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Economic development: 10 highlights of 2022 in Western Switzerland

In 2022, the Greater Geneva Bern area has seen many advances in its economic development that have highlighted its dynamism and leadership in innovation. Here are 10 highlights of 2022 in Western Switzerland.

Patient with complete spinal cord injury walking at the EPFL campus after five months rehab.
Patient with complete spinal cord injury walking at the EPFL campus after five months rehab.

The establishment of Rolex in Bulle

Seduced by the Canton of Fribourg’s central location and the availability of a skilled workforce, the watchmaking giant Rolex has chosen to set up its new production site in Bulle. It is expected to be completed by 2029, creating 2,000 jobs and representing an investment of CHF 1 billion.

A gel for the treatment of skin cancer

Researchers from the University of Bern have developed a treatment that activates the body’s own defense system against black skin cancer (melanoma). Components of a bacterium are incorporated into a gel and applied directly to the area affected by the tumor.

Recognition of FDA-approved medical devices in Switzerland

The Federal Council was given the mandate to adopt the national law in such a way that, in addition to medical devices with an EU certificate (CE mark), medical devices with a U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval are also recognized in Switzerland. This measure is expected to take effect around mid-2023.

A new implant to treat paralysis

A team of scientists led by EPFL has developed a new implant that now allows patients with complete spinal cord injuries to stand, walk, and even engage in recreational activities such as swimming, biking, and canoeing. This implant electrically stimulates the nerves in the back and legs and can be controlled using a tablet.

CELESTA, the first CERN-driven satellite, enters orbit

CELESTA, the first CERN-driven satellite, successfully entered orbit in July during the maiden flight of Europe’s Vega-C launch vehicle. It is a 1U CubeSat designed to study the effects of cosmic radiation on electronics. The satellite carries a Space RadMon, a miniature version of a well-proven radiation monitoring device deployed in CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

SpArk and EnovArk: two new poles of competence and innovation in the Valais

SpArk is a center of excellence in movement science and technology. This new center dedicated to sport and performance is the result of a collaboration between the City of Sion and The Ark Foundation. EnovArk is the new innovation cluster for energy transition, the result of a collaboration between energy company OIKEN and The Ark Foundation. Its main objective is to serve as a testing ground to address the challenges of the energy transition by providing a network of expertise.

Switzerland’s most powerful solar facility in the canton of Neuchâtel

At the beginning of the year, VARO Energy Group and Groupe E have announced the construction of the country’s most powerful ground-mounted solar power plant with an installed capacity of 7.7 MW in Cressier, in the canton of Neuchâtel. Comprising 19,000 photovoltaic panels, the station will be partnering with the CSEM to test a new generation of solar panels, demonstrating its commitment to innovation. It is scheduled to be commissioned in the spring of 2023.

The canton of Fribourg launches three agri-food programs

Following the approval by the Fribourg State Council of an economic development strategy for the agri-food sector, three flagship initiatives have been launched with the aim of making the canton of Fribourg a leader in this field. “Food & Farm Living Lab” aims to develop systematic solutions by integrating the needs of all stakeholders. “Biomass Valorization”, promotes the reutilization of biomass from the canton’s agricultural and agri-food production. Finally, “Agriculture & Industry 4.0”, supports the optimization of current agricultural and agri-food processes using data.

A world first in cancer radiotherapy

The CHUV, the CERN, and THERYQ have signed an agreement for the world-first development of a revolutionary FLASH radiotherapy device that will use very high energy electron (VHEE) radiation to treat cancers resistant to conventional treatments. The device, based on CERN technology, will be installed at the CHUV in Lausanne

Inauguration of the M2C in Neuchâtel

The EPFL and the CSEM have created the M2C in Neuchâtel, a center that focuses on various high-precision 3D manufacturing processes. It will cover all stages of development, from fundamental research to the transfer of sustainable technologies with a high economic impact to industry. The center will serve as a catalyst to foster collaboration between academic, institutional and industrial partners, and will function as a training platform for its stakeholders.

2022 saw many new projects, establishments, and innovations emerge. Western Switzerland has once again demonstrated its high potential for innovation and promises great prospects for the years to come. As the economic promotion agency for Western Switzerland, the GGBa looks forward to supporting this growth and contributing to the economic development of the region.

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