About Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation
Need for Action
Time for Action
Turning Swiss deep tech into global market leaders
Switzerland ranks #1 in global innovation for the 15th consecutive year. It’s home to world-class universities, invests more in R&D per GDP than almost any country on earth, and has a startup ecosystem with an 80% survival rate.
And yet, the country’s innovation strength is not fully converting into global business success. Too many deep tech companies hit the same wall when they try to scale:
- Growth-stage capital is scarce at home. Today, 96% of late-stage venture capital comes from abroad.
- Commercial scale-up expertise and international networks are often missing at the critical moment.
- Framework conditions can be too slow and too complex for companies moving at speed.
The result is a real risk for Switzerland: innovations and patents move abroad, value creation – jobs, taxes, talent – follows, and the country becomes increasingly dependent on technologies developed elsewhere.
This is the gap Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation was built to close.
What the foundation does
We are a private, not-for-profit foundation backed by leading Swiss companies, universities, and institutions. We don’t replace what the ecosystem already does well. Instead, we bring the right players together, close key gaps, and shape the conditions where deep tech companies can build, scale, and attract investment in Switzerland.
Our focus is on the deep tech areas with the greatest potential to tackle global challenges – including AI, climate tech, life sciences, and robotics.
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Our goals by 2033
By 2033, we aim to help Switzerland achieve measurable outcomes that strengthen its position as a global deep tech nation. These goals reflect our focus on capital, value creation, and long-term competitiveness, and they provide a clear direction for how we work with partners across the ecosystem.
CHF 50 billion
Double annual venture capital investment to CHF 5 billion and mobilise CHF 50 billion in venture capital by 2033 to power the next generation of Swiss deep tech companies from breakthrough to global growth.
100,000 jobs
Create 100’000 jobs in the deep tech sector by strengthening Switzerland’s ability to grow and retain high-potential companies, talent, and value creation in the country.
# 1 Global
Position Switzerland as the leading global deep tech nation by improving the conditions for company growth, increasing international visibility, and turning innovation strength into long-term economic impact.
Our Programs
We deliver our mission through three programs designed to strengthen Switzerland’s deep tech ecosystem where it matters most.
Venture Hub Switzerland
Increase venture capital flow, with a focus on domestic institutional investors. Raise awareness and accessibility for VC and improve investment conditions.
Scale-up Booster
Create 20% more startups and scale-ups, support champions of tomorrow to global market leadership and improve startup framework conditions.
International Promotion
Position Switzerland as the leading Deep Tech Nation worldwide and provide clear points of entry.
Partners & Supporters
Our partners and supporters contribute expertise, networks, visibility, and resources that help strengthen the Foundation’s programmes and accelerate impact across Switzerland’s deep tech ecosystem.
Program Highlights
Scale-up initiative helping Swiss champions reach global market leadership.
Mobilising institutional capital for Swiss deep tech venture investing.
Yearly flagship report showcasing Switzerland’s deep tech strengths and momentum.
Benchmarking Swiss VC fund returns to build investor confidence annually.
Making venture capital more understandable and accessible for institutions.
Policy priorities to strengthen startup and scale-up conditions.
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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 startups, scaleups, 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 startups 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 startups and scaleups.
- Scaleup Booster: Boosting the number of startups and scaleups 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 Rolex, Julius Baer, SIX, Swiss Re, Vaudoise Assurances, Wenger Vieli, die Mobiliar, Gebert Rüf Stiftung, Axpo, Ypsomed, BCG, Microsoft, European Space Agency, University of Zurich, ZHAW, University of St.Gallen, USI Università della Svizzera italiana, and Kellerhals Carrard who joined us as valuable partners.
Do you provide services or funds to startups?
No, we focus on the entire ecosystem to stimulate it, which will provide startups with positive impacts over time.
What is deep tech?
A deep tech startup 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 startups and scaleups benefit from the foundation’s initiatives?
By engaging with the foundation’s programs, startups and scaleups 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 startups and scaleups 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.