Medical technology

Greater Zurich Area - Europe's leading medical technology location

It is no coincidence that the Greater Zurich Area is home to so many world-class patents for medical technology as nowhere else in Europe. Technology leaders such as Roche Diagnostics, Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, Hamilton, Sonova, Cardinal Health and DePuy Synthes (Johnson&Johnson) operate headquarters or research and production facilities here. They value the large pool of international specialists, the R&D collaborations with leading universities and start-ups, the protection of intellectual property and the business-friendly environment. Would your medtech company also like to write a success story in Switzerland?

Switzerland is considered to be one of the world's most important locations for medical technology. The Greater Zurich Area contributes significantly to this. In fact, there is no other location in the world where medical technology is of such high importance in relation to total gross domestic product and labor force. Access to highly qualified specialists, first-class universities and research institutions such as the University of Zurich (UZH), the University Hospital Zurich (USZ), the ETH Zurich and also the renowned Balgrist University Hospital are crucial assets. Leading and internationally recognized medical experts as well as developers and programmers conduct research to reduce or completely eliminate diseases of the human musculoskeletal system.

An example of successful cooperation between research and industry is the collaborative work of the UZH Clinic Balgrist and the medtech company HOCOMA. They are jointly developing robotic and sensor-based devices for functional movement therapy. Meanwhile, HOCOMA has even become one of the world market leaders in this field. 

Medical clinics, physiotherapists, rehabilitation centres or even fitness studios work together in a holistic approach so that the patient can benefit from modern and individual care. The medical technology in Greater Zurich aims for best quality and quick access to innovations for the patients, so that Switzerland remains an attractive and successful place for research and work. 

Thanks to the innovative talent in Switzerland, new medical technology products are in great demand on the world market. According to Swiss MedTech, 85% of all the imports form the top 10 importing countries are medtech imports. The USA ranks first, followed by Germany and the Netherlands. More than half (55%) of all Swiss medtech products are imported from the USA and Germany.

A large number of medtech companies in the Greater Zurich Area

The medtech industry covers 12 fields of main applications. At the top are companies that manufacture materials for hospital supplies, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, prosthetics and orthotics. Manufacturers for wound care and for diabetes and ear, nose and throat applications are the taillight. From plasters to hearing aids, pacemakers or laboratory equipment for orthopaedics and care to hospital equipment, everything is produced. The Greater Zurich location consequently has a high density of medtech companies that are covering the entire value chain. They are all working to improve the quality of life worldwide and to guarantee optimal patient care with the help of medical technologies.

In comparison with seven leading European business locations, Greater Zurich Area has the highest number of patents in medical technology - both in terms of quantity and quality (world-class patents). (Source: BAK Economics)

There are a total of around 1400 medical technology companies in Switzerland. These create over 58,000 jobs. Most of the highly specialized manufacturers, suppliers and dealers are located in the Greater Zurich Area. Top medtech companies include Biotronik, Cardinal Health, Convatec, DePuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson), Hamilton, Medtronic-Covidien, Nobel Biocare, Roche Diagnostics, Sonova, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Tecan, VirtaMed, Qiagen Ypsomed and Zimmer Biomet.

Why Greater Zurich for Medical Technology?

The Greater Zurich Area is unique. Knowledge and experience are exchanged within individual research departments but also between different companies and institutions. This creates a remarkable symbiosis of good cooperation in the Swiss medtech industry. Universities and technology institutes offer various specialized biomedical master programs and doctoral programs, and hospitals or companies from related industries cooperate.  Medical technology thus combines academic knowledge with technical know-how and craftsmanship. This exchange specifically promotes innovation. The medical technology sector also benefits from the medical sector and smaller technology companies. These so-called micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees also share highly specialized know-how with the medtech industry. This creates new opportunities such as the establishment of new specialised companies or takeovers.