Life Sciences
Vibrant and innovative environment for Life Sciences
Over many decades, the life sciences cluster has established itself as a significant industry in the Zug region. The area boasts an impressive mix of approximately 360 companies, ranging from smaller startups to established large enterprises, collectively employing around 9,600 people. While the focus remains on commercial functions, there has been a growing emphasis on medical, clinical, and operational roles in recent years.
Notably, the region is also home to other leading clusters, including deep-tech, artificial intelligence (AI), and information and communication technology (ICT), including blockchain. These clusters provide an ideal innovation environment for technological advancements in the life sciences sector, resulting in exciting synergies and groundbreaking developments.
Pharma/Biotech
Hotspot for international headquarters of pharma & biotech companies
The Canton of Zug is home to a variety of international pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including renowned global players such as Biogen, Amgen, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Bristol Myers Squibb, Astra Zeneca, Abbvie, GSK (Oncology), Sanofi, and Gilead.
Over the last decade, around 60 US Biotechs have chosen Zug as their European or international base. Examples of these companies include Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Blueprint Medicines, Krystal Biotech, Insmed, Deciphera, PTC Therapeutics, Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Cytokinetics, Springworks, Madrigal, and Crinetics. And there are more promising companies in the pipeline.
The high density of pharma and biotech companies in the canton of Zug and the large number of service providers dedicated to life sciences make it a beneficial business environment.
Quotes from leading business personalities
The Canton of Zug has proved ideal for our international headquarters. Its central location, transit connections, and modern infrastructure are essential for our business. The natural beauty and quality of life have helped us attract and retain outstanding talent.»
Dr. Katja Buller
Vice President & Head of Corporate Affairs International – Biogen
Zenas BioPharma is committed to being a leader in the development and commercialization of transformative immunology-based therapies so that patients with autoimmune diseases can reimagine life. We recently selected Zug as our international headquarters due to the wealth of life science innovation and the talented workforce in the region. The centrality in Europe, great infrastructure, outstanding quality of life and great support from the local authorities were also key factors for us in choosing this location.»
Orlando Oliveira
Chief Commericial Officer – Zenas BioPharma
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) started in Zug in 1984. Today we employ 1,000 people at the Zug Campus, representing the Innovative Medicine and the MedTech sectors, with Global, Regional and Local responsibilities. Business friendliness, availability of highly qualified talents, modern infrastructure including proximity to the airport and the vibrant innovation ecosystem make Zug the ideal location for J&J, which across Switzerland employs 5,750 people dedicated to bringing innovation to patients.»
Max Pahlow
Managing Director – Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Switzerland
Companies in the Canton of Zug
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To download the latest "Pharma/Biotech Factsheet" click here. It contains comprehensive information about the clusters, interesting facts, and relevant contacts.
Medtech
Prime Location for global leaders, SMEs and startups in the medical devices and diagnostics sector
Over one hundred companies in the area of diagnostics, medical devices, orthopedics and digital health make up a vibrant ecosystem in the Canton of Zug. Activities include R&D, Manufacturing, Procurement & Supply chain, Commercialization and general HQ functions. Examples for global headquarters are Roche Diagnostics, Medela, SHL Medical, Schiller and Johnson & Johnson Medtech with significant global functions in their international Campus in Zug. In addition, many global players have set up European or international HQ’s here, such as Varian (a Siemens Healthineers Company), Smith&Nephew, Zimmer Biomet, Align Technology (leader for dental aligners), Exact Sciences, Hologic, or Novocure. Moreover, innovative startups like Heart Force or Sedimentum find a perfect home in our medtech cluster.
Quotes from leading business personalities
As part of the medtech cluster Zurich-Zug, Rotkreuz offers excellent conditions for Roche. We have been at home here for over 50 years and appreciate the innovative strength, the proximity to universities and experts in fields, such as technology, informatics and engineering, the ideal infrastructure and, of course, the high quality of life in a beautiful environment.»
Andreas Klopp
General Manager – Roche Diagnostics International
Headquartered in the Canton of Zug since 1961, we value the qualities of the Zug region. Thanks to the support of the local authorities and institutions and the existing life science cluster, we benefit from a supportive economic and institutional environment. Of course, its strategic location, excellent public transport access and high quality of life also contribute to making the canton an attractive place to work for our employees and future talents.»
Annette Brüls
former CEO – Medela AG
For more than 50 years, SCHILLER, including its production, has been at home in Baar ZG. The central location, a first class infrastructure as well as a business-friendly environment offer ideal conditions. Further, the excellent quality of life is attracting many highly qualified specialists to come and settle in the region. The proximity of worldleading universities helps us to maintain our position as pioneers in the global market.»
Alfred E. Schiller
Owner and President – SCHILLER AG
Companies in the Canton of Zug
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To download the latest "Medtech Factsheet" click here. It contains comprehensive information about the clusters, interesting facts, and relevant contacts.