Where World Class Research, Innovation and Natural Beauty Converge
The Canton of the Grisons, also known by its German name, Graubünden, is recognized as one of the country’s premier locations for starting or growing a business. It is located in the geographical epicenter of Europe, boasting a holistic offering with an exceptional innovative ecosystem and a renowned talent pool stemming from the world’s leading and pioneering universities in science and technology.
The Canton’s advanced digital, health, and educational infrastructure provides a highly competitive environment for both individuals and companies. The seamless transport infrastructure facilitates connectivity with the rest of Switzerland and its five neighboring countries, while its multilingualism further enriches its appeal. The Grisons has various industry clusters and is recognized as a prime hub for photonics, medtech, ICT, and biotech. This, combined with its unparalleled quality of life and natural beauty, makes it an appealing location for multinationals.
Director of Economic Affairs and Tourism
Canton of the Grisons
Director of the Office of Economic Affairs and Tourism of the Canton of the Grisons, Reto Bleisch stated, “In the Grisons, we are uniquely positioned in the heart of Europe, with access to a population of over 15 million people within three-hours. Our excellent strategic location, stable political system, legal security, liberal labor laws, attractive individual and corporate taxes, trust of public institutions, access to the European market, and our focus on high-end research, all make the Canton an attractive hub, especially for high-tech companies combining research and development with production. Overall, the Grisons offers an outstanding quality of life, and a collaborative, resource-rich business environment. Its uniqueness of place, sense of community, cultural and recreational amenities, dual education system, and labs attract visionary entrepreneurs, and well-educated, highly skilled talent. Moreover, Switzerland’s investment in vocational education and training is unique. Worldwide, only a few countries have a well-elaborated and efficient vocational and professional education and training system, among these the Swiss.”
He continued, “For instance, Davos is based in our Canton, which is globally renowned for hosting the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting. Davos is also home to two prestigious institutes associated with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) and the University of Zurich. Davos is a dynamic town at the forefront of cutting-edge research including high-end solar and climate research, big data, AI, and advanced medtech innovation. Top scholars and experts from around the globe work in the region to explore advanced technologies and achieve breakthroughs. Being surrounded by the breathtaking Swiss Alps fosters an inspiring environment for scientific exploration and collaboration. Furthermore, the innovation strategy of the Grisons 2028 aims to match the education system with the needs of companies, ensuring degrees match future needs.”
One location for scientific discovery is the Photonics Lab at the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons. It is home to a dedicated team of scientists and researchers who harness the power of light, driving innovation across a variety of fields, from telecommunications to medical diagnostics. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the state-of-the-art lab serves as a beacon of excellence in the realm of optics and photonics research. Alongside other players, the Alpine Rhine Valley is developing into a “Photonics Valley” with international recognition.
The Canton is heavily dedicated to nurturing innovative research and encourages entities from around the globe to participate in their ecosystem. The Grisons offers an array of incentives including subsidies, low-interest loans, and tax incentives. The Canton is particularly looking to attract entities focused on translational medicine, advanced patient care, and companies striving to lower treatment and healthcare costs.
Bleisch added, “During the pandemic, half of the global supply for breathing machines used for COVID-19 patients, and 60-70% of all chips for automatized COVID-19 testing were developed and produced in the Grisons. Private entities in the Canton are investing in advanced research on DNA sequencing technologies, developing new tools, and pioneering methodologies in the medical field, paving the way for personalized medicine. We are working with partners from the private sector, and institutions locally and across Switzerland to form a new institute in Davos. Focusing on medtech and biotech, the institute will further strengthen international collaborations and position the region as a key contributor to future medical advancements.”
Another cluster in the Canton is focusing on cutting-edge ICT infrastructure, from the potential of Big Data and IoT, to chip manufacturing and cloud technologies. With areas like cloud computing and advanced networking solutions, players wishing to harness the power of digital transformation can cohesively innovate in the Grisons.
To host and enhance such clusters, the Grisons has a multitude of dedicated locations across its region. For instance, the InnHub La Punt, which is set to open in 2028, is a dedicated campus, established to encourage co-creation and transformation for human and planetary health. It will be an architectural marvel, designed by Lord Norman Foster and will include high-profile companies such as ON and Swisscom.
Bleisch expanded, “Notably, the Grisons offers vast industrial sites, with over 300,000 m² of land readily available, which is rare in the heart of Europe between major metropolitan areas such as Munich or Milan. This is particularly interesting for entities seeking locations where they can grow end-to-end. We offer the space required to conduct research and eventually start production when entities are ready to commercialize. We’re ideally seeking to attract highly specialized entities focusing on value-added solutions with a certain degree of R&D and engineering workforce.”
One example of an American company excelling in the Grisons is Hamilton. It chose the Grisons for its European headquarters and expanded its most important high-tech production site in the Industrial Park Vial, which is the Grisons’ largest purely industrial zone. From here, Hamilton is continuously improving mechanical ventilation therapies for patients worldwide and holds numerous patents in innovative areas. The industrial park has been ideal for sectors focused on advanced manufacturing, life sciences, high-tech, and value-added solutions. With its direct highway access, it makes it extremely convenient to reach Zurich Airport in just over an hour.
Work Where Others Vacation: Exploring Quality of Life and Tourism
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Canton of the Grisons captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Renowned for its picturesque mountain villages, pristine lakes, and sprawling valleys, the Grisons offers an unparalleled escape into nature’s embrace. Home to iconic destinations such as St. Moritz, Davos, and the Engadin Valley, the region attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering adventures.
Beyond its natural splendor, the Grisons boasts a vibrant history shaped by its unique position at the crossroads of European cultures. With its medieval towns and centuries-old traditions, the Canton exudes a sense of timeless charm. The UNESCO railway route of Rhaetian Railway, which is over 100 years old, is one of the world’s most spectacular railway lines. From exploring historic castles to savoring local delicacies like Capuns, Pizokel, or Tuorta da Nuschs, a journey through the Grisons embodies the essence of Switzerland’s finest offerings.
Thanks to its alpine allure, strategic location, highly skilled workforce, a myriad of clusters, and favorable business environment, the Grisons is a compelling destination for businesses seeking to thrive amidst a backdrop of innovation and natural beauty.
