Charting the path forward
An optimal model for promoting regional growth
At Basel Area Business & Innovation, we bring investment and innovation promotion together under one roof. This approach helps us create new opportunities, drive more economic growth, and have the maximum possible impact on the regional ecosystem. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to build on this approach to make an even bigger impact.
Another defining strength is our collaborative funding model. While many economic promotion agencies rely solely on public sector support, we have successfully cultivated substantial private sector contributions. This balanced approach enables us to deliver sustainable, high-value services to companies and startups while reinforcing our role as a catalyst for regional economic development.
Maintaining our leadership in life sciences remains a top priority. As a global hub at the heart of this industry, we will continue strengthening flagship initiatives such as BaseLaunch and DayOne. At the same time, we recognize the importance of fostering other high-potential sectors across the region. Our i4Challenge program and Venture Mentoring service will help ensure that innovation flourishes across diverse industries, securing the long-term strength of our regional economy.
Expanding our global reach and attractiveness
Our International Markets and Business Affairs (IMBA) team is sharpening its focus on high-potential investment opportunities worldwide. By deepening our engagement with strategically chosen foreign ecosystems (e.g. the Boston Area in the USA), we aim to attract companies that best complement and enhance the Basel Area’s life sciences cluster. This proactive approach will contribute to a more diversified and resilient industry while creating high-quality employment opportunities in the region.
A major milestone for 2025 is the rollout of our new positioning and marketing strategy. This initiative will raise international awareness of the region’s thriving life sciences ecosystem, positioning it more prominently in key target markets. Additionally, we are increasing visibility for the region’s growing medtech sector, ensuring its strengths and opportunities are recognized.
Fueling innovation and entrepreneurship
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) team is committed to solidifying the Basel Area’s reputation as a world-class innovation hub. Our strategy centers on expanding our startup incubators and accelerators, while broadening our impact across the regional economy in different sectors outside of the life sciences.
Driving innovation and collaboration
We’re here to help small and midsize businesses, as well as startups, tackle challenges and grow. With our deep expertise and broad network, we connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive. By working together, we bring in fresh ideas, spark creativity, and develop innovative solutions. Some of our key initiatives include:
- Innovation catalyst projects within the DayOne Digital Health Nation program, connecting innovators to industry leaders.
- SME/startup partnerships in the i4Challenge program, driving the application of cutting-edge technologies in industrial settings.
Global competitiveness intersects with local strengths
Our efforts span all three Basel Area cantons, ensuring balanced innovation growth. For example:
- Strengthening the DayOne program as the premier launchpad for early stage healthtech ventures working at the intersection with pharma.
- Building on BaseLaunch’s recent funding successes to reinforce its standing as Europe’s top biotech incubator.
- Leveraging industrial expertise, such as fine mechanics from watchmaking, to drive medtech innovation and regional economic diversification. Programs like the Medtech Congress will continue playing a key role in ecosystem development.
Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area: building the future
As the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area evolves, we remain committed to fostering a dynamic environment where cutting-edge research, entrepreneurship and collaboration thrive. Our 2025 strategy has four core pillars:
1) Growth and infrastructure
Expanding our facilities is a priority. By enhancing occupancy and strengthening lab infrastructure—including private and shared spaces—we ensure that innovators have the resources they need. A major milestone will be the opening of HORTUS, a new coworking space designed to facilitate groundbreaking collaboration. Operational efficiency across all our sites remains a key focus as we scale.
2) Community building
Great ideas thrive when people connect. That’s why we’re focused on bringing together entrepreneurs, industry leaders and researchers in meaningful ways. Instead of just hosting large events, we’re building real partnerships and creating opportunities for lasting collaboration.
3) Strengthening strategic partnerships
Partnerships are at the heart of what we do. We’re working on a plan to build lasting connections with key industry players, research institutions and service providers. By linking great ideas with the right resources, we help everyone in our community move forward faster.
4) Enhancing lab services
To support cutting-edge research and development, we are expanding our lab service capabilities. This includes exploring joint ventures with equipment providers and other stakeholders to deliver world-class facilities that attract innovative companies to the region.
With these initiatives, the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area will continue to be a driving force in making the Basel Area a globally recognized hub for innovation and progress.
