From a world solar efficiency record to Western Switzerland\u2019s 2025 FDI results and a landmark bioeconomy conference, discover Western Switzerland\u2019s top stories from March 2026.<\/p>\n
Foreign Direct Investment 2025: Western Switzerland Confirms Its Attractiveness<\/a><\/p>\n In 2025, the Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa), in close collaboration with the economic development agencies of Western Switzerland\u2019s cantons, supported the establishment of 91 foreign companies. These projects are expected to generate 740 jobs over the next three years.<\/p>\n The Swiss Research That Made a Paralyzed Man Walk Again (A Conversation with Jocelyne Bloch and Gr\u00e9goire Courtine)<\/a><\/p>\n In this episode of Getting Serious, neuroscientist Gr\u00e9goire Courtine and neurosurgeon Jocelyne Bloch trace the journey from animal models to their first patient walking in 2017, and share their long-term vision of combining electrical stimulation with gene therapy to cure paralysis.<\/p>\n Mondel\u0113z International inaugurates new Toblerone production line in Bern<\/a><\/p>\n Mondel\u0113z International completed a CHF 65 million investment at its Bern Br\u00fcnnen facility, increasing Toblerone\u2019s global production capacity by 20 to 30%. The upgrade cements Bern\u2019s role as the brand\u2019s worldwide center of excellence, supplying over 120 countries.<\/p>\n The canton of Fribourg makes its mark at BIOKET 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Fribourg hosted the BIOKET international bioeconomy conference for its first-ever Swiss edition, reflecting the canton\u2019s growing recognition as a European leader in bio-based innovation. Bioeconomy accounts for approximately 30% of Fribourg\u2019s GDP and 28% of its employment.<\/p>\n The Swiss Data Science Center inaugurates its headquarters at Biop\u00f4le in Lausanne<\/a><\/p>\n The Swiss Data Science Center opened its first independent home at Biop\u00f4le in Lausanne, supported by CHF 7.5 million from the canton of Vaud. The move brings 120 specialists closer to companies, hospitals, and research institutions, reinforcing Vaud\u2019s position as a hub for applied AI.<\/p>\n