ Flughafenregion Zürich, were briefly asked about the economic region and the connection with immo!nvest.

In addition, Fabian Streiff from the Zurich Business Development Agency gave the first presentation and presented the region in more detail. From this it emerged that the canton of Zurich is a globally significant hub for artificial intelligence (AI). He also introduced us to the innovation hubs in the Zurich airport region, including the Digital Health Center (Bülach), The Circle (Kloten) and the Zurich Innovation Park (Dübenorf).

As the second speaker, Hans Egloff, President of HEV Switzerland, brought us closer to the topic of digitization in the real estate industry. Using various examples, he explained the opportunities and risks of digitization. For example, the AHV number serves as a personal identifier in the electronic land register and this entails a large group of authorized users and thus a large potential for misuse.

Before the break, Tindaro Milone, Head of Large Plants, presented the EKZ and explained what is currently happening in the energy sector. For example, the scarcity of resources, climate change, politics and customer needs. He then presented the future of energy, it is mainly about decarbonization, digitization and decentralization. Of course, sustainability is also a topic that is very topical and will continue to occupy you in the future. He completed his presentation on the subject of electricity storage.

After the first part of the program there was a break that was used for the first talks. There were also cool drinks, refreshing fruits and delicious cakes.

This was followed by Dadvan Yousuf, who introduced us to his platform “Dohrnii”, where everyone can easily learn about cryptocurrencies in a playful way. The presentation also included the Dohrnii Markplace, the DHN Token and the Dohrnii DAO. Finally, he made the connection and opportunities between cryptocurrencies and the real estate industry.

Then Christoph Axmann, Chartered Surveyor MRICS at Wüest Partner, came on stage. With overviews of the population and employment development, he showed the demand in the Glattal-Furttal region. Then he showed which offer can be used to cover inquiries. Below that are investments, quantities, supply in relation to inventory and prices. Finally, he showed the development potential in the airport region.

The last speaker was René Götz from the business development department of the city of Bülach. He introduced the business location Bülach, showed the positioning, spoke about the goals and available development areas. The key sectors of the region, the space requirements of companies and the Digital Health Center Bülach were also included in the presentation.

The crowning glory was the exciting panel discussion with Doris Meier (Mayor of Bassersdorf), Christoph Lang (Managing Director of the FRZ Zurich Airport Region), Fabian Streiff (Local Promotion Canton of Zurich) and Heinz Eberhard (Eberhard companies).

During the aperitif with delicious appetizers and ice cream, there was a lot of networking. The atmosphere was very good and relaxed. Especially when the draw for the competition was due. You could win a trip to the Top of Europe – Jungfrau Joch with overnight stay and dinner for 2 people. This great prize was sponsored by eSMart, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. Monika Schärer made it exciting and presented the award to the delighted winner Markus Nussbaum.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all guests and speakers for the exciting afternoon. A big thank you also goes to the Eventalm for the great and flexible organization, the friendly service and the delicious treats. But we don’t want to forget our partners either, without you such an event would not have been possible! Thanks to EKZ, eternit, eSMART, Seitzmeir, Sunrise, SVIT Zurich, Rigips, PropTechMarket, Woonig and FRZ.

We hope to see some of you in Lausanne on October 6th and in Basel on November 24th. Until then, we wish you a nice summer!

June 2022
92. immoTable in Uri

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The event was opened by Landammann and Economics Director Urban Camenzind. In his speech, he explained the positive development of the past few years: “A lot is being invested in a very small area, and private and public investments are mutually beneficial. Examples of this are the development around the new cantonal railway station in Altdorf or the tourism development in Andermatt,” says Camenzind.

In the following presentation, Christoph Bugnon, Chairman of the Board of Management of Urner Kantonalbank, discussed the important contribution that the company is making with the new service building to the development around the cantonal railway station. Raphael Krucker, CEO of Andermatt Swiss Alps, portrayed tourism development in Andermatt in his presentation.

