Fri, Jun 7th 2024
UBS and Swisscom are propelling Switzerland’s deep tech innovation with the Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation
UBS and Swisscom have founded the “Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation” to support companies with cutting-edge technologies in Switzerland.
The foundation’s mission is to enhance conditions for Swiss start-ups, scale-ups, and investors in the deep tech sector, which focuses on impactful technologies solving significant social problems. There is a notable lack of necessary risk capital in this research-intensive sector. The goal is to mobilise CHF 50 billion over the next ten years, indirectly creating up to 100,000 new jobs in Switzerland.
Currently, Switzerland invests just under CHF 3 billion annually in companies in the growth phase. In contrast, Sweden invests at least CHF 5 billion per year, and Israel regularly invests more than CHF 10 billion annually.
Planned measures include creating “Venture Hub Switzerland” with internationally competitive financial and legal structures. Additionally, a “Unicorn Factory” will support young companies with high potential. An information platform on the Swiss innovation ecosystem is also planned to provide investors with a quick overview.
The Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation, established in May 2024, is an independent non-profit foundation. Partners like Stadler Rail, SIX, Vaudoise Insurance, Rolex, Swiss Re, SICPA, and the University of Zurich have already joined.
UBS Switzerland CEO Sabine Keller-Busse and Swisscom CEO Christoph Aeschlimann presented the new foundation at the Swiss Economic Forum SEF on Thursday.
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