Most of the newly established companies are active in very high-tech sectors such as life sciences, information and communication technologies, and precision engineering. Among them are LASEA, a Belgian company specialized in high-precision laser machining; iGenius, an Italian Artificial Intelligence company; and NeoGenomics, a U.S.-based provider of oncology testing services.
United States: high technology as a common thread
With 16 established companies, the GGBa and the cantonal economic development offices achieved their best performance on the U.S. market in 2017. This success is the result of a very selective targeting of technology-oriented firms seeking to expand internationally, and for which access to a specialized know-how and to a highly qualified workforce plays a key role in the investment location decision.
China: a record year, exciting opportunities
2017 was an excellent year for Chinese investments. 12 companies set up a presence or reinforced their activities in Western Switzerland, including big names such as agrifood giant COFCO, leading nutrition firm Biostime, and traditional Chinese medicine group Beijing Tong Ren Tang. In light of China’s strong potential and the increasing internationalization of Chinese companies, the GGBa will soon open a second office in Shenzhen, known as the country’s Silicon Valley. “Shenzhen is home to numerous high added-value companies in the sectors of health and finance, as well as in the precision industry. Having a permanent presence in the area will allow us to build closer relations with the local innovation players, which represent our priority targets,” says Thomas Bohn, GGBa Executive Director.