Finally, Mario Epp, Uri Business Development Agency, explained the advantages of the Uri economic area: «We have an optimal cost environment, short distances to the decision-makers and are excellently developed, directly on the European north-south axis. In short: the canton of Uri offers the best conditions for entrepreneurial success.»

The subsequent network aperitif with the construction and real estate industry rounded off the event. The current issue of our magazine «immo!invest» is linked to the event. It aims to show the positive developments in the canton of Uri and to get people interested in Uri as a location.

We look back with satisfaction on the 92nd immoTable Uri. It was a successful event and we would like to thank all participants. Thanks also go to Monika Schärer for the great moderation and our speakers Urban Camenzind, Christoph Bugnon, Raphael Krucker and Mario Epp for the interesting and stimulating presentations. A big thank you also to our partners Canton Uri, Urner Kantonalbank, eSMART and PropTechMarket.

On June 16, 2022, the 93rd immoTable Zurich Airport Region will continue in the Eventalm in Rümlang. This will be followed by the 94th immoTable Suisse Romandie on October 6th, 2022 in Lausanne and the 95th immoTable Basel on November 24th, 2022.

May 2022
91st immoTable in St. Gallen
Since last year Maria Pappa has taken over the presidency of the city council of St.Gallen. At the beginning of 2021, she moved to the Internal Affairs and Finance department. Previously, as a city councilor, she was in charge of the planning and construction department. The Vision 2030 with the property, living space and open space strategy are central thermal baths. The communication and participation of the public is actively implemented at events. The focus is on keeping the current resident population and attracting new immigrants and employees. To this end, the city is creating, among other things, a framework loan to build new apartments, developing strategies for criteria for land surrender in building law and adapting the “Regulations for the Promotion of Non-Profit Housing”.

Government councilor Beat Tinner has been a member of the St. Gallen cantonal government since 2020 and heads the economics department of the canton of St. Gallen. With his presentation, Beat Tinner shows that the business location St. Gallen with its broad educational landscape and innovative companies in various areas such as photonics, material technology, precision mechanics, ICT and medical technology is at the cutting edge. The canton has large development reserves and transformation areas that it is promoting. The regional cooperation in the Wild West project with two cantons and two municipalities shows the government’s regional thinking and trade. Also in the case of public transport and mobility, the expansion and connections will be further optimized over the next few years.

For Christian Wick, building is a passion. Creating new things and helping to shape the future while meeting the complex and intricate requirements. His lecture, “Real estate in the field of tension” shows the complexity of the environment, economy and society. The topics of the energy transition in 2050, the circular economy and the choice of materials play a central role. When developing real estate, resources must be conserved, operating energy must be CO2-neutral and use must be carefully considered over the long term. The adaptability of a property is playing an increasingly important role. Christian Wick emphasizes that this development must lead to a simplification of the approval processes. He has been contributing his extensive experience in these areas for years as a member of the management and project developer at Mettler2invest.

Mario Facchinetti is convincing as a driving force in the proptech area. It gave the numerous participants an insight into the rapidly developing digital real estate world. His recommendation to everyone not to wait as the development unfolds exponentially. With his presentation he clearly showed why it is worth investing in innovation.

With the 1st prize for the second campus of the University of St. Gallen, Pascal Flammer impressed with the “House in the Park” project. Flammer’s proposal envisages a building eighty meters long and forty meters wide that stands in the middle of a public park. The six-story building appears light and transparent on the visualizations. In his presentation, Pascal Flammer showed a number of projects that he classified specifically and / or generically. Generic or unspecific means the property of a material or abstract object. A designation, not referring to something specific, i.e. to differentiating characteristics, but on the contrary, to bring out or to represent a whole class or groups, as it were. A very interesting insight into the architecture.

