The Greater Lausanne Region is one of Switzerland’s leading Deep Tech and innovation hubs, bolstered by a strong talent base, top global universities, an attractive framework for R&D and IP, numerous multinational European headquarters, a high quality of life, and tremendous regional growth. Over the past 20 years, the Canton of Vaud’s GDP has risen by roughly 75%, while its population has grown by over 30%.
Greater Lausanne’s talent base is anchored by leading institutions matriculating 35,000 students, including École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) (among the top 15 engineering and technology institutions worldwide), the University of Lausanne, HEIG-VD, IMD Business School (#2 MBA in Europe), EHL Hospitality Business School (#1 globally for Hospitality & Leisure Management), and ECAL. EPFL hosts 500+ laboratories and research groups, and drives commercialization through assets including the EPFL Innovation Park.
The region’s eight state-supported innovation hubs span sectors. Key platforms include Biopôle for Biotech and Medtech, the unlimitrust campus for Digital Trust and Cybersecurity, Agropôle for FoodTech and sustainable nutrition, and Swiss Aeropole, the first Swiss technology park dedicated to Aerospace. Backed by the Canton of Vaud and coordinated through regional agencies, these hubs provide specialized infrastructure and commercialization support.
In January 2026, Innovaud and IMD Business School launched the sixth edition of LeadiNNg to Scale-Up, delivering executive-level scaling support to high-growth companies. In 2026, Scale-Up Vaud marked its 10-year milestone and announced a cohort of 44 companies.
Funding momentum in the Greater Lausanne Region remains strong, with support from FIT, Venture Kick, and an active regional VC ecosystem. Vaud-based startups raised $665 million in 2025, marking a roughly 14% increase year-over-year. Major funding rounds include Distalmotion ($150M), Ecorobotix ($105M), Neural Concept ($100M), Corintis ($49M), and Haya Therapeutics ($65M).
The Greater Lausanne Region actively promotes diversity in its startup ecosystem through inclusive programs and equitable access. In October 2025, EPFL hosted Women and Entrepreneurship, an event dedicated to addressing structural barriers faced by women founders.
