As published in the Swiss Biotech Report 2025

Faces of Innovation

Switzerland excels in hands-on, practical training of its native talent through several educational institutions. Students attending universities of applied sciences (UAS), universities and university hospitals are keen to participate in international exchanges and bring an enriched perspective back to the organizations they later work for. Within Biotechnet, many of our scientific members have multinational backgrounds and study experiences. Meet a few of our experts who are pushing technological frontiers through their leadership of international projects and events.

The Innovators

Biotechnet scientists make important contributions to international projects, including Horizon Europe, and increase the visibility of Swiss academic and commercial research. Participation in international projects advances Switzerland’s scientific excellence, enriches our scientists, attracts foreign talents, and provides learning opportunities for students and early-career scientists.

Prof. Dr. Patrick Shahgaldian, FHNW
Project: ONE EARTH
International partners: 14 partners from 10 countries
Biotechnet platform: Bioresources

Accomplishments:

• Project focused on bio-based solutions for producing nutraceuticals, cosmetics, bioadhesives, fertilizers, and fish feeds using residual biomass of animal origin
• FHNW team developed a flow reactor based on monolithic and hierarchically structured silica, allowing controlled protein hydrolysis

Key drivers of success:

• Dynamic partnerships with project partners grounded in mutual trust and aiming for scientific innovation
• Working collaboratively to create solutions that benefit all stakeholders and society
• Striving to build long-term and sustainable relationships with European partners

Dr. Samantha Paoletti, CSEM
Project: Sustronics
International partners: 46 partners from 11 countries
Biotechnet platform: In Vitro Diagnostics

Accomplishments:

• CSEM team developed an easy-to-use, disposable, and sustainable point-of-care (PoC) device linked to a smartphone app, to assist in patient monitoring of glucose metabolism
• Prototype, including clean materials and processes, will be validated in 2025, leading to an established proof of concept for this promising technology

Key drivers of success:

• Multidisciplinary approach
• Miniaturization expertise
• Understanding each partner’s role and each partner delivering on their part

Dr. Cristina Zivko, University of Bern
Project: Center for Extracellular Vesicle Research
International partners: Center will help position Switzerland as an international leader in extracellular vesicles
Biotechnet platform: Stem cells and regenerative medicine

Accomplishments:

• Established a university platform for research on extracellular vesicles, including provision of expertise, required material and equipment

Key drivers of success:

• Strong scientific and technical expertise
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Collaborative network
• Translational outlook

Dr. Carmen Jungo-Rheme, Biofactory Competence Centre
Project: Upstream and downstream processing, aseptic methods and operator training
International partners: Enabling national and international talents to work in biomanufacturing settings
Biotechnet platform: Biomanufacturing

Accomplishments:

• Offered more than 100 training days in 2024
• Developed a unique training course for operators in the pharmaceutical industry, a job for which there is high demand

Key drivers of success:

• 300 m2 purpose-built cleanrooms to simulate GMP environment
• Offering hands-on training with industry experts

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Perale, USI - Università della Svizzera italiana
Project: SpinoSave
International partners: 8 partners from 3 countries

Accomplishments:

• Preclinical proof of concept of a combined cell therapy to treat acute spinal cord injuries, using autologous stem and immunocompetent cells
• USI team optimized the entire system and confirmed mechanism of action
• SpinoSave was classified as an advanced therapeutic medicinal product (AMTP) and was granted the orphan designation by the European Medicines Agency and Swissmedic
• Team established a spin-off company

Key drivers of success:

• Multi-disciplinary teams focused on a clear clinical translational goal
• Complementary competences of internationally esteemed project partners
• Mutual trust and shared vision of making paralysis a thing of the past

The Conveners

Each year, Biotechnet and its thematic platforms organize specialized scientific meetings where bright minds from across Switzerland and abroad convene to exchange on the latest topics in biotechnology.

Prof. Dr. Oya Tagit, FHNW and Dr. Markus Rimann, ZHAW
Event: Biointerfaces International Conference 2024
International participation: Speakers, sponsors and delegates from 19 countries
Biotechnet platform: Tissue engineering for drug development (TEDD)

Accomplishments:

• Recruited renowned international keynote speakers to enrich Swiss knowledge
• Broadened event focus to include mRNA interfaces
• Enabled exchanges and discussions with 20 companies
• Organized panel discussion where startups shared their first-hand experience on the path to market access
• Deepened connections between Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) and Federal Domain (ETH, EPFL, EMPA)

Key drivers of success:

• Diplomacy
• Interactive and friendly atmosphere
• Excellent keynote speakers
• Multidisciplinarity, only one track, not too big and not too small

Dr. Felix Kurth, CSEM and Prof. Dr. Abdullah Kahraman, FHNW
Event: Single-cell omics 2024
International participation: Ben Hindson, Co-founder and CSO of 10x Genomics
Biotechnet platform: Data science for life sciences

Accomplishments:

• Organized first event of its kind in Switzerland focused on the emerging field of single-cell omics
• Attracted groundbreaking keynote speaker to share the latest knowledge on the topic
• Sparked new collaborative projects between participants

Key drivers of success:

• A varied format combining a cutting-edge keynote speaker, paired presentations with local experts, and a company exhibition

Prof. Dr. Markus Seeger, University of Zürich
Event: Indo-Swiss AMR Innovation Dialogue
International participation: 25 Indian AMR experts covering translational science, biotech companies, medical doctors, and governmental representatives
Biotechnet platform: Antibiotics

Accomplishments:

• Organized a delegation of senior Swiss AMR experts to visit India in 2023
• Will host a visit of Indian experts to Switzerland in 2025

Key drivers of success:

• Sharing and harnessing knowledge between international experts to better prepare for the global AMR threat

Prof. Dr. Jack Rohrer, ZHAW
Event: Summer School on Advanced Biotechnology
International participation: MCI Innsbruck, University of Palermo, Ulyseeus
Biotechnet platform: Training for Biotech

Accomplishments:

• Leads the organization of Biotechnet summer schools - 18 years and counting!
• Expands the summer school’s reach by fostering partnerships with Ulysseus and others
• Creates opportunities for informal networking and building of international friendships

Key drivers of success:

• Generating engagement through fun and relationships

Prof. Dr. Laura Suter-Dick , FHNW, Biotechnet and Sonia Thomson, Biotechnet
Event: Annual Biotechnet Meet-Up 2023, 2024, 2025
International participation: International institutions and keynote speakers from abroad

Accomplishments:

• Bringing the Biotechnet research community together around thematic platforms
• Fostering networking at the Biotechnet Meet-up once a year around hot topics such as AI, sustainability, and aging
• Engaging industrial partners through exchanges with SBA

Key drivers of success:

• Connecting the dots between people, projects and ideas
• Curiosity and creativity
• Client and audience focus

Small country, big accomplishments!

Switzerland consistently ranks among the world’s leading innovators when it comes to new discoveries and their translation to industry. The secret to Swiss success lies in our ability to combine an industrious, bottom-up approach with an increasingly open mindset and the participation of top international talent in the knowledge economy. Biotechnet’s members are proud to contribute to advances in innovation, both here and abroad. Contact us today to find out how we can support your project with applied R&D.