Basel, Switzerland, is attempting to use uncertainty in the United States to position itself as the top location for life sciences companies.

In a press release,¹ the Basel Area Business and Innovation organization cites various issues pharma companies face in the United States. These include potential (and ever-changing) tariffs, funding cuts, regulatory shutdowns, and changing dynamics at FDA.

What is Basel doing to attract pharma executives?

The Swiss region is also already home to several major pharma and biotech companies, which the business and innovation organization cites as a reason why it would be a prime location to attract top talent to.

The organization refers to the project as the Basel Super Cluster.

In a press release, Christof Klöpper, CEO of Basel Area Business & Innovation, said, “US pharma and biotech companies used to acquire Basel-based startups, but now, they're setting up shop here. They recognize we have a science-sympathetic regional government, excellent tax rates, and offer an exceptional quality of life. But more than that, they know ambitious research and development needs policies that will not flip in a two-year cycle. Switzerland provides that certainty."

Dr. Stephen Wilson, lead the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE), is an immunologist who came to Basel from California. He discussed his reasoning for the move, saying, “It has long been that if you were a top scientist in your field, you were drawn to the United States to further your research; no questions. In particular, grants from the National Institutes of Health was a global attractor of talent, funding work in the US that has led to medical breakthroughs and acting as a catalyst to private investment and economic rewards unmatched anywhere. When research funding is abruptly cut for non-scientific reasons, it sends a signal this administration is skeptical of researchers or the importance of America's world-leader status in biomedical science."

"Moving your research and your family are both long-term decisions. Scientists accept that innovation requires perseverance and risk-tolerance, but the ecosystem around you should not bring additional chaos." Dr. Wilson added. "Here in Basel, it's palpable that the Swiss are committed to bold science and global impact. Having confidence that your organization's mission will not be undermined by shifting policies each election cycle means the research community can invest with confidence and take on the necessary level of risks."

Basel is definitely taking a different approach to attracting talent than the United States is at the moment. Since coming into power, the Trump administration has made reforming the healthcare industry a key goal. So far, it has focused heavily on two areas: pricing and domestic production.

The Trump Administration’s strategy is focused on putting pressure on pharma companies to make these changes while using the large size of the US market as leverage. And while the Basel Area Business and Innovation organization is correct that there’s been a lot of uncertainty in the United States over the past year, it’s still a major market.

If pharma companies still want to access US patients and hospital networks, they must work with the Trump Administration’s uncertainty. However, Basel may provide global companies hoping to minimize the impact of that uncertainty.

Source

1. Switzerland Seen as a Safe Haven for the Life Sciences. Basel Area Business and Innovation. November 11, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/switzerland-seen-as-a-safe-haven-for-the-life-sciences-302610966.html