Canton Schwyz: The founding father of Swiss HealthTech

The Canton of Schwyz is one of the founding cantons and gave the entire nation its name. It has proven itself an autonomous industrial location resilient to economic pressures, and an active innovation hub. GDP growth in Schwyz exceeds the Swiss average and productivity is astonishingly high.

Interview: Andreas Barraud, Head of the Department for Economic Affairs, Canton Schwyz

What are Schwyz’s strengths as a base for global operations?

Business locations like Schwyz, which are part of the Greater Zürich Area, benefit from the excellent standards, skilled workforce, and highly regarded universities in the area. Schwyz offers an entrepreneur-friendly environment, and is ready for innovative companies. As a result of our cantonal government’s business friendly initiatives, there has been a 44% increase in the number of companies choosing to register in Schwyz over the last ten years. The economy is thriving and the business ecosystem is quickly evolving to meet the growing needs of businesses.

What clusters are thriving in Schwyz?

As a niche player, Schwyz is focusing primarily on three industries with high potential.

HealthTech: Schwyz was the founding father of the cluster in Switzerland. We quickly realized the potential of bringing SMEs together and capitalizing on the historic industrialization in the mechanics and watch industries. This movement has evolved, and now offers a renowned support system for entities throughout Switzerland.

FinTech & Blockchain: An active finance cluster has quickly developed in Pfäffikon SZ. Hedge funds, private equity, family offices, and asset managers are fostering an open ecosystem that is adopting new technologies like blockchain.

Headquarters: International companies choose Schwyz as a base for their headquarters due to the ease of establishing new businesses, the vibrant expat community, excellent international schools, direct train to the airport, and of course one of the most competitive taxation structures for corporations in Switzerland.

What is the quality of life like?

The quality of life in Schwyz is unparalleled. You will find modern development zones intertwined with pristine landscapes and nestled between mountains and stunning lakes.

Schwyz is all about its serene environment and balanced work-life relationship offering skiing, biking or swimming all on your doorstep. We have a long tradition in hospitality with the first guests to Mt. Rigi arriving in 1874. We continue to develop sustainable recreational activities for the future, and will meet the needs of talented people and new businesses who want to set up a base in Canton Schwyz.

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