Life Sciences
Zug is a European prime hub for life sciences. Many global players and nu-merous small and medium-sized companies have set up their international and European headquarters here.
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 300 companies, ranging from smaller startups to established large enterprises, collectively employing around 9,000 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 base. Examples of these companies include Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Vir Biotechnology, Blueprint Medicines, Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Mirati Therapeutics, Reata Pharmaceuticals, Krystal Biotech, Insmed, Deciphera, PTC Therapeutics, and Mirum Pharmaceuticals. 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."
"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 and Head of Corporate Affairs International - Biogen
"Mirati is relentlessly focused on translating science into hope for patients by advancing novel therapeutics that target the genetic and immunologic drivers of cancer. 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."
"Mirati is relentlessly focused on translating science into hope for patients by advancing novel therapeutics that target the genetic and immunologic drivers of cancer. 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
Senior Vice President and Head of International - Mirati Therapeutics, Inc
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 setup European or international HQ’s here as Varian (a Siemens Healthineers Company), Smith&Nephew, Zimmer Biomet, Align Technology (leader for dental aligners), Exact Sciences or Hologic. Moreover, innovative startups like DBI (Deep Breathe Intelligence), 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 an 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."
"As part of the medtech cluster Zurich-Zug, Rotkreuz offers excellent conditions for Roche. We have been at home here for over 50 years an 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."
"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
CEO - Medela AG
"For more than 40 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."
"For more than 40 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
Download
To download the latest "Medtech Factsheet" click here. It contains comprehensive information about the clusters, interesting facts, and relevant contacts.
Platforms, institutions and associations
The Technology Forum Zug is a welcoming platform that connects innovative and technology-oriented companies. Professionals from various fields of expertise come together here to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
The Institute of Medical Engineering focuses on research in the field of regenerative medicine, cardiology, and reproductive medicine and is based on developments in mechanical and electrical engineering along with computer science.
Medical Engineering | Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (hslu.ch)
This bachelor's programme trains students to become experts at the interface between technology and medicine. They acquire technological and economic knowledge.
Medical Engineering | Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (hslu.ch)
The ETHZ is among the world’s leading universities. It is home to the Biomedical Technology unit within the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and to the Institute for Biomechanics. The ETHZ strives to strengthen its position as an international hub for medical engineering.
The University of Zurich is the largest university in Switzerland and is especially innovative in the area of biomedicine and life sciences. They have the most spin-offs in the biomedicine and life sciences areas in all of Switzerland.
The Bio-Technopark provides fully equipped laboratory spaces and modern infrastructure. Companies and research institutions find an ideal environment here for their biotechnological projects.
Interpharma is the leading association of research-based pharmaceutical companies in Switzerland. As a representative of these companies, Interpharma plays a vital role in the pharmaceutical industry and actively advocates for their interests.
Association of research-based pharmaceutical companies in Switzerland - Interpharma
VIPS is the Association of Pharmaceutical Companies Operating in Switzerland. As a key representative of this industry, VIPS plays a significant role in the pharmaceutical sector and advocates for the interests of the companies.
The Swiss Biotech Association supports the interests of the biotech sector. As a significant representative of this industry, the Association plays an important role in promoting and advancing biotechnology in Switzerland.
Swiss Biotech – Industry news, events, directory, Swiss Biotech Association
At ZHAW, an interdisciplinary Master's program in life sciences is offered, specifically tailored to the needs of the industry. The university provides customized education for students looking to further their development in this dynamic field.
Life Sciences and Facility Management | ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
The BAG (FOPH) is responsible for setting drug prices and managing the list of specialty medications reimbursed by insurance companies.
The Health Office is the supervisory authority for therapeutic products in Zug and ensures the enforcement of federal and cantonal drug and narcotics laws.
Innosuisse is a Swiss innovation promotion agency that supports projects in research and development, entrepreneurship, and the development of startup companies. As a key player in fostering innovation, Innosuisse provides valuable resources and support for businesses and research institutions in Switzerland.
The Swiss Medtech industry association represents the interest of Swiss medical technology and represents more than 600 companies. The aim is to maintain its international competitiveness and innovative strength, to strengthen the domestic market and to promote a quality-oriented, progressive healthcare system.
The voice of the Swiss medical technology industry | Swiss Medtech (swiss-medtech.ch)
Health Tech Cluster Switzerland is a network of manufacturers, suppliers, research and training institutions, service providers and investors in the field of health technology. The cluster unites companies from the medical technology, pharma, biotechnology, diagnostics and healthcare industries in a mutually profitable way, thus increasing their added value.
Swissmedic is the Swiss authority for the authorization and super vision of drugs and medical products.
The mission of the CSEM is the management and promotion of innovation to convert groundbreaking basic and applied research in micro- and nanotechnology into advanced processes, leading to innovative products and helping industry and society prepare for the future.
Industrial Research and Development | Technological Innovation (csem.ch)