Clust-ER Health in Switzerland for the Swiss Biotech Tour 2026

Three days in Visp, Basel and Bellinzona to explore the Swiss biotech and life sciences ecosystem, develop new international relationships and promote collaboration opportunities for the Emilia-Romagna ecosystem.

From 5 to 7 October 2026, Clust-ER Health took part in the Swiss Biotech Tour 2026, an international mission organised by ITA – Italian Trade Agency as part of the Montalcini Global Biotech Tour, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).

The initiative provided an important opportunity to gain deeper insights into Switzerland’s biotechnology and life sciences ecosystem, meet companies, research centres and institutions, and strengthen links between the Health & Life Sciences ecosystem in Emilia-Romagna and one of the most internationally significant biotech markets outside the EU.

The mission spanned three days, each dedicated to exploring specific organisations and opportunities within the Swiss landscape.

The first stop was Visp, in the Canton of Valais, where the delegation visited BioArk, a key player in innovation and business development in the biotech sector. The visit offered an opportunity to gain a closer understanding of the local ecosystem, explore its characteristics and identify potential areas of interest for future collaboration.

The second day took place in Basel, where the delegation attended BiotechX 2026 as visitors. The event is one of the leading international gatherings for the biotech, diagnostics and life sciences sectors. The exhibition provided an ideal setting to meet international companies and industry professionals, exchange views on key sector trends and explore prospects for development and innovation.

The day concluded with a networking reception at the Consulate General of Italy in Basel, providing a valuable opportunity for companies, institutions and stakeholders to meet and engage in dialogue, helping to strengthen relationships initiated during the event.

The third and final stop was Bellinzona, where the delegation visited the IRB – Institute for Research in Biomedicine. The meeting provided insights into the institute’s activities and the characteristics of the Ticino ecosystem, while exploring potential synergies with research organisations, universities and hospitals. The day also included working sessions focused on exchanging experiences and developing new collaboration opportunities.

Building new connections for Emilia-Romagna’s Health & Life Sciences ecosystem

During the mission, Clust-ER Health had the opportunity to connect with numerous stakeholders from Switzerland’s life sciences ecosystem, establishing new relationships and opportunities for dialogue. The tour also provided an opportunity to reconnect with some of the Cluster’s member organisations, including Cyanagen S.r.l., sharing the international experience and strengthening a sense of belonging to a regional network focused on innovation and international market development.

Participation in the Swiss Biotech Tour 2026 highlights the importance of international missions in fostering connections between businesses, research organisations and institutions, showcasing local expertise and identifying new opportunities for growth.

For Clust-ER Health, the experience represented a concrete opportunity to expand its international network and explore the potential of the Swiss ecosystem, which is home to a strong concentration of organisations active in biotechnology and life sciences.

The connections established in Switzerland provide a foundation for future collaboration, with the aim of fostering knowledge exchange, developing new synergies between research and industry, and strengthening the international reach of Emilia-Romagna’s Health & Life Sciences ecosystem.