Blockchain, Fintech, IT
Zug has risen to prominence as a leading destination for Blockchain, Fintech, and IT. Here, innovation thrives as pioneering technologies intersect, cultivating a collaborative ecosystem of boundless possibilities.
Blockchain
Zug's Crypto Valley: A Blockchain Innovation Center
Zug has clinched the top position in CoinDesk's 2023 Crypto Hubs rankings. It's lauded for its clear regulations, favorabe taxation, crypto-friendly banking institutions, dynamic crypto job market and event-packed calendar. Known as Crypto Valley and hailed as the birthplace of Ethereum and Bitcoin Suisse, Zug thrives on its proximity to the greater Zurich region, creating an appealing ecosystem for crypto companies. This cluster serves as a vibrant intersection for fintech firms, startups, and financial establishments, harnessing pioneering technologies such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and digital banking solutions. This environment is enriched the highly ranked blockchain hub present at the University of Zurich and the local School of Computer Science and Information Technology within the canton of Zug.
Companies in the Canton of Zug
Fintech
Thriving Fintech Cluster: A Catalyst for Financial Innovation
"Fintech" is a portmanteau of the words "financial" and "technology." It refers to the use of technology to provide financial services and solutions. Fintech companies leverage cutting-edge technologies to create innovative and efficient financial products and services, disrupting traditional banking and financial institutions. The fintech industry has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by advancements in technology, changing consumer preferences, and a desire for more accessible and convenient financial services. Zug's fintech cluster ranges from startups to established tech firms, and they play a significant role in shaping the future of finance.
Quote from a leading business personality
"Bitcoin Suisse, a founding member of Crypto Valley in Switzerland, has been at the heart of technology, entrepreneurial and crypto innovation in Zug since 2013. The progressive and innovative approach of Zug enables us to drive crypto adoption further. As the oldest and largest Swiss player of the digital asset industry, Zug offers great economic conditions and an industry-friendly attitude."
Dirk Klee
Chief Executive Officer - Bitcoin Suisse
Companies in the Canton of Zug
IT
Empowering Businesses Through Cutting-Edge IT to Robust Cybersecurity Solutions
Zug's flourishing IT cluster thrives as a nucleus of technological prowess. Within this cluster, a wide spectrum of IT companies, startups, and institutions converge. Supported by prominent national and international corporations, an environment conducive to innovation, and a rich talent pool, Zug's IT cluster commands global acclaim. It delivers a spectrum of state-of-the-art solutions, spanning from AI-powered innovations to resilient cybersecurity solutions. This firmly establishes Zug's standing as a leading global technology destination, positioned at the forefront of technological advancement.
Quotes from leading business personalities
"Zug’s high concentration of ICT businesses gives it the potential to be one of the world’s leading digital innovation hubs. The fast-growing tech cluster, access to highly qualified digital talents and dynamic business environment supported by authorities of Canton of Zug were key motivators in Luxoft’s decision to establish operations in Zug. We believe the future of fintech innovation is ready to be created here."
"Zug’s high concentration of ICT businesses gives it the potential to be one of the world’s leading digital innovation hubs. The fast-growing tech cluster, access to highly qualified digital talents and dynamic business environment supported by authorities of Canton of Zug were key motivators in Luxoft’s decision to establish operations in Zug. We believe the future of fintech innovation is ready to be created here."
Elena Goryunova
Chief Human Resources Officer - Luxoft
"Expersoft’s PM1 provides banks and asset managers with a market-proven standard solution for wealth and asset management. The company headquarters have been located in Zug for more than 20 years, an ideal location given the availability of IT and banking specialists plus the quality office space needed to support Expersoft’s growth. An excellent and attractive location for highly qualified talent."
"Expersoft’s PM1 provides banks and asset managers with a market-proven standard solution for wealth and asset management. The company headquarters have been located in Zug for more than 20 years, an ideal location given the availability of IT and banking specialists plus the quality office space needed to support Expersoft’s growth. An excellent and attractive location for highly qualified talent."
Urs-Peter Oehen
President - Expersoft Systems AG
Companies in the Canton of Zug
Download
Here you can download the most recent «ICT Cluster Factsheet», please click here. This document encompasses detailed information about the clusters, intriguing insights, and pertinent contact details.
