Cybersecurity & digital governance
Multinationals and start-ups in Geneva benefit from an ideal framework for deploying their activities in information and communication technologies.
Birthplace of the World-Wide Web in 1989, Geneva continues to assert itself as a center of innovation in the digital domain. The canton welcomes young start-ups as well as international companies.
Geneva-based companies benefit from an ecosystem rich in opportunities. Thus, leading-edge research at CERN, in universities and colleges in the region, contributes to the training of advanced scientific and technical profiles. In addition, several incubators, including Fongit, offer advantageous conditions to entrepreneurs.
The digital safe of the world
Thanks to a 500-year banking tradition, Geneva is one of the world's major financial centers. A situation that explains the attractiveness of the canton for companies specializing in financial technologies (fintech). There are already dozens of companies in this sector, particularly active in the field of financial transaction services.
Switzerland has distinguished itself for several years as the digital safe of the world. Managing more than one million e-mail addresses and domain names, the Geneva-based company Infomaniak is a key player in the hosting of computer data. The canton of Geneva is also home to many innovative cybersecurity companies. High-Tech Bridge is developing a program called ImmuniWeb AI that examines the security of web and mobile applications using artificial intelligence. Spin-off at the University of Geneva, Quantum ID is for its part a pioneer in the field of quantum cryptography, deemed inviolable. As for Protonmail, this start-up has been incubated on the premises of FONGIT, the largest secure email provider in the world with more than one million users.
A public service at the forefront
Cleantech projects are also booming. Cleanfizz or TVP Solar companies are developing innovations related to the solar panel market. Winner of the Cleantech Geneva "Win & Boost" prize, the company IEM designs intelligent solutions for parking management.
The mastery of digital technologies is also reflected in the daily life of the inhabitants. The administrative procedures can be carried out online with an e-identity recognized at national and international level. Building permits are digitized and the Commercial Register stands out in the implementation of blockchain technology in the management of its data. This is the first experience of a Swiss public administration to offer a service based on this revolutionary technology to the population.
"Initially, we did't know much about the innovation ecosystem in the region. Fongit's support was priceless and deployed from the very beginning of our activity. They gave us support for the incorporation of the company, then extended to governance aspects and allowed the first crucial fundraisings. Geneva has outstanding support organizations and today Orbiwise is one of the world's leading providers of infrastructure solutions for the Internet of Things."
Domenico Arpaia
General Manager, Orbiwise
"The strategic decision to expand geographically and establish an international headquarters in Geneva, put some of our international activity closer to the heart of Europe and helped to further internationalize our teams and recruitment efforts. Fast forward to today, the Geneva office has grown into a cornerstone of the company’s operation for the future. With our team of Swiss and international employees here, we are now uniquely positioned in a connected world like never before."
Scott Forrest, SVP and GM Global Publishing, Electronic Arts