Geneva, a place of innovation at the crossroads of Europe, offers endless opportunities to live, work and do business. The economic and cultural landscape, along with the key sectors based here, make this cosmopolitan setting an essential destination for established and aspiring businesses alike. In short, a place of unique assets in an ideal natural setting!
Life sciences
Geneva is a major driving force of the Health Valley, home to 313 MedTech, BioTech and pharma stakeholders. The Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) with 46 research institutes play a leading role in the national and global medical research. Meanwhile, the BioTech Campus covers 40,000 m² of ideal ground for sparking interdisciplinary collaborations and developing cutting-edge technologies. A multitude of factors that place Geneva at the helm of global innovation in life sciences.
Banking & Finance
Relying on the skills of more than 37,000 qualified employees, Geneva's financial centre is based on three pillars: wealth management, trade finance, and commercial banking. With roots dating back over 500 years, its long-standing expertise has made it a cutting-edge hub in this sector of activity. Political and legal stability play no small role: the financial centre offers optimal conditions for developing such activities in the canton, making it possible to cultivate a large network of ancillary services (audit firms, lawyers, trustees, insurance companies, etc.).
Trading & shipping
Thanks to its strategic geographical position, Geneva has been a key crossroads for trade since the Middle Ages. Since then, a number of significant events, such as the creation of the Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), the establishment of Tradax, and more recently, pilot projects making use of blockchain technology, have strengthened its international reputation as a leading global trading hub . Now home to 12 banks specialising in trade finance (out of a total of 14 in Switzerland) and 400 companies, Geneva ranks first in the world for trade finance (and generates around 6,000 direct jobs). More generally, the country as a whole plays a major role in commodity trading.
Digital economy
With more than 5,000 companies operating in various business sectors, from manufacturing electronic components to software publishing, Geneva is well positioned as a dynamic digital economic centre. CERN's presence contributes to the canton's international influence in science and technology. As host to headquarters of international organisations in digital governance, Geneva plays an essential role in global connectivity and cybersecurity. Through its universities, Geneva also offers fertile ground for developing talent and growing businesses, such as ID Quantique SA, a model example of the region’s quantum digital sector.
Watchmaking & luxury
Geneva plays a leading role in watchmaking and luxury on the world stage. With twelve prestigious manufacturers, the canton continues its thriving watchmaking tradition, dating back more than three centuries. Nearly 700,000 m² of space is home to watch manufacturing: the equivalent of 100 football fields. Exceptional watches are dreamt up, designed and crafted here, before being exported to markets worldwide. Geneva is also a hotspot for luxury goods, with the biggest names in jewellery and fashion at home in the heart of the city.
Aroma & fragrance
With a strategic location and great openness to international markets, Geneva is a centre of excellence in the aroma and fragrance sector. Home to the sector’s two largest companies, Givaudan and DSM Firmenich, the canton is also welcoming many innovative start-ups in their wake, creating a perfect environment for synergies between partner industries and innovation. With a highly qualified workforce, the region has more than 400 companies active in the chemicals sector, representing a total of nearly 10,000 jobs.
Engineering & industry
Geneva's industry contributes to the canton's influence, with a veritable pool of expertise and talent in many fields, from ICT (information and communication technologies), to mechatronics, chemistry, aeronautics and even metallurgy, to name but a few. Geneva's rich, internationally oriented industrial network includes more than 1,700 companies offering more than 26,000 jobs.
Philanthropy
A stronghold of philanthropy, Geneva has embodied the humanistic and altruistic values that resonate beyond its borders. With a remarkable density of 15.5 foundations per 10,000 inhabitants, the canton's global outreach covers five main areas: public health, social action, training and research, culture and leisure, and the environment.
Creative industries
Geneva stands out for its commitment to supporting various creative industries, proving itself a true hotbed of innovation. With 13 dynamic business areas including the music industry, cinema, design and many more, Geneva is home to more than 10,000 organisations, generating more than 27,000 jobs and a highly qualified workforce. Fertile ground for creativity and entrepreneurship!
Contact
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