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The Greater Zurich Area – and with it the world-famous Crypto Valley – has developed into a global hotspot for the blockchain industry. Switzerland’s progressive approach to blockchain regulation coupled with its political and financial stability serve as the perfect ground for Web3 and blockchain companies to flourish.
5 key factors that make the Greater Zurich Area a hub for blockchain and crypto:
- Leading global blockchain and crypto hub with nearly 900 companies.
- Business-friendly blockchain regulation and a strong commitment to privacy.
- Close collaboration among companies, academia, and authorities.
- Easily available talent due to a highly skilled and international workforce.
- Real-world implementation of blockchain technology.
The blockchain ecosystem
Switzerland hosts a remarkable 1,224 blockchain companies, with nearly 900 of them located in the Greater Zurich Area. Among these, eleven unicorns have already achieved billion-dollar valuations, highlighting Greater Zurich’s strong position in the blockchain industry. At the end of 2023, the top 25 publicly traded blockchain projects in Switzerland and Liechtenstein collectively held a value of 373 billion dollars, accounting for about 22% of the entire crypto market, which was estimated at 1.65 trillion dollars.
The renowned Crypto Valley in Zug is at the heart of the Greater Zurich Area blockchain industry. It is home to industry leaders such as Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, Polkadot and Cosmos and was recognized by CoinDesk as the world's leading crypto hub. In addition, the emerging canton of Ticino, particularly the city of Lugano with its ‘Lugano's Plan B’ initiative and its payment token LVGA, is also establishing itself as a central hub for blockchain innovation and implementation..
![History of the Crypto Valley](/sites/default/files/styles/full_width_1280/public/2023-10/History_of_Crypto_Valley.png?itok=zxQO6Tuc)
Why the Greater Zurich Area?
With its robust and crypto-friendly regulation, the Greater Zurich Area stands out in the worldwide blockchain landscape. Notably, the canton of Zug has gained recognition for its pioneering initiatives such as allowing tax payments in cryptocurrencies or issuing digital IDs based on blockchain technology. This regulatory environment provides a stable foundation for blockchain companies to thrive. Furthermore, the region benefits from the active participation of major universities, such as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the University of Zurich. By establishing their own blockchain initiatives, these institutions have nurtured top-tier talent and expertise, further enriching the local ecosystem. Moreover, the Greater Zurich Area's political stability, culture of trust and privacy, as well as its collaborative spirit among companies, academic institutions, and authorities, create an ideal environment for blockchain and Web3 advancement. Additionally, the region's already established status as a financial center further accelerates blockchain's integration and growth.
![Coindesk Crypto Valley Teaser](/sites/default/files/styles/full_width_1280/public/2022-11/Coinbase%20Crypto%20Valley_0.png?itok=sptyw0dh)
Successful blockchain companies in the Greater Zurich Area:
Academic blockchain initiatives in the Greater Zurich Area:
- ETH Blockchain Initiative at the Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ)
- UZH Blockchain Center at the University of Zurich (UZH)
- DEC Institute
- CAS Blockchain and CAS Crypto Finance & Currencies at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)
- CAS Fintech & Blockchain Economy at the University of Applied Sciences for Business Administration Zurich (HWZ)
- CAS Blockchain at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI)
- Blockchain Club at the University of Lugano (USI)
- CAS Blockchain & Decentralized Finance at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
Related documents
This PDF provides data and information on Switzerland’s position as a blockchain hub.
An overview of the Top 50 blockchain and cryptocurrency projects in the Crypto Valley.
Learn more about the benefits of doing business in the Greater Zurich Area.
This PDF outlines why Greater Zurich is a top location for European business expansion
Fintech & blockchain in the Greater Zurich Area
Fintech & blockchain in the Greater Zurich Area
Where world-class technology meets Swiss reliability
The Greater Zurich Area has evolved into a global fintech and blockchain hub, thanks to factors like access to talent, leading research institutes, innovation-friendly regulators, investors and industry partners. Switzerland, and particularly Crypto Valley in the Greater Zurich Area, has been at the forefront of digitization and disruptive technologies, and start-ups in the area have access to a variety of incubators and accelerators that support them in establishing a company and developing ideas and products.
![Fintech and Blockchain in the Greater Zurich Area](/sites/default/files/styles/free_aspect_ratio_medium/public/2022-12/teaser_fintech_blockchain.png?itok=z_zykQDs)
Want to connect to the blockchain ecosystem in the Greater Zurich Area? Reach out to our team:
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