Platforms, Institutions and Associations
The mission of CSEM is to oversee and foster innovation, transforming cutting-edge fundamental and applied research in micro- and nanotechnology into advanced processes. This endeavor aims to yield innovative products while aiding both industry and society in preparing for the future.
Industrial Research and Development | Technological Innovation (csem.ch)
The CVA is an autonomous association founded to leverage Switzerland's strengths in order to establish the global premier ecosystem for blockchain and cryptographic technologies.
The DEC has created a globally acknowledged digital certification platform for blockchain and digital asset platforms. Additionally, it partners with universities and provides funding for research within the blockchain ecosystem.
Digitalswitzerland is a nationwide, cross-sector initiative with the objective of enhancing and firmly establishing Switzerland as a foremost global hub for digital innovation.
Transforming Switzerland into a leading digital nation | digitalswitzerland
The Swiss Blockchain Federation introduced "Home of Blockchain.swiss," a worldwide initiative backed by former Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer. This initiative aims to spotlight Switzerland's prowess in blockchain technology. Supported by Switzerland Global Enterprise and multiple Swiss Cantons, the effort endeavors to entice international companies by highlighting Switzerland's transparent and business-welcoming environment, bolstered by recent Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) legislation.
Over the past 25 years, IFZ has been generating value for the financial sector and corporate finance professionals across various industries. This has been achieved through the provision of degree programs, continuous education and executive training initiatives, alongside applied research and consulting services.
Swiss Innovation Agency, operating as the Swiss Innovation Promotion Agency, provides support for R&D projects, entrepreneurship, and the growth of startup enterprises.
The Mindfire Foundation, located in Zug, is dedicated to the objective of advancing human-level artificial intelligence to enhance human capabilities. Leveraging Switzerland's established reputation as a hub for pioneering science, technology, and philanthropy, Mindfire builds upon this foundation.
Human empowerment through collective and artificial intelligence. (mindfire.global)
Through the forthcoming establishment of the National Test Institute for Cyber Security (NTC) in Zug, the Zug Canton is poised to emerge as a preeminent cyber security hub across Switzerland. Acting on behalf of both businesses and the public sector, the institute will assess components for their cyber security. This test institute is intended to have a national scope with a global outreach. The inauguration of the National Test Institute for Cybersecurity is scheduled for 2022.
The School of Computer Science and Information Technology provides degree programs, applied research and development initiatives, and ongoing education courses in computer science, information technology, and business information technology in Rotkreuz-Zug. Introducing Switzerland's inaugural bachelor's program in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the institution addresses the escalating need for experts in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics.
Lucerne School of Information Technology | Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (hslu.ch)
The Swiss Blockchain Federation strives to uphold and enhance Switzerland's appeal and competitiveness as a blockchain hub. Through the establishment of legal clarity and a favorable environment, it advocates for the economic and social integration of applications and endeavors rooted in blockchain technology.
ETH Zurich ranks among the world's foremost universities dedicated solely to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through the newly established ETH AI Center, the institution is establishing a research hub for artificial intelligence (AI). This center also serves as an incubator for emerging businesses, fostering robust collaborations with the corporate sector.
SwissICT serves as the representative of ICT endeavors in Switzerland, holding the distinction of being the largest professional association within the sector. It acts as a conduit linking over 2,500 ICT providers with user companies and specialists.
The IBZ Schools for Technology, Computer Science, and Business provide a wide range of foundational training, degree programs, and ongoing education opportunities for both full-time and part-time students.
The Technology Forum Zug (tfz) offers an appealing platform for technologically advanced and innovative companies within the economic sphere of Zug. It achieves this by fostering connections between organizations and their respective expertise. Various universities, research institutes, and partners serve as valuable supplements within the expert network. The tfz centralizes knowledge and interests into "industry clusters" and "competence topics," creating a supportive environment that aids companies through innovation and technology-driven initiatives.
The UZH Blockchain Center commenced its operations in 2017, encompassing a range of academic, educational, and industry-oriented endeavors. It has since grown to become the largest academic cluster in Switzerland and a global hub for blockchain. In the 2022 CoinDesk University Ranking, it stands as the 4th-ranked institution globally and the top-ranked in Europe.