The Grisons is open to new ideas and welcomes start-ups. New developments quickly gain attention, while resident companies share their wealth of experience. Universities and universities of applied sciences, incubators, internationally established research institutions and export-oriented Graubünden companies ensure knowledge transfer and access to the global talent pool.
Hubs for entrepreneurs
Numerous initiatives characterise the lively start-up scene in the Grisons. These include the start-up center TECHNOPARK® Graubünden in Landquart as well as the diverse incubators that help shape the start-up scene from Chur to the Engadin. In addition, there are co-working offers across all regions of the largest Swiss canton.
Knowledge transfer from research
The Swiss Research and Development Center for Microtechnology (CSEM) in Landquart, provides new technology, to make innovations in the Grisons into marketable products. The Davos research hub also provides important momentum for the Grisons start-up scene: Davos is home to the world-renowned WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) and CERC, which specializes in the consequences of climate change in the mountains. Renowned institutes in the field of life science also conduct practical research in Davos' high-altitude air. These include the AO Research Institute (ARI), the Swiss Institute for Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) or CK-CARE.
Inspiring catchment area
Within a radius of approximately one hour's drive from the Grisons, 1.3 million people live and 108,000 study at more than ten universities and universities of applied sciences, such as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH), University of Zurich (UZH), the University of St. Gallen (HSG) or the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden (FHGR). This huge talent pool holds corresponding potential for innovation.
Modern lifestyle for successful ideas
The Grisons enables a modern and balanced lifestyle. The natural environment with countless leisure opportunities, low cost of living and an inspiring work environment, create ideal prerequisites for individual life and work models. People work and live here in an intact environment, either at work or from home, comfortably and without obstacles.
Innovative Grisons start-up scene
Start-ups like Mutagnard, with sustainable textile innovations, or DHP Technology with solar folding roofs, have their origins in this environment. WORKPLAYZ enables working vacations (workations) from the Grisons at special locations all over Switzerland. Alpahirt represents sustainable Graubünden dried meat. Bios Medical operates as an agile medical technology start-up and Herby with AI solutions for inclusive education. All these start-ups mentioned are writing their own success stories and following the examples of now established high-tech companies such as Viega Switzerland, Integra Biosciences or CEDES, which have already achieved an international breakthrough with innovations made in the Grisons.
Simple and effective support
In the Grisons, foundation of a company is quick and easy. The only requirement: At least one person with authorisation of signature must be resident in Switzerland. The Canton of Grisons, its partners and other organisations provide support for start-ups with information about founding a company. Qualified start-ups also benefit from financial support from the Canton of Grisons.
For more information on the Canton of Grisons as a business location, please contact our cantonal location development team.
Economic Development and Tourism Agency of the Canton of Grisons
Ringstrasse 10
7001 Chur
Switzerland
Phone +41 81 257 23 42 | E-Mail
gr.ch/invest