Machine, Electrical Engineering & Metals Industry
The machine, electrical engineering and metals industry is the largest manufacturing employer in Eastern Switzerland and one of the region's most important export business. The history of the industry stretches back to the nineteenth century, with the production of the first textile machines. The level of technological know-how in the region is outstanding. Together with a wide range of education and research institutes, this has resulted in a strong culture of innovation in the region.
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Medical Technology
Eastern Switzerland is home to a wealth of medical technology manufacturers and suppliers that historically have grown from the precision and engineering industry. Nearby universities and higher education institutions train duly qualified doctors, researchers, and engineers. Additionally, the location attracts brilliant minds from around the world with its top quality of life. Eastern Switzerland’s MedTech ecosystem is characterised by its short paths. The overall value chain is covered in a narrow manageable geographical area: research institutions, universities, technical colleges, suppliers, and clinics with world-renowned reputations that can easily be reached, even beyond Switzerland’s.
Packaging
The region of Eastern Switzerland is traditionally home to a wide range of packaging technologies. This has led to the development of material expertise in the following fields: aluminum foil, cellophane, blister packaging, toothpaste tubes and many more. Primarily in the food and pharmaceuticals sectors about 320 companies cover all the activities throughout the value chain: from the production of raw packaging material and packaging machines to producers of packing materials and packaging companies in general
Cannabis Industry
The cannabis industry has been booming since 2016, due to the legalization of CBD products containing less than 1% THC. In addition the production and export of medical cannabis containing over 1% THC is permitted since August 2022. Pilot projects relating to the authorization of recreational cannabis are also underway. With traditionally strong agricultural, foodstuffs and phytopharmaceutical industries, Eastern Switzerland is the ideal location for companies in the cannabis sector.
ICT
The ICT industry is one of the key sectors in Eastern Switzerland and is characterised by dynamic and successful small and medium sized enterprises, universities and research facilities. Approximately 2,000 companies employ some 20,000 skilled professionals, making the region one of the most attractive locations in the industry. Leading universities and higher education institutions within the region supply the local and nearshore economy with highly qualified ICT experts. Eastern Switzerland is home to innovative solution providers offering access to inspiring R&D facilities and ICT networks.
Phytopharmacy / herbal medicine
Eastern Switzerland is considered an important agricultural region with a strong tradition in herbal medicine. Today, numerous modern and innovative companies in the fields of phytopharmacy, cosmetics and nutritional supplements are located here. Their products are appreciated throughout Switzerland for their high quality, and some of the companies are active worldwide. Often, the majority of the added value is created in the region. These companies owe their success not least to the excellent location of Eastern Switzerland. Research projects are easy to realise thanks to the established cooperations with excellent universities, technical colleges and clinics. The availability of qualified specialists for research, development and production activities is also high in the region.