Logo Kanton Bern / Canton de BerneAnnual report 2024

Annual report 2024 | Bern Economic Development Agency

«In 2024, our project partners committed over 340 million francs in investments and are set to create more than 1,400 new jobs. With our support for SMEs and startups, it was a successful year for the canton of Bern.»

Sebastian Friess, President of the Bern Economic Development Agency, on the economic year 2024.

Editorial

In focus

The Canton of Bern strategically strengthens future-oriented industries and promotes sustainable economic growth. In 2024, we focused on the following key areas.

The hidden champions of high-precision manufacturing in Bernese Jura and the mechanical engineering firms in greater Thun and Emmental/Oberaargau are amongst the biggest suppliers and providers of high-precision solutions on the global market. Supporting them is one of our main objectives.

How can we make our food sustainable? The canton of Bern specifically invests in sustainable food systems. Innovative SMEs and startups such as Aarberg Food Services, Luya, NewRoots, VIFFFF or Yeastup and new services such as “shared kitchen” and the HAFL technology hall form a major foodtech ecosystem.

The CircuBAT research project optimizes the life cycle assessment of electric mobility by way of a circular business model for lithium-ion batteries. The Swiss Battery Technology Center in Biel plays a key role here. In addition, the canton of Bern is attracting businesses in the battery technology sector with the Bern University of Applied Sciences.

The latest implementation program of the New Regional Policy has been drafted in cooperation with the federal government. In addition to proven strategies, it now also supports projects concerning the circular and local economy. Furthermore, it forms the basis for contributions to RIS Bern Mittelland, including “be-advanced” and the exploration of certain issues.

   

Facts & figures 2024

The Bern Economic Development Agency is measured by the investment and employment initiated and created by Bern-based companies. It therefore constantly monitors the progression of the projects and companies funded and conducts reviews into the effects and benefits of its funding activities. The current review (for the 2012–2021 period) shows that the instruments used result in net income overall and ultimately also relieve the cash flow budget of the canton of Bern.

Its funding activities are based on four laws:

WFG: the Economic Development Act (WFG) allows contributions towards innovative projects by firms, start-ups and companies that choose to relocate to Bern.

NRP: the cantonal Investment Aid Law forms the basis for the funding of infrastructures and development projects under the New Regional Policy (NRP).

TEG: events and market cultivation in tourism are funded on the basis of the Tourism Development Act (TEG).

IFG: the Innovation Support Act (IFG) supports institutions involved in applied research and development.

Funded projects

Here you will find a selection of projects that the Bern Economic Development Agency was directly or indirectly involved with in 2024. Each project is introduced with a short quote from the manager in charge of the project. Clicking on the project will take you to the website of the respective company.

«ATANIS Biotech’s FAST-PASE method is a revolution in allergy diagnostics: It enables allergic reactions to be reliably diagnosed in the laboratory so that patients do not need to be directly exposed to allergens.» – Ayşe Cirit

«The Affolter Group is a leader in the manufacture of geartrains and gear hobbing machines. A fully automated production line, which was developed entirely in-house, is now being added to its site in Valbirse.» – Etienne Maillefer

«Bern’s circular economy alliance is taking various actions to ensure that the circular economy is fully implemented in the Bern region by 2030 so as to sustainably boost regional development and the business hub.» – Virve Resta

«Inspect AR delivers knowledge where it matters: The Arc 2 smart glasses provide instructions right in the field of vision. This improves the quality of training and ensures consistent performance.» – Ralf Müssig

«The Azurea Group has opened its new cutting center in Court. This high-precision center of excellence is crucial for the watchmaking industry.» – Etienne Maillefer

«This innovative family business has expanded heat pump production at its headquarters in Münsingen. A major commitment to Switzerland as an industrial hub and the vision of a resource-efficient energy future.» – Manfred Böbner

«Bern’s Oberland West – digital together! In this project, the tourism industry is taking a unified approach to tackling the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation, with a focus on visitors.» – Martin Tritten

«Operating across the globe, Duap AG develops state-of-the-art fuel injection systems with innovation and cutting-edge production technology. It provides solutions to the growing demand for large environmentally-friendly and fuel-efficient engines.» – Manfred Böbner

«Biel-based startup ENGA uses household and industrial plastic waste and agricultural by-products to make stylish everyday products – causing much less environmental pollution than conventional products.» – Joëlle Ziegler

«The culture of Glueckkanja to train IT specialists of international standing has made its way to the Swiss market, further boosting the Bern region in the field of IT security. The establishment of the new site was supported by GGBa.» – Peter Kistler

«The new HOME OF BEACH, a performance center for beach volleyball, is being built in Ausserholligen. This new construction prioritizes sustainability principles, for example by using Swiss wood and CO2-enriched recycled concrete.» – Virve Resta

