Theme month: Health, innovation and competitiveness

Switzerland is a leading global location for pharma, medtech and life sciences.

Between April 28 and May 28, 2026, SATW is bringing together key events and positions in this area - with a clear goal:

To highlight health as a strategic pillar of Switzerland's economic strength.

Events

Why health is a strategic issue

Health is much more than just healthcare.

It drives innovation, bolsters exports and is a key factor in Switzerland's economic stability.

  • Pharmaceutical products account for over 50 % of Swiss exports.

  • 7-8 % of the gross domestic product comes from pharmaceuticals and life sciences.

  • Around 12 % of economic output is directly linked to the healthcare system.

Yet despite its significance, health is seldom treated as a strategic issue for future competitiveness.

The Health, Innovation and Competitiveness theme month addresses precisely this gap.

What is happening between 28 April and 28 May 2026?

A coordinated focus on health & life sciences

Over the course of a month, a series of events across health and life sciences will take place in Switzerland.

SATW is seizing this opportunity to bring together key questions:

  • How can Switzerland remain competitive?

  • What role do innovation and technology play?

  • How do we ensure quality and financial viability in the long term?

Events

Three central questions

Competition

How can Switzerland secure and expand its leading international position in the health & life sciences sector?

Innovation

Which technological developments - from digital medicine to AI - will shape the future of healthcare?

Sustainability

How can quality, access and affordability be ensured in the long term?

The role of the SATW

The SATW sees health and life sciences as a key technological field for the Swiss economy.

With the theme month, it sets an overarching framework that classifies and draws together strategically existing initiatives.

The SATW's contribution lies in three functions:

  • Contextualising technological developments in terms of their economic and industrial-policy implications.
  • Coherence by linking separate strands of debate into a broader perspective.
  • Guidance through white papers and policy briefs for policymakers, industry and the research community.h.

The theme month is not simply an event programme — it is a vehicle for the strategic positioning of a key area of innovation.

Stay informed

Receive updates on news, publications and events in the field of engineering sciences.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Contacts

 Annika Müller

Annika Müller

Head of Communication and Marketing

 Claude Naville

Claude Naville

Digital Marketing Manager, Deputy Head of Communications and Marketing