The Hashgraph Association is an independent, non-profit organization focused on building a vibrant, innovative ecosystem for startups

The Hashgraph Association

The Technology Fund offers loan guarantees to Swiss companies whose novel products contribute to a sustainable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Swiss Technology Fund

Deceler8 are building a #decelerator to help fast-moving entrepreneurs refocus their energy

deceler8

![aerial view of city buildings during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1620563092215-0fbc6b55cfc5?ixlib=rb-4.0.3&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8Mnx8enVyaWNofGVufDB8fDB8fHww&w=1000&q=80)
 Switzerland’s world-renowned banking and financial policies, along with its longstanding political stability, make it a reliable place for investment. This reputation was further solidified when Zurich-born startup Sygnum, a Swiss digital asset bank, achieved unicorn status in 2025—highlighting the country’s growing influence in the Fintech and Digital Banking sectors. 

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 Domestically, Switzerland presents a unique model: its federal structure, combined with direct democracy, enables decentralized innovation while maintaining national coherence. Despite not being a member of the European Union, Switzerland maintains bilateral trade agreements with all EU countries, securing access to key markets and allowing startups to scale internationally with fewer barriers. 


 This global connectivity is not limited to trade alone. Switzerland’s startup ecosystem itself has an international outlook, with efforts to strengthen innovation not just at home, but around the world. A standout example of how Swiss ecosystem development expands beyond borders is the Swiss Entrepreneurship Program (SwissEP), led by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). SwissEP supports entrepreneurs in developing and emerging economies through tailored programs that foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth. Active in countries such as Vietnam, Serbia, Peru, and Albania, the initiative brings Swiss know-how to the global stage—strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems by building local capacity, facilitating mentorship, and promoting cross-border collaboration. 


 The public sector continues to play a highly proactive role in nurturing innovation within Switzerland. The Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse) funds and assists startups through coaching, training, and R&D collaboration. Meanwhile, Swissnex helps entrepreneurs connect to international innovation hubs, further extending Switzerland’s influence in global startup circles. Programs like the Swiss Golden Visa also enhance the country’s appeal to foreign entrepreneurs, remote workers, and investors seeking residency through meaningful financial contributions. 


 Switzerland’s private sector complements these public efforts with robust support structures of its own. Unlike many countries, Swiss ecosystem developers and startup communities often operate with sustainable business models, ensuring long-term support independent of government funding. Organizations such as Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) and digitalswitzerland are particularly active—S-GE helps startups expand internationally through expert guidance and trade missions, while digitalswitzerland runs initiatives like Swiss Digital Day and Scale Up Bootcamps to promote digital literacy and startup growth. 

 This synergy between public and private sectors is further reinforced by a strong network of accelerators and incubators, including Venture Kick, MassChallenge Switzerland, and Kickstart Innovation, which offer funding, mentorship, and access to corporate partners. The ecosystem also benefits from world-class research institutions. Swiss startups are increasingly bridging the gap between academia and commercialization, supported by innovation platforms like Yes!Delft, HighTechXL, and Amsterdam Science Park. 

 Building on this solid foundation, individual cantons play a vital role in accelerating local innovation. The canton of Zurich has positioned itself as a leading hub, offering programs like Technopark Zurich to support early-stage ventures. In Vaud, the Innovaud program provides startups with funding, mentorship, and networking. Meanwhile, BE-Advanced in Bern and Open Geneva in Geneva focus on fostering regional innovation and collaboration. 

 Switzerland’s openness to innovation and disruption is perhaps best exemplified by its leadership in the Blockchain space. In Zug, famously known as Crypto Valley, companies benefit from low corporate taxes, innovation-friendly regulation, and access to a global blockchain network. With Ethereum headquartered there, Zug has become a magnet for cryptographic ventures. The Crypto Valley Association strengthens this community by attracting international players and building partnerships with global blockchain hubs. 

 Beyond Fintech and Blockchain, Switzerland is a global leader in Life Sciences & Biotech, home to pharmaceutical giants such as Novartis and Roche. These industries thrive through close collaboration between academia and the private sector, creating fertile ground for deep tech innovation. 

 Finally, one of Switzerland’s most enduring advantages is its highly skilled labor force, supported by world-class universities and a strong education system. While employment costs are high, the country continues to attract foreign talent through EU labor agreements and visa pathways such as the Entrepreneur Visa. Combined with a strong track record in attracting foreign investment—including through the Golden Investor Visa—Switzerland remains one of the most globally connected and innovation-ready startup ecosystems in the world.

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Switzerland

Western Europe

Discover the best startup accelerators in Switzerland for 2025. Find the best programs to help your business grow and succeed.

Best Startup Accelerators in Switzerland for 2025

List of Best Startup Accelerators Programs in Switzerland for 2025

Explore the Startup Ecosystem of Switzerland

Top Cities for Startups in Switzerland - Ranked by StartupBlink