«Jost AG’s fully-electric cable pull machine is efficient, virtually silent, and emits zero CO2 emissions. It is the first of its kind in the trade and sets new standards for emission-free cable pulling.» – Ralf Müssig

«The “Longvalley Island” festival focuses on circular design and is part of the Design Preis Schweiz. Various businesses from Langenthal and the region are involved, which is why the Economic Development Agency supports the project.» – Claudia Bommer

«mimiX Biotherapeutics is an innovative biomedical company. It uses sound waves to produce tissue and has developed FastSkin, a technology to heal complex and chronic wounds.» – Manfred Böbner

«Switzerland’s biggest event for athletes with an intellectual impairment brought with it beaming faces, touching moments, and food for thought with regard to better integration in sports clubs in the Haslital Brienz region.» – Lara Saxenhofer

«Paragon Mobility develops sustainable electromobility solutions that combine energy stores and innovative software. It is now a tenant in the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne, where it aims to ramp up its progress. The establishment of the new site was supported by GGBa.» – Nastassja von Gunten

«QuantArea is revolutionizing the Swiss financial market with “Quant as a Service”. With AI, state-of-the-art technology, and a comprehensive database, it offers customized and sustainable investment solutions for banks and asset managers.» – Joëlle Ziegler

«Protocol AI™ is the first AI-based software that helps biopharmaceuticals companies develop clinical study protocols and study documents in half the usual time.» – Ralf Müssig

«Laupen Castle festival has successfully finished its first season. The festival adds another tourist attraction to Laupen Castle and offers locals an opportunity to get together.» – Karin Peter

«The Shared Kitchen is a key component of a sustainable, regional food system. The production kitchen for farmers, producers and food startups promotes added value, shared learning, and co-creation.» – Virve Resta

«The Swiss Advanced Manufacturing Center at SIPBB develops new technologies for industrial production. IRPD’s first additive machine tool was added to the machinery in December. A strong signal for Switzerland as an industrial hub.» – Jean-Philippe Devaux

«Every year, Swiss Athletics organizes the Swiss Athletics Night. This celebration looks back on the past season, strengthens the network and pays tribute to the athletes of the year.» – Virve Resta

«The “TigerTech” project brings together the innovation and digitalization arm of the SCL Tigers with SMEs and startups from throughout Emmental. This combination of elite sport and advanced technology is unique in the world of sport.» – Daniel Wüthrich

«This event saw the niche sport of vaulting take center stage at the Bern PostFinance Arena. Visitors immersed themselves in a world full of elegance, bravery, and acrobatics.» – Lara Saxenhofer

«VIFFFF develops innovative vegan meat alternatives from local ingredients. Thun is home to the world’s first AI-controlled, decentralized pilot plant with annual production capacities of 8 to 180 tons.» – Ralf Müssig

«Yeastup produces sustainable proteins and fiber from spent yeast from the industry – the perfect raw material for healthy and high-quality nutrition and at the same time a sustainable business model.» – Ralf Müssig

   

Our Team

Back row, from left to right: Anne Lauret, Isabelle Berthold, Elias Aguidi, Chantal Laubscher, Joëlle Ziegler, Sebastian Friess, Beat Strüby, Etienne Maillefer, Jasmin Wiedmer, Ralf Müssig, Martin Tritten, Jean-Philippe Devaux, Manfred Böbner, Virve Resta

Front row, from left to right: Nastassja von Gunten, Daniel Wüthrich, Stefan Jans, Christian Zulauf, Fredy Hachen, Karin Peter, Peter Kistler, Ayşe Cirit, Lara Saxenhofer, Claudia Bommer

The Bern Economic Development Agency supports companies and their activities with a wide range of services. It caters to the needs of export-oriented companies and promotes their growth and development, from SMEs and start-ups right through to multinational groups. The Agency points companies in the direction of the right administrative bodies. Our main services:

  • Advice
  • Help with contacts, property, cantonal land and sureties
  • Initial consultation for SMEs, start-ups and new businesses
  • Financial assistance and tax relief

The Agency, together with Switzerland Global Enterprise and the Greater Geneva Bern area, markets the canton of Bern as a business hub abroad to improve economic development. Other major partners in the canton include the innovation agency be-advanced and the services provided at the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne, sitem-insel translational centre, the Swiss Center for Design and Health, EMPA Thun and CSEM Bern.

It also assists with strategic projects in the field of innovation promotion and property development. These activities make the business hub more attractive in the long term.

They also improve the regional conditions for business and tourism. The regional policy increases competitiveness in rural areas, generates added value and creates jobs. Businesses and holidaymakers both benefit in equal measure. The Agency helps the tourism industry assert itself and further develop in the competitive environment. Support focuses on market cultivation and events.

  • About us

«Get in touch with us, we’re here for you.»

Sebastian Friess, President of the Bern Economic Development Agency