The 91st immoTable was a successful event and we would like to thank all participants. A big thank you also goes to Maria Pappa , Beat Tinner , Christian Wick , Mario Facchinetti and Pascal Flammer for the great and exciting presentations. Thanks also to Patricia Boser for the great moderation. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our partners Mettler2Invest AG and PropTechMarket for their support! The immoTable event series is now taking its winter break. In 2022 we are looking forward to the immoTables in the regions of Ticino, Zurich and the airport region, French-speaking Switzerland and Basel. We will keep you up to date on our website www.immotable.ch .
December 2021
90. immoTable in der Bauarena
Fabian Streiff ist seit Anfang 2021 Leiter des Bereichs Standortförderung im Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit des Kantons Zürich. Der 37-Jährige war von 2018 bis 2020 bei der Basel Area Business & Innovation tätig. Dort leitete er die Healthcare-Initiative DayOne. Zuvor war er als Co-Leiter der Standortförderung von Basel-Stadt tätig. Streiff studierte Wirtschaftsgeographie und besitzt einen Master of Science. Mit seinem Beitrag, «Die Bedeutung von Innovationshubs für den Wirtschaftsstandort Zürich», zeigte er die Aktualität und Brisanz der Innovationsparks. Die Talente, die in den führenden Universitäten in der Region hervorgehen, ziehen wiederum globale Wirtschaftsunternehmen an.

Als Impulsgeber wirkt Mario Facchinetti im Proptech Bereich. Er ermöglichte den etlichen Teilnehmern einen Einblick in die digitale Immobilienwelt und empfahl allen, nicht zu warten, da sich die Entwicklung exponentiell entfaltet. Mit seinem Referat konnte er aufzeigen, warum es sich lohnt in Innovation zu investieren.

Der moderne Holzbau ist nachhaltig und effizient. Dieses Faktum präsentiert Pius Kneubühler, CEO der Strüby AG. An aktuellen Projekten legte er dar, wie sich die Entwicklung im modernen Holzbau in den Bereichen Architektur, Immobilien, Wohnbau, Gewerbebau, Umbau, und Innenausbau entfaltet.

Mit dem Urknall offenbarte Emilio Stecher CEO/VRP der gleichnamigen Firma, wie sich die Erde entwickelte und welche Steine heute in der Schweiz abgebaut werden. Mit einem eigenen Sandsteinbruch am Rooterberg, ist er in der Produktion und der Umsetzung von Projekten mit Herzblut dabei. Die Immobilien die er präsentiert, faszinieren in ihrer Natürlichkeit mit der Umgebung und zeigen die Eleganz und Pracht der millionenalten Steine.

Am Albis ist die Zukunft jetzt mit der ersten P2P-Anlage dieser Art. Mit diesem Thema offenbarte Tindaro Milone, von der EKZ wo die Entwicklungen im Energiebereich hinsteuert. Mit innovativer Energieversorgung, vorwärts Richtung Energiewende 2050. Die Strategie der EKZ ist eine gesamtheitliche Betrachtung, die den steigenden Strombedarf, die Speicherung und Ausbau der Netze auf politischer und gesellschaftlicher Ebene. Die Power to Gas Anlage nutzt überschüssige elektrische Energie und lagert diese, zum Beispiel für den Winter, in Wasserstoff ein. Mit diesem Projekt zeigt sich, dass was bisher nur denkbar schien, heute Realität ist, zum Wohle der Umwelt und unserer Kinder.

Der immoTable in St. Gallen steht vor der Tür. Am 25. November moderiert erneut Patricia Boser den Anlass. Wiederum können interessante Einblicke erworben werden in Teilbereiche der Immobilienwirtschaft.
October 2021
89. immoTable Ticino

Finally, the well-known immoTable continues., On September 30, 2021, the 89th immoTable Ticino will take place in the Villa Negroni. Speakers will be Stefano Rizzi, Alberto Donada, Stefano Tibiletti, Mario Branda, Giovanna Bevilacqua, Luca Gazzaniga and Roberto Fantoni. You can find more information on our website.

September 2021