Olivier Curty, State Councilor in charge of the economy, employment, and vocational training, sees a “tremendous potential” in the life sciences sector.

“Life sciences is a high-value-added sector, both directly and indirectly, as clearly demonstrated by the BAK study. We aim to strengthen it by leveraging our canton’s assets, as we see tremendous potential in this field,” stated Olivier Curty, State Councilor in charge of the economy, employment, and vocational training, during an event organized by the Fribourg Development Agency (FDA).

This event marked the launch of the latest edition of Fribourg Network Freiburg and provided an opportunity to present a groundbreaking study by BAK Economics, highlighting the growing impact of life sciences on Fribourg’s economy (see article on key figures).

A Rapidly Expanding Ecosystem

Historically focused on the agri-food industry, Fribourg has built expertise in chemistry and biotechnology, paving the way for the growth of life sciences. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, an active land-use policy, and attractive framework conditions, the canton has recently established itself as a dynamic player.

“The Bulle site is UCB’s last location with available industrial land. This opportunity, combined with a strategy focused on sustainability and corporate culture, paves the way for continued short- and medium-term growth,” said Fabrice Véricel, Director of UCB Farchim. This Fribourg-based life sciences leader, which has already invested over CHF 650 million since its arrival in the canton in 1996, hosted the event.

Collaboration between the private sector, academia, and public institutions also plays a key role. “Fribourg stands out for the strong interconnection between industry players. It is not just a concentration of companies but a network where collaboration and technology transfer are at the heart of its dynamics. The canton also invests significantly to foster this synergy, directly benefiting businesses,” explained Michael Grass, a member of the BAK Economics management team.

René Jenny, President of the Groupement romand de l’industrie pharmaceutique (GRIP – Western Switzerland’s Pharmaceutical Industry Group), believes further progress is needed. “The Fribourg ecosystem is already well-structured, but there is still potential, particularly in better integrating startups into collaborative projects.”

Ambitious Prospects

Life sciences present major opportunities for Fribourg and Switzerland. “When I left Asia to return to Europe, I evaluated several life sciences hubs. Switzerland quickly stood out as a prime destination, and Fribourg has all the elements to play a leading role. However, interregional collaborations need to be strengthened,” said Maryline Marquet, a life sciences and medtech specialist with over 20 years of experience.

Florence Penicaud, Head of Access & External Engagement at UCB Farchim, emphasized the importance of regulatory acceptance of new therapies: “Recognition of innovation and its effective integration into healthcare systems are critical to the sector’s competitiveness.”

From the perspective of the State Council, the commitment is clear. “Fribourg boasts modern infrastructure, a well-educated young workforce, and a strategic proximity to Switzerland’s major life sciences hubs. Our role is to support businesses and ensure a favorable environment for their development,” stated Olivier Curty.

The 2024 edition of Fribourg Network Freiburg reflects the canton’s determination to continue along this path. “The life sciences sector is a key driver of Fribourg’s economy, and we must foster its development by focusing on three priorities: increasing the international visibility of Fribourg’s ecosystem, intensifying collaborations between Swiss life sciences clusters, and maintaining an attractive environment for businesses—particularly by streamlining regulatory processes and continuing to invest in education,” concluded Jerry Krattiger, Managing Director of FDA.