Basel, Switzerland: Europe’s Premier Hub for drug Device innovation
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When it comes to launching a new drug device company, location matters.According to recent research unveiled ahead of Pharmapack Europe 2025, the Basel region in Switzerland has emerged as the most attractive destination in Europe for pharmaceutical innovation. This conclusion was drawn from a complete survey of 280 global pharmaceutical executives, who evaluated factors such as operational costs, access to skilled talent, and overall infrastructure.
Basel secured the top spot,with 33% of respondents favoring it over other European hubs.It outperformed Lombardy (18%), Catalunya (17%), the UK’s “Golden Triangle” (15%), and Baden-Württemberg in Germany (14%). Despite its higher labor costs, Basel’s strengths lie in its unparalleled access to qualified personnel and its robust network of research firms and infrastructure.
“As one of the few places where early-stage innovators can meet with investors and scale-up partners, we play a vital role in propagating drug delivery innovation,” said Sherma Ellis-Daal, Brand Director at Pharmapack Europe. “This research identifies the optimal locations for discovering and developing the next generation technologies for a novel device or new packaging—from concept to commercialisation.”
The findings underscore Basel’s pivotal role in the pharmaceutical industry, especially for startups and innovators seeking to scale their operations. The region’s reputation as a leader in innovation is further bolstered by its selection as the top location for building new biomanufacturing facilities in Switzerland and Germany.
Pharmapack Europe 2025: A Gateway to Innovation
Scheduled for January 22-23, 2025, at the Paris Expo, Pharmapack Europe is set to attract over 6,000 attendees and 370 companies. The event is renowned as Europe’s premier platform for medical device and packaging innovation,offering startups the possibility to connect with established pharmaceutical giants and investors.
This year’s edition will feature a Start-Up Hub, hosting over 20 emerging companies. executives from Germany and Switzerland are expected to be particularly active, exploring new licensing opportunities and cutting-edge advancements in drug delivery and lasting packaging.
Pharmapack Europe has a proven track record of spotlighting breakthrough technologies. Many of the innovations that have revolutionized the industry first gained traction at earlier editions of the event.
Key Takeaways for Innovators
For pharmaceutical startups and innovators, the research and event highlight the importance of choosing the right location and leveraging industry networks. Basel’s dominance in the survey reflects its ability to provide the resources and ecosystem needed for success.
Sherma Ellis-Daal emphasized the significance of collaboration, stating, “One of the major impediments to growth success is simply having access to the right partners to scale. This is why we encourage innovators from across Europe to attend the event.”
The full results of the Pharmapack Report 2024 will be released during the event, offering deeper insights into the trends shaping the industry. For more details on the conference topics or to register, visit the official Pharmapack Europe website.
What measures are being taken to address the high operational costs in Basel and make it more accessible to start-ups?
Interview with Dr. Elena Müller, CEO of InnovatePharma Basel, on Basel’s Rise as Europe’s Premier Hub for Drug Device Innovation
By Archyde News Editor
As the pharmaceutical and medical device industries continue to evolve, the importance of innovation hubs has never been more critical. Basel, Switzerland, has recently been crowned Europe’s premier destination for drug device innovation, according to a survey of 280 global pharmaceutical executives ahead of Pharmapack Europe 2025.To delve deeper into this achievement, we sat down with Dr. Elena Müller, CEO of InnovatePharma Basel, a leading pharmaceutical innovation firm based in the region.
Archyde: Dr. Müller, thank you for joining us. Basel has been named the top location for drug device innovation in Europe. What do you think sets Basel apart from other hubs like Lombardy, Catalunya, or the UK’s Golden Triangle?
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me.Basel’s success is no accident—it’s the result of decades of strategic investment and collaboration. What truly sets us apart is the unique ecosystem we’ve built here. Basel is home to some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, like Roche and Novartis, which creates a ripple effect. Start-ups and innovators benefit from proximity to these giants, gaining access to cutting-edge research, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Additionally, our region boasts a highly skilled workforce, thanks to world-class universities and research institutions.
Archyde: The survey highlighted factors like operational costs, access to talent, and infrastructure. How does Basel balance high operational costs with its attractiveness to innovators?
Dr. Müller: It’s true that operational costs in Basel are higher compared to some other regions.Though, what you’re paying for is unparalleled quality. Our infrastructure is state-of-the-art, from research labs to manufacturing facilities. The Swiss government also offers attractive incentives for innovation, such as tax breaks and grants for R&D projects.When you factor in the access to top-tier talent and the collaborative environment, the return on investment is well worth it.
Archyde: With Pharmapack Europe 2025 just around the corner, what role do you see Basel playing in shaping the future of pharmaceutical innovation?
Dr. Müller: Basel is already a global leader, and events like Pharmapack Europe only amplify our influence. The event is a fantastic platform for start-ups to showcase their innovations and connect with industry leaders. I expect Basel to continue driving advancements in areas like personalized medicine, digital health, and enduring drug delivery systems. Our region is also at the forefront of integrating AI and machine learning into drug development, which will be a major focus at the event.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what challenges do you foresee for Basel in maintaining its position as Europe’s premier hub?
Dr. Müller: Competition is always a challenge. Regions like Lombardy and the Golden Triangle are investing heavily in their innovation ecosystems. To stay ahead, Basel must continue to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government. We also need to address issues like talent retention and housing affordability to ensure that we remain an attractive destination for top talent.
Archyde: what advice would you give to start-ups looking to establish themselves in Basel?
Dr. Müller: My advice is simple: leverage the ecosystem.Basel is more than just a location—it’s a community. Attend industry events, network with established companies, and take advantage of the resources available here.And don’t be afraid to think big. Basel has a proven track record of turning bold ideas into groundbreaking innovations.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights.It’s clear that Basel’s success is a testament to the region’s commitment to innovation and collaboration.
Dr. Müller: Thank you. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Basel and the pharmaceutical industry as a whole.
End of Interview
as Basel prepares to host Pharmapack Europe 2025, its position as Europe’s premier hub for drug device innovation remains unchallenged. With leaders like Dr. Elena Müller at the helm, the region is poised to continue shaping the future of healthcare innovation.
Stay tuned to Archyde for more updates on the latest developments in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
