Switzerland offers exceptionally good conditions for highly specialized technical innovations and deep tech start-ups. They are the product of intensive development work and have great potential. It is essential for the Swiss economy that these young companies can flourish there. Helbling has been involved in the Swiss start-up scene for a long time and has taken on an additional role in the last two years: Helbling Equities invests directly in the equity of start-ups and currently holds seven investments.
The Swiss start-up scene has a reputation for being one of the most exciting and dynamic innovation landscapes in Europe in the field of deep tech. This area is characterized by highly specialized technologies based on in-depth research and scientific expertise. According to current estimates, five of the fifty most promising deep tech start-ups in Europe come from Switzerland, with Switzerland and the UK ranking equally. Whether it's artificial intelligence, quantum technology, robotics, medical technology, or advanced materials, Swiss deep tech start-ups are at the forefront. And Helbling is working more and more closely with some of them, sometimes in the form of a direct client relationship and in other cases as part of a broader engagement that is constantly being expanded. The reasons for this lie in Helbling's vision of itself as a player in Switzerland's innovation ecosystem.
Start-ups are becoming an economic driver
Deep tech start-ups play a vital role for global and national economies as well as for individual companies. Not only do they have the potential to grow into viable companies, but they also often work on groundbreaking technologies that create new markets. Their solutions can transform entire sectors and industries. According to a report by the Swiss federal government, start-ups play a major role in making a country attractive to investors and skilled workers.
It is becoming increasingly clear that deep tech is not a trend, rather a sustainable driver of future developments. In view of the pioneering role of the USA, the European Commission launched the Trusted Investors Network initiative to promote the deep tech landscape. This considers the results of numerous studies, with every deep tech start-up that migrates representing a loss for the respective economic region.
Switzerland has a strong base
What makes the Swiss deep tech scene special is its strong connection to world-class research institutes and links to innovative companies of all sizes. The close exchange between science and business creates an ecosystem in which groundbreaking innovations can emerge. In addition, Switzerland offers a stable economic and legal foundation that enables young companies to develop and market their technologies under optimal conditions.
Helbling as a strong partner
As an innovation service provider, Helbling has an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to successfully bring technological innovations to market in common with start-ups. For Helbling, start-ups are an important customer segment for technical development projects. Helbling draws on the experience gained from hundreds of development projects every year and the breadth of its technological services to support start-ups that want to bring new products to market quickly and efficiently. Over the years, Helbling has established itself as a development partner that supports start-ups in every phase of product development. From the initial idea to technical implementation and market launch, Helbling offers a portfolio of services and technical expertise that helps start-ups turn their visions into reality.
Helbling as investor and promoter
With the Helbling Equities fund, Helbling has also been acting as a financial investor for Swiss deep tech start-ups for around two years. The financial investments are deliberately modest and tend to be limited to the early stages. There are currently investments in seven companies. Although Helbling separates the areas of technical support and financial participation, the fund only invests in industries in which Helbling has experience as a service provider: medical technology, mechanical engineering, industrial devices, software and IT, optical systems, microtechnology, mechatronics, robotics, mobility, and home and office devices. DuraMon AG is the latest addition: the spin-off from ETH Zurich develops wireless, multifunctional sensors that continuously monitor the corrosion status of reinforced concrete structures such as bridges, tunnels, and parking garages.
In addition to its role as an investor, Helbling launched the Helbling Venture Challenge in 2024. This competition is aimed at start-ups from around the world, who can apply with their innovative ideas. The first prize is a comprehensive product development consulting package from Helbling. Rhovica Neuroimaging emerged as the winner in the first year. The Bern-based start-up, founded by two neurosurgeons in 2023, impressed with its bold vision and groundbreaking technology. Its solution aims to significantly optimize emergency treatment when there is a risk of increased intracranial pressure.
Summary: Working together to strengthen the ecosystem
The Swiss deep tech landscape is characterized by innovative ideas and bold entrepreneurs who are ready to shape tomorrow's technology and economy. Helbling's specific motivation for becoming more involved as an investor is to make targeted investments in the ecosystem, in which the innovation service provider plays an important part. Helbling aims to actively promote this ecosystem through investment and expertise and to help ensure that even more groundbreaking innovations find their way to market.
Author: Thomas Siegrist
Main Image: Dall-e
