Cantons and Areas
Learn about the features of the various economic regions of Switzerland and find direct contacts to the best locations for your company.
DISCOVER THE AREAS
Some Swiss Cantons have joined together in cross-regional networks, known as Business Areas. As international contacts, the Business Areas mediate between international companies wanting to establish themselves, local demands and the interests of individual member Cantons.
Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa)
Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa) is the investment promotion agency for Western Switzerland, bringing together the cantons of Bern, Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel and Geneva. Its mission is to provide support to foreign companies allowing them to get established quickly and develop their activities in the region.
The Greater Zurich Area (GZA)
The Greater Zurich Area (GZA) is where world-class technology meets Swiss reliability. As the global leader in innovation and talent attraction paired with Switzerland’s business-friendly, stable, and reliable environment, the Greater Zurich region offers international companies real added value and peace of mind for their strategic expansion in Europe.
Basel Area Business & Innovation
Basel Area Business & Innovation is the investment and innovation promotion of the Basel Area and your go-to agency for launching or relocating a business venture in Switzerland’s most dynamic region. As a non-profit organization, we provide services to companies, institutions and startups interested in exploring business opportunities or innovative projects in the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Jura. We provide consulting services, facilitate connections, manage several accelerator programs, and offer events and workshops.
DISCOVER THE CANTONS
Switzerland is a federal state made up of 26 cantons, each enjoying a high degree of political and economic autonomy. This decentralized structure allows regions to develop distinct economic strengths, while benefiting from excellent nationwide infrastructure, meaning even rural areas are well connected and business-ready. S-GE works in close partnership with all 26 cantons. Explore the individual cantons below.
Aargau (AG)
Health | Automation
Aargau is a leading industrial and innovation canton, strong in energy, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.
Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR)
Automation | Health
Appenzell Ausserrhoden offers a business-friendly environment with a strong SME base and export-oriented manufacturing.
Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI)
Automation | Health
Appenzell Innerrhoden combines a strong SME economy with short decision paths and an efficient administration.
Basel-Landschaft (BL)
Health | Automation
Basel-Landschaft is a key life sciences canton, closely integrated into the global pharma and biotech ecosystem.
Basel-Stadt (BS)
Health | Automation
Basel-Stadt is an international life sciences hub, home to global pharma leaders and cutting-edge research.
Bern (BE)
Digital Worlds | Health
The canton of Bern offers a diverse economy with strengths in industry, ICT, medical technology, and services.
Fribourg (FR)
Food | Automation
Fribourg positions itself as a bilingual innovation hub with strengths in food technology and advanced materials.
Geneva (GE)
Finance | Digital Worlds
Geneva is a global hub for international organizations, finance, commodities trading, and high-value services.
Glarus (GL)
Food | Automation
Glarus is an attractive industrial location offering cost efficiency, innovation, and strong manufacturing know-how.
Grisons (GR)
Automation
Graubünden combines a strong tourism economy with growing activities in energy, construction, and innovation.
Jura (JU)
Automation
The canton of Jura is a center of excellence for microtechnology, precision engineering, and high-quality industry.
Lucerne (LU)
Digital Worlds
Lucerne offers a dynamic business environment with strong SMEs and expertise in industry and ICT.
Neuchâtel (NE)
Automation | Digital Worlds
Neuchâtel is internationally recognized for microtechnology, precision industries, and applied innovation.
Nidwalden (NW)
Automation
Nidwalden offers attractive conditions for internationally active companies and a strong industrial tradition.
Obwalden (OW)
Automation | Food
Obwalden is a competitive business location focused on SMEs, manufacturing, and aviation-related industries.
Schaffhausen (SH)
Food | Automation
Schaffhausen combines industrial strength, innovation, and excellent cross-border connectivity.
Schwyz (SZ)
Health | Finance
Schwyz is an attractive business location known for its tax competitiveness and international headquarters.
Solothurn (SO)
Health | Automation
Solothurn is a strong industrial canton with expertise in manufacturing, automotive supply, and precision engineering.
St. Gallen (SG)
Health I Automation
St.Gallen is one of Europe’s leading high-tech and precision engineering hubs.
Ticino (TI)
Health | Automation
Ticino is Switzerland’s gateway to Italy, with strengths in finance, life sciences, fashion, and industry.
Thurgau (TG)
Automation | Food
Thurgau offers a diversified economy with strengths in agri-food, manufacturing, and innovative SMEs.
Uri (UR)
Digital Worlds | Automation
Uri benefits from its central location on key transit axes and offers opportunities in energy and logistics.
Vaud (VD)
Digital Worlds | Health
Vaud is a leading innovation and research canton, strong in life sciences, ICT, cleantech, and entrepreneurship.
Valais (VS)
Health | Food
Valais combines industrial expertise with strengths in chemicals, energy, life sciences, and tourism.
Zug (ZG)
Health | Digital Worlds
Zug is an international hub for headquarters, commodities trading, and digital and crypto innovation.
Zurich (ZH)
Health | Finance
Zurich is a leading economic center, excelling in finance, ICT, life sciences, and innovation.