THE BASEL AREA
Where science and tech grow smarter
Collaboration powers innovation
Join Europe’s most concentrated innovation ecosystem with triple the talent, easy market access, and a world-leading quality of life. A thriving life sciences community – plus a growing ecosystem of SMEs driving progress in production, advanced manufacturing and ICT. The Basel Area turns ideas into impact, faster.
Your venture capital
For companies landing or launching in the Basel Area, the region offers a powerful financial advantage built on the foundations of science and discovery. From subsidies to innovation support, access funding packages, partners and VCs dedicated to rewarding progress. Startups, scaleups and SMEs driving R&D can also benefit from tailored investment programs that reduce risk.
Triple-market access,
zero friction
Where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, and the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Jura converge, you’ll connect to major markets in one move. The Basel Area’s borderless position means triple the talent, triple the reach, and effortless access to European markets – with key capitals less than two hours away and an international airport just minutes from the city center.
Talent that fuels transformation
Access Europe’s most concentrated science and tech talent pool, leading production specialists, and a third of the workforce holding university degrees. Switzerland ranks #1 for talent competitiveness, so your next hire – or breakthrough – is already here. And with an ecosystem that works in English, you’ll find collaboration as easy as connection.
Quality of life that’s anything but clinical
Ranked 10th globally for quality of life and home to 160+ nationalities, the Basel Area blends Swiss stability with a European spark. Safe, connected and rich in culture, it’s where scientists share ideas over drinks, Rhine swims recharge the mind, and innovation flows naturally.
KEY SECTORS
Ready to launch smarter?
From life sciences to logistics, the Basel Area brings together leading industry sectors, world-class companies and cutting-edge innovation to drive progress across science and tech.
Life sciences
Home to Roche, Novartis, Bayer, BeOne Medicines, Moderna, Lonza, Bachem and more, the Basel Area is Europe’s transformative life sciences supercluster, with 33,000+ experts, 800+ companies from pharma to healthtech and medtech, alongside world-leading R&D infrastructure.
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Advanced manufacturing
From SKAN and Endress+Hauser to Humard Automation and Willemin-Macodel, the region’s 2,400+ advanced manufacturing firms are leading Europe’s next industrial revolution in automation, robotics and precision production.
Supply chain & logistics
The Basel Area is Switzerland’s #1 logistics location, a major air cargo hub, and direct routes to Rotterdam and Antwerp. Over 800 companies, including DHL, DSV, Rhenus Logistics AG, Rhine Ports and Pflanzer, employ a combined 12,000 professionals.
Digital innovation
This region is a fast-growing digital hub with 11,000+ ICT professionals driving innovation in AI, blockchain and data science. Global leaders like Adobe, Magnolia and Genedata are already part of the ecosystem.
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Food and AgriTech
From sustainable food innovation to global exports, brands like Syngenta, Delica, Coop, Ricola and Indigo Agriculture leverage the region’s manufacturing strength and R&D partnerships to lead in natural products and AgriTech.
Insurance
The Basel Area is a stable, trusted financial center where global insurers such as Pax and Helvetia Baloise, and asset managers, benefit from Swiss regulatory excellence, competitive tax rates and direct access to major European markets.
Consumer goods
Global brands like Avolta, Carhartt, Colgate Palmolive, Coop Fossil, Oettinger Davidoff, Ricola and Weleda thrive here thanks to central European access, efficient supply chains, and smart tax structures that simplify trade.
Hear from those who made their breakthrough here
Ready to grow? We’re ready to go.
Join the hundreds of science and tech companies we’ve already helped land, launch and level up in the Basel Area. Whatever your stage, we’ll get you to your next step, faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Basel Area is Europe’s most concentrated life sciences ecosystem and home to more than 800 life sciences companies, including global leaders like Novartis and Roche. Businesses benefit from unparalleled access to talent, research infrastructure, and cross-border markets in Switzerland, France and Germany – all within a business-friendly environment.
Globally recognized as a leading destination for science and technology, the Basel Area is Europe’s most concentrated life sciences ecosystem – home to Roche, Novartis, Moderna, and more than 800 other companies. It’s also a thriving center for advanced manufacturing, digital innovation, consumer goods, logistics, insurance, and AgriTech – attracting many of the world’s biggest brands, all supported by world-class research institutions and a highly connected innovation network.
Yes. Switzerland is consistently ranked among the easiest countries in Europe to do business. In the Basel Area, companies benefit from fast company registration, clear regulations, attractive tax conditions, and support from regional and national economic development agencies.
The Basel Area attracts and retains highly skilled professionals from around the world. More than 33,000 life sciences experts are based here, alongside leading universities and research centers. The region’s multicultural environment and high quality of life make it easy to recruit and relocate international talent.
The Basel Area sits at the heart of Europe, directly on the Swiss/French/German border. It is served by EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg with direct flights across Europe and beyond, and is well connected by road and rail to major European hubs like Paris, Frankfurt and Milan.
Startups and SMEs can access tailored programs, mentoring, funding networks and shared lab/office space. The Basel Area also offers accelerators in life sciences and healthtech, plus strong collaboration opportunities with corporates and academia.
The Basel Area consistently ranks among Europe’s leading hubs for life sciences innovation. Its unique combination of global corporate headquarters, strong academic institutions and a vibrant startup ecosystem makes it one of the most competitive locations worldwide for business growth.
Explore Europe’s transformative life sciences supercluster at baselsupercluster.com or contact our team at Basel Area Business & Innovation directly to discuss your business plans in the region.