Startups: Investment Boom, AI Drives Switzerland
In 2025, 3.3 billion francs were raised (+44%), with artificial intelligence booming. Ticino also benefits from the trend with 53 million francs invested.
Contesto
The Swiss startup sector is breathing again, and it's taking a deep breath. After two years of consolidation, 2025 marked a vigorous turnaround: young Swiss companies attracted investments totaling 3.3 billion francs, a 44% jump compared to the 2.3 billion of the previous year. The data, from a study by the consulting firm EY, paints a picture of renewed confidence, driven primarily by the unstoppable rise of artificial intelligence. Although the total number of financing deals remained almost unchanged (515 versus 513), it's the quality and size of the investments that make the difference. The so-called "mega rounds," deals exceeding 100 million francs, are back. While there was only one in 2024, 2025 saw five of them, with their total value skyrocketing from 158 to 747 million francs. "After some complex years, in 2025 we are observing a clear stabilization of the startup ecosystem in Switzerland," commented Milja Vulin Petrovic of EY Switzerland, highlighting the strong dynamics in key sectors like health and, indeed, AI. This national scenario also opens up interesting prospects for our canton, which is carving out its own slice of this growing pie.
Dettagli operativi
The AI Wave and the Dominance of Healthcare Artificial intelligence is no longer a promise but a proven engine of growth. Startups in this field closed 163 financing rounds (+46%), raising an impressive 1.1 billion francs, more than triple the 345 million from 2024. Today, one in three young companies receiving capital in Switzerland has AI in its DNA, compared to just one in ten two years ago. Despite this boom, the sector that continues to attract the most capital remains healthcare. Startups in the Health sector raised 1.5 billion (44% of the total), confirming the solidity of an industry that has historically been strong in Switzerland. 📊 The Geography of Investments - Zurich: 1.3 billion francs (213 deals) - French-speaking Switzerland: 909 million (165 deals) - Central Switzerland: 517 million - Ticino: 53 million Our canton, with 53 million francs, ranks behind the major hubs, but the figure is far from negligible. It signals a vibrant ecosystem capable of attracting capital in high-tech sectors. The presence of centers of excellence like USI and SUPSI plays a crucial role in providing talent and fostering the creation of innovative spin-offs, especially in MedTech and high-performance computing. A less positive note concerns gender equality: only 6% of funded startups are founded by all-female teams, a slight decrease that highlights an ongoing challenge.
Punti chiave
What Does This Mean for Cross-Border Workers in Ticino? The 53 million francs invested in Ticino's startups are a concrete signal for the cross-border labor market. This flow of capital doesn't just translate into charts and statistics, but into potential skilled jobs. The companies receiving these funds are set to grow, hire, and seek specific expertise. For cross-border workers, especially those with a background in engineering, computer science, biotechnology, or finance, new opportunities are opening up just a few kilometers from home. The expansion of sectors like artificial intelligence and MedTech requires advanced professional profiles. It's no longer just about traditional positions in banking or manufacturing; Ticino is building a new economic fabric based on innovation. Monitoring the growth of these young companies can be a winning strategy for those seeking career advancement. Knowing what your skills are worth in this new context is the first step. Using salary analysis tools can help you get a clear idea of the compensation offered in these emerging sectors. Before applying for a position in one of these promising startups, it's useful to understand the potential impact on your salary. With our net salary calculator, you can simulate your Swiss payslip starting from the gross amount, a crucial step to make an informed assessment of the new offers the Ticino market is generating. Source: EY Study, reported by Ticinonline (24/02/2026)