The Biofactory Competence Center (BCC) has forged a stellar reputation since it was founded almost a decade ago. One of its core activities is applied research in pharmaceuticals, industrial biotechnology and food biotechnology, which also happen to be key growth sectors of the canton of Fribourg economy. Read article

The University of Fribourg (Unifr) has many claims to fame. In addition to being the only officially bilingual university in Switzerland (some of its study programs are even trilingual), it is also behind a host of pioneering initiatives that push the boundaries of research and technology. They include the Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI) and early-stage ventures like Xemperia and Neuria which are at the forefront of efforts to develop innovative life science-based solutions. Read article

"Innovation is not the sole preserve of industry. Service providers are innovators, too," explains Stéphane Gumy, General Manager of PMS Process Management System. "In the world of consulting, innovation means having the ability to develop and deploy innovative solutions that are both affordable and fully compliant with current regulations." Read article

Mini-interview with Magali Bischof, Secretary General of the BioAlps Association. Read article

The canton of Fribourg has a booming life sciences sector. But how important is it for the cantonal economy? This was the question that the Fribourg Economic Development Agency (FDA) and GRIP, the trade association for the pharmaceutical industry in French-speaking Switzerland, commissioned BAK Economics, an independent research institute, to answer. Read article

The city of Fribourg is home to Alcon, the world's largest eye care company. Talent from no fewer than 38 countries are employed at Alcon's offices next to the main train station. Read article

A staggering 60 million people worldwide take an antihistamine that is manufactured entirely in the canton of Fribourg. Since the UCB opened its production facility in the town of Bulle back in 1996, the site has become a pivotal part of the Belgian biopharmaceutical group's strategic growth plans. Read article

Since its founding in 2006, Medistri has risen to become the Swiss leader in its field. But the Fribourg-based company is not resting on its laurels: growth and diversification are still the order of the day at Medistri. After doubling its plant capacity in 2020, Medistri has recently added a sixth production line. Read article

Two of the key figures in the Swiss life sciences industry hail from Fribourg. The first is René Jenny, who is the current President of GRIP-Pharma and former President of the European Healthcare Distribution Association (GIRP) in Brussels. The second is Beat Vonlanthen, who served as President of Swiss Medtech until May 2024. In this joint interview, the men share their thoughts on the challenges, opportunities and hopes that are driving this strategic sector, both regionally and nationally. Read article

Substantial state investment in research and development have helped Fribourg's construction sector to become more robust and prepare for future upheavals affecting the industry. Interview with Jerry Krattiger, Managing Director of the Fribourg Development Agency. Read article