About Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation
Need for Action
Time for Action
Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation acts as a catalyst for the Swiss innovation ecosystem. We are committed to improving the framework for Swiss start-ups, scale-ups, and investors in the deep tech sector. Our goal is to strengthen Switzerland’s innovation and competitiveness in the long term.
The Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation is an independent non-profit foundation that emerged from a private initiative of the founding members Swisscom and UBS.
Deep tech start-ups
A deep tech start-up uses scientific discovery or engineering innovation to bring to market genuine new products required to overcome societal or industrial challenges.
Investors value their potential to become leaders in their fast-growing markets.
Need for action
Switzerland excels in innovation, boasting a unique education system and globally renowned research institutions. However, its innovative strength often lacks sufficient investment. This gap is causing Switzerland to gradually lose ground to international competitors, particularly in the deep tech start-up ecosystem.
Currently, local Swiss entities shoulder the high initial risks in start-up financing, but over 80% of the lower-risk, late-stage financing for successful Swiss deep tech start-ups comes from foreign investors. This “cherry-picking” approach leaves Switzerland with a minority stake in its own leading companies, threatening its technological sovereignty.
Given that the majority of profits are concentrated in the top 10% of companies, it’s crucial to support the full development of the most promising deep tech start-ups. To maintain Switzerland’s position as a global innovation leader and nurture its burgeoning deep tech start-up ecosystem, it is essential to build local investment capacity. This approach will ensure that Swiss deep tech innovations receive the necessary support throughout their growth journey, from early-stage research to market-leading companies.
Partners and supporters
Our objectives 2033
Switzerland should be perceived internationally as a leading deep tech nation. To achieve this goal, Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation aims to mobilise CHF 50 billion in venture capital for Swiss start-ups and scale-ups, potentially creating up to 100,000 new jobs indirectly.
To ensure Swiss participation in the success of its start-ups, we’re working to substantially increase local investment capacity. The foundation targets CHF 5 billion in annual financing, with 50% coming from Swiss investors. This would require CHF 2.5 billion from within Switzerland, significantly above the current CHF 500 million per year, as noted in a University of Lausanne study.
Global leader
CHF 50 billion
100,000 jobs
Our measures
Need for action. Time for action.
This is why we are committed to changing the relevant frameworks within the Swiss innovation ecosystem by 2033 with the following measures.
Venture Hub Switzerland
Our efforts are focused on significantly increasing the flow of investment capital into Swiss start-ups and scale-ups. This program drives internationally competitive financial and legal frameworks designed to support institutional and strategic investors, including pension funds.
Scale-up Booster
Our goal is to boost the number of start-ups and scale-ups by 15-20%, supporting their path to becoming global market leaders. By upgrading both existing and new services and programs and providing access to local and international business networks, we increase their attractiveness to investors and enhance their chances of building a successful business, ultimately becoming leaders in their category or market.
Information Platform
We are building a centralized information platform that serves as a single point of entry to the Swiss innovation ecosystem. With a user-friendly interface, all relevant information is aggregated in one place, making it easy to find and access the resources needed.
International Promotion
Switzerland is already the No. 1 ranked innovation country, and just as iconic as the Matterhorn, Swiss watches, chocolate, and the Swiss Army Knife, we aim to highlight our deep tech leadership on the world stage. This promotion will not only attract international investors but also increase their interest and engagement with the Swiss innovation ecosystem.
Podcast with Joanne Sieber, CEO
FAQ
What is Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation?
Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization established by Swisscom and UBS. It aims to enhance the framework conditions for Swiss start-ups, scale-ups, and investors in the deep tech sector, thereby strengthening Switzerland’s innovation and competitiveness in the long term.
What are the main objectives of the foundation?
The foundation seeks to mobilize CHF 50 billion in venture capital for Swiss deep tech start-ups by 2033, indirectly creating up to 100,000 new jobs. It also aims to position Switzerland as a leading deep tech nation internationally.
What measures are being implemented to achieve these goals?
The foundation focuses on four key initiatives:
- International Promotion: Enhancing Switzerland’s global reputation as the leading deep tech nation.
- Venture Hub Switzerland: Increasing the flow of investment capital into Swiss start-ups and scale-ups.
- Scale-up Booster: Boosting the number of start-ups and scale-ups by 15-20%, supporting their path to becoming global market leaders.
- Information Platform: Building a centralized information platform that serves as a single point of entry to the Swiss innovation ecosystem
How are the CHF 50 billion in venture capital calculated?
CHF 5 billion in venture capital per year x 10 years = CHF 50bn. CHF 5bn in venture capital per year is the minimum needed for Switzerland to keep up internationally. Current data indicates investment averaging CHF 3 billion annually.
Who are the founding members and partners of the foundation?
The foundation was established by Swisscom and UBS. We are also grateful for the support and sponsorship from Swiss Re, Rolex, Julius Baer, SIX, Vaudoise Assurances, SICPA, and the University of Zurich, who joined us as valuable partners.
Do you provide services or funds to start-ups?
No, we focus on the entire ecosystem to stimulate it, which will provide start-ups with positive impacts over time.
What is deep tech?
A deep tech start-up uses scientific discovery or engineering innovation to bring to market genuine new products required to overcome societal or industrial challenges.
How is deep tech different from other types of technology?
Unlike consumer technologies, which often focus on user-friendly apps or services, deep tech addresses complex, fundamental problems.
Why is deep tech important for the future?
Deep tech innovations tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and life-saving medical treatments. By addressing these issues, deep tech not only advances science and technology but also has the potential to create significant societal impact.
What are some examples of deep tech industries?
Key deep tech industries include AI (Artificial Intelligence), robotics, biotech, quantum computing, clean energy, edtech, fintech 2.0, agritech, healthtech, foodtech, life science, and space technology. These fields drive innovation and are crucial in shaping the future of healthcare, agriculture, finance, and environmental sustainability.
Why is Switzerland considered a hub for deep tech?
Switzerland is a leader in deep tech thanks to its strong research institutions, access to world-class talents and resources, governmental support, and an outstanding innovation ecosystem.
How can start-ups and scale-ups benefit from the foundation’s initiatives?
By engaging with the foundation’s programs, start-ups and scale-ups can benefit from a strengthened innovation environment, including improved access to capital, regulatory advancements, and enhanced opportunities for collaboration within the ecosystem. The foundation will act as a catalyst not an incubator or accelerator.
How can investors get involved with the foundation?
Investors can engage with the foundation through the Venture Hub Switzerland, which offers attractive financial and legal frameworks, and by exploring investment opportunities in high-potential start-ups and scale-ups supported by the foundation.
How does the foundation plan to promote Switzerland internationally as a deep tech nation?
The foundation undertakes targeted international promotion to enhance Switzerland’s global reputation in deep tech, aiming to make it as iconic as the Matterhorn, Swiss watches, chocolate, and the Swiss Army Knife.
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Our book
To remain competitive in the international arena, Switzerland needs to ensure a high degree of technological independence. Dominique Mégret, author of the book “Deep Tech Nation Switzerland” and a seasoned venture capital expert, set this debate in motion with worrying statements – based on the historical entrepreneurial values that made Switzerland rich over the last 200 years. He emphasizes the strategic importance of venture capital for building the Switzerland of tomorrow and calls for the mobilization of the country’s resources as well as targeted technology initiatives.
