Thousands of high-tech businesses and many of Europe's most prestigious research facilities are located in the canton of Vaud, combining infrastructure, skilled workers, and knowledge. Vaud hosts over 2,000 technology companies that collectively employ more than 50,000 highly-skilled professionals. The region houses the headquarters of many international companies including Medtronic, Nestlé, Tetrapack, Honeywell, BOBST, and Becton Dickinson.
The Greater Lausanne ecosystem is supported by eight innovation parks, including Trust Valley’s unlimitrust, which focuses on trust-based companies, and Biopôle, which hosts over 140 Life Sciences companies and more than 25 research groups. The Genolier Innovation Hub opened in September 2024, aiming to accelerate late-stage medical research and innovation.
Universities, research centers, and businesses form a strong collaborative network in Greater Lausanne. In October 2024, The Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich and Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) launched the Swiss National AI Institute, offering a national perspective on research, education, and innovation in AI, with a particular focus on transparency, open source, and trust.
Innovaud plays a key role in strengthening the Greater Lausanne startup ecosystem by providing tailored support to innovative startups, scaleups, and tech-oriented SMEs. Through services like funding guidance, internationalization support, and connections to key academic and industrial partners, Innovaud helps accelerate growth and fosters a collaborative environment for innovation.
Launched in Lausanne, the MassChallenge Accelerator Program aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship by providing startups with essential resources and support. This year, the program is focused on three key areas: Sustainable Food, Sustainable and Efficient Industry, and HealthTech.
