Startups: Investment Boom, AI Drives Switzerland (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

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

TL;DR - Swiss startups attracted 3.3B francs in 2025, a 44% increase. - AI startups raised 1.1B francs, one-third of all investments. - Healthcare startups raised 1.5B francs, 44% of total investments. - Ticino attracted 53M francs in startup investments. ## Key facts - Investimenti totali: 3.3 miliardi di franchi nel 2025, +44% rispetto al 2024. - Mega round: 5 mega round nel 2025, per un totale di 747 milioni di franchi. - Settore AI: 163 round di finanziamento, 1.1 miliardi di franchi raccolti. - Settore salute: 1.5 miliardi di franchi raccolti, 44% del totale. - Investimenti Ticino: 53 milioni di franchi nel 2025. - Fondi femminili: Solo il 6% delle startup finanziate sono fondate da team interamente femminili. - Geografia investimenti: Zurigo: 1.3 miliardi, Svizzera francese: 909 milioni, Svizzera centrale: 517 milioni. - Fonte: Studio EY, riportato da Ticinonline (24/02/2026). 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 S...

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)

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How many investments did Swiss startups attract in 2025 and which sector was the most attractive?","a":"In 2025, Swiss startups attracted investments of 3.3 billion francs, an increase of 44% compared to 2024. The most attractive sector was health, with 1.5 billion francs (44% of the total)."},{"q":"What is the role of Ticino in the Swiss startup ecosystem and which sectors are most represented?","a":"Ticino, with 53 million francs invested, ranks after the large Swiss hubs, but has a lively ecosystem, especially in MedTech and high-performance computing, thanks to centers of excellence such as USI and SUPSI."},{"q":"What are the emerging sectors in Ticino that offer the most job opportunities for cross-border commuters in 2025?","a":"In 2025, Ticino is focusing on high-tech sectors such as MedTech, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. These areas, driven by investments of CHF 53 million, are looking for qualified profiles in engineering, IT and biotechnology, with a growing demand for specialised skills."},{"q":"How does the growth of Ticino startups affect the salary of cross-border commuters in 2025?","a":"The growth of startups in Ticino, driven by innovative sectors, can lead to more competitive salaries than in the past. For example, in areas such as AI or MedTech, gross salaries can exceed 70,000 to 90,000 francs per year for senior profiles, with additional benefits such as shares or bonuses."},{"q":"What are the most requested requirements by Ticino startups for hiring in 2025?","a":"Ticino startups are mainly looking for skills in programming (Python, Java), experience in AI projects or embedded systems, and knowledge in biotechnology or fintech. It is essential to have advanced technical training and, for managerial roles, internatio...

Frequently Asked Questions
How many investments did Swiss startups attract in 2025 and which sector was the most attractive?
In 2025, Swiss startups attracted investments of 3.3 billion francs, an increase of 44% compared to 2024. The most attractive sector was health, with 1.5 billion francs (44% of the total).
What is the role of Ticino in the Swiss startup ecosystem and which sectors are most represented?
Ticino, with 53 million francs invested, ranks after the large Swiss hubs, but has a lively ecosystem, especially in MedTech and high-performance computing, thanks to centers of excellence such as USI and SUPSI.
What are the emerging sectors in Ticino that offer the most job opportunities for cross-border commuters in 2025?
In 2025, Ticino is focusing on high-tech sectors such as MedTech, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. These areas, driven by investments of CHF 53 million, are looking for qualified profiles in engineering, IT and biotechnology, with a growing demand for specialised skills.
How does the growth of Ticino startups affect the salary of cross-border commuters in 2025?
The growth of startups in Ticino, driven by innovative sectors, can lead to more competitive salaries than in the past. For example, in areas such as AI or MedTech, gross salaries can exceed 70,000 to 90,000 francs per year for senior profiles, with additional benefits such as shares or bonuses.
What are the most requested requirements by Ticino startups for hiring in 2025?
Ticino startups are mainly looking for skills in programming (Python, Java), experience in AI projects or embedded systems, and knowledge in biotechnology or fintech. It is essential to have advanced technical training and, for managerial roles, international experience.

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