‘Switzerland not only has some of the best universities in the world, but also offers extremely good conditions for founders who want to start a new company.’

Camilla Giannoni, 22 OCTOBER, 2020

For those investors who are searching for high returns – and who do not shy away from risks- there is no better place to be than Switzerland.

The Global Innovation Index has named it the ‘most innovative country in the world’ for the 10th consecutive year, followed by Sweden and the US.

Talking to Citywire Switzerland, Privilège Management CEO and venture capitalist, Jacqueline Ruedin Rüsch said: ‘Switzerland not only has some of the best universities in the world, but also offers extremely good conditions for founders who want to start a new company. The whole ecosystem has evolved tremendously over the last ten years and today we find many very innovative firms in Switzerland.

‘Looking at seed-stage companies, I believe it is worth mentioning the achievements of the two co-founders of Miro Analytical Technologies.’

The firm provides authorities, scientists and companies with a tool that measures air pollution and greenhouse gases. The multi-compound gas analyser which can measure up to 10 greenhouse gases and pollutants.

Ruedin Rüsch said: ‘Another great team has founded Idun Technologies, which is developing sensors and software able to detect brain signals, which can be easily integrated into wearables, like earphones.’

When it comes to scale-up companies Ruedin Rüsch points to AVA, a Zurich-based firm which created a multi-sensor bracelet that helps women to identify their most fertile days. The bracelet collects data based on skin temperature, heart rate variability ratio, resting pulse rate, perfusion and breathing rate.

Within the healthcare sector, Ruedin Rüsch mentions Lausanne-based DistalMotion, a surgical robot which helps surgeons carry out tasks such as suturing and dissection. However, this is not the only company based in the city which looks interesting in the eyes of Ruedin Rüsch.

She said: ‘After successfully closing a CHF 25m Series C round, Lausanne-based Lunaphore Technologies is developing next-generation equipment for cancer research and tissue diagnostics. This is certainly a company to watch in the coming years.

‘Finally, let me mention the 3D printing technology for aerospace applications developed by Swissto12 SA, also in Lausanne, which just recently got awarded a new major contract from a leading Israeli defence contractor.’