Switzerland has long been a leader in innovation, research, and cutting-edge technology. Known for its strong academic institutions, stable economy, and business-friendly environment, the country has established itself as a powerhouse in deep tech, life sciences, and artificial intelligence. Swiss startups benefit from access to world-class talent, robust infrastructure, and substantial investment opportunities, making the country a prime location for technological advancements.
The Swiss startup ecosystem has seen significant growth in recent years, with companies developing breakthrough solutions in fields such as robotics, quantum computing, biotech, and space technology. Zürich, Basel, and Lausanne remain key hubs, attracting entrepreneurs and investors eager to push the boundaries of innovation. These startups are not only tackling complex industry challenges but also securing major funding to scale their solutions globally.
Here are 10 of the most promising Swiss startups shaping the country’s entrepreneurial landscape in 2025:
Axmed: Based in Basel, Axmed is a healthcare company focused on improving access to essential medicines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Their Axmed Medicines Platform is a marketplace that connects healthcare providers with prequalified manufacturers to ensure the availability of affordable, high-quality medicines. Additionally, through Axmed Global Health Advisory, they provide strategic consulting services to pharmaceutical companies, helping them expand their reach and develop effective access strategies for underserved markets. Founded in 2023, they have secured €6.7 million to expand their market presence and improve global healthcare access.
CellX Biosolutions: Based in Zürich, CellX Biosolutions develops bacteria-based solutions for the sustainable treatment of chemical waste, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional disposal methods. Their biodegradation technology isolates and scales naturally occurring bacteria to break down persistent pollutants like PFAS, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and microplastics. They also provide custom biodegradability studies and treatment solutions, helping industries assess the environmental impact of their chemical products and implement scalable biological waste management systems. Founded in 2024, they have secured €2 million.
DPhi Space: Based in Lausanne, DPhi Space provides a hosted payload platform that simplifies the development and launch of space payloads, offering an alternative to traditional CubeSats. Their ride-sharing service allows payloads of up to 3U to access power, computing, and communication, streamlining deployment and reducing complexity for space missions. By democratising access to space, DPhi Space enables companies to test, demonstrate, and operate their technology in orbit more efficiently and cost-effectively. Founded in 2024, they have secured €2.4 million to develop their platform and expand satellite deployment.
Lightium: Based in Zürich, Lightium is a Swiss startup offering Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) foundry and design services through its proprietary Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platform. Specialising in high-performance photonic solutions, the company serves industries such as Telecom, Datacom, Quantum Computing, AI, and Space. Their 200 mm wafer manufacturing enables rapid prototyping and volume production, reducing time-to-market and enhancing photonic performance. Founded in 2023 and currently in closed beta testing, they have secured €9.6 million to scale production and advance photonic technology.
mimic: Based in Zürich, Mimic develops AI-powered robots that learn from human movements to perform complex manual tasks with precision and adaptability. Their robotic manipulators are designed to seamlessly integrate into human-centred workplaces, handling tools and environments originally made for people. By leveraging large-scale human video data, their AI enables robots to generalise across different tasks, swiftly adapting with minimal fine-tuning. This approach makes automation more accessible and cost-effective, even for industries with variable workflows. Founded in 2024, Mimic has secured €2.7 million to advance its scalable AI model and drive the future of dexterous robotic deployment.
Nextesy: Based in Zürich, Nextesy develops AI-powered business automation software designed to simplify invoicing, accounting, payroll, and overall financial management. Their all-in-one enterprise operating system enables businesses to send invoices, track payments, manage documents, and gain AI-driven financial insights. Founded in 2023, Nextesy has secured €3.5 million to further develop its automation tools, helping businesses improve efficiency and scalability.
Prem Labs: Based in Lugano, Prem is an applied research lab that simplifies the process of optimising AI models. Their platform enables businesses to build, test, and deploy custom AI agents that improve over time using specialised reasoning models (SRMs). With self-hosted and on-premise solutions, Prem AI provides full control over AI deployments, making it easier for companies to integrate and fine-tune small language models (SLMs), LLMs, and AI agents without deep machine learning expertise. Founded in 2023, they have secured €13 million to expand their research and development efforts.
Rhygaze: Based in Basel, RhyGaze is a biotech spin-out from the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) developing a gene therapy to restore vision in patients with blinding retinal diseases. Their approach uses cone optogenetics to introduce a new light-sensor gene into cone cells that have lost sensitivity, potentially revolutionising vision restoration. Founded in 2024, they have secured €92.5 million to progress their research and clinical applications.
RIVR: Based in Zürich, RIVR is a robotics company developing Physical AI to revolutionise last-mile delivery. Their robots combine artificial neural networks with a unique wheeled-legged design, enabling them to navigate complex urban environments efficiently. This technology aims to enhance efficiency, scalability, and sustainability in delivery logistics by reducing reliance on human labour while improving speed and adaptability. Originally founded as Swiss-Mile in 2023, the company rebranded to RIVR in 2025 to better reflect its vision. With over €24 million in funding, including backing from Bezos Expeditions, RIVR is now working with major global logistics carriers to deploy and test its delivery robots in real-world conditions.
Zuriq: based in Zürich, Zuriq is developing a scalable quantum computer using trapped-ion qubits that can move and connect freely. Their technology enables a three-dimensional quantum architecture, allowing for rapid qubit scaling, parallel gate operations, and compatibility with industrial silicon chip fabrication. By overcoming hardware limitations, ZuriQ aims to unlock the full potential of quantum computing for applications in pharmaceutics, chemistry, and logistics. Founded in 2024, they have secured €4 million to develop their quantum computing solutions.
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