Leading industries and companies

Life Sciences and Chemical Industries

Basel has the highest density of successful life science-enterprises world wide. With Roche and Novartis, the headquarters of two of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies are located in Basel. But that is only half of the big picture. The Life Sciences cluster in Basel also comprises many smaller companies and highly successful start-ups. Basel is part of the trinational Bio Valley stretching from Basel to Strasburg in France. It is not just the local pharmaceutical, bio- and medtech companies that profit from this dynamic cluster of life science-enterprises. All other branches of trade take advantage of its innovative potential, too. The chemical industry and nanotechnology are also well represented in the Basel area with companies that include Syngenta, Lonza, Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Clariant and Huntsman. Medical technology is focusing increasingly on the interface between life sciences and medical technology. With Straumann and Synthes there are already two world leaders that are based here in Basel.

Logistics and Commerce

Its optimal location and accompanying public transportation system make Basel Switzerland’s logistics center. The main road and rail routes for Europe all intersect in Basel, and global players like Panalpina make excellent use of this. Trading companies are also well represented in the Basel region.

Creative Industries (Art, Fashion, Design, Architecture)

Art, design and architecture play an important role in Basel and are closely linked to its economy. The annual BaselWorld trade fair has turned Basel into one of the most significant commercial centers for the watch and jewelry business. Over almost 40 years, Art Basel has established itself as the leading trade fair for contemporary art worldwide, and Basel architects – with Herzog & de Meuron as the biggest stars – are internationally acclaimed.

Financial Services, Insurances and IT

As a top business location, Basel also is a prime financial center, where UBS, the world’s largest asset manager, and the Bank for International Settlements have their headquarters. Besides financial services, which include insurance, private banking and risk capital companies, leading IT organizations also offer their services here.

Find more details on industries and leading companies in Basel here

Weather

Current weather

Fr Friday 12. March 2010 12.3 cloudy -3°

Forecast for the next days

Sa Saturday 13. March 2010 13.3 partly sunny -1° |
Su Sunday 14. March 2010 14.3 sunny spells, chance of rain or snow showers -2° |
Mo Monday 15. March 2010 15.3 sunny spells, chance of rain showers |
Tu Tuesday 16. March 2010 16.3 sunny spells, chance of rain showers |
We Wednesday 17. March 2010 17.3 sunny spells, chance of rain showers | 14°

Source: MeteoSwiss