Swiss Trade

Bern - The Swiss government spent 3.2 billion Swiss francs on research and development in 2025. This represents a 25 per cent increase over the previous year and is attributed to Switzerland rejoining the EU’s Horizon Europe framework program. (CONNECT) Swiss federal spending on research and development (R&D) rose by 644 million Swiss francs in 2025 to a record high of 3.2 billion Swiss francs, announced a statement.

Cham - Bühlmann Recycling AG, Renggli AG, and Welz AG are this year’s finalists for the Family Business Award. The AMAG Group prize honors family-owned companies that are particularly committed to sustainability and have a long-term focus on value. (CONNECT) The AMAG Group, which is headquartered in Cham in the Swiss canton of Zug, is presenting the Family Business Award for the 15th time. The finalists for the 2026 award have now been announced, according to a statement.

Grosswangen/Rapperswil-Jona - Bieri Tenta AG from the Swiss canton of Lucerne has delivered the new canopy for Rapperswil Castle’s historic courtyard. Made of crystal-clear PVC film, the membrane structure, which measures around 435 square meters, replaces a 20-year-old version. (CONNECT) Bieri has replaced the funnel-shaped canopy in the courtyard of Rapperswil Castle in the Swiss canton of St.Gallen.

Zurich - Swiss bag manufacturer FREITAG has launched a new design: the F738 Cool Bag. Made from truck tarps, the cooler bag features an insulated inlay. It launched in a limited edition on 24 June 2026. (CONNECT) The Zurich-based bag manufacturer FREITAG has launched a new cooler bag. According to a statement, the F738 features a removable isothermal inlay. Each of the one-of-a-kind bags is made from silver-colored truck tarps, featuring colorful handles made from recycled plastic waste.

Special technology is being used to test water quality in Valais. Image provided by Altis Val de Bagnes/Ecublens/Brussels - The Swiss water utility company Altis is exploring innovative approaches to water management in the context of climate change by participating in several European research projects. Supported by Switzerland’s national advisory network for EU programs Euresearch, the Swiss canton of Valais is providing a model for mountain regions.

Zurich/Guangxi - ABB Ltd. is delivering an integrated drive system to Guangxi Jianhui Paper Industry Co., Ltd. for its planned PM8 paper machine. The new production line is scheduled for commissioning in late 2026, when it will become Asia’s largest facility for extensible kraft bag paper. (CONNECT) ABB has secured a contract from Guangxi Jianhui  to equip its new PM8 paper machine with a comprehensive drive system.

Bern - The Swiss government has approved the objectives for its space company RUAG International for the period to 2029. Beyond Gravity’s parent company is sharpening its focus on Switzerland, Europe, and the US and is set to cooperate with Swiss universities and companies. It must be profitable, says the government, but is allowed to take on debt. (CONNECT) On 24 June, the Swiss government, the Federal Council, approved the strategic objectives for RUAG International Holding AG.

Baden/Kitchener/Rizziconi - Axpo Holding AG and e-STORAGE are jointly developing a battery storage system in Rizziconi, southern Italy. The facility is expected to have a capacity of 8 megawatts and a storage capacity of 40 megawatt-hours. Commissioning is scheduled for early 2028. (CONNECT) Axpo from the canton of Aargau and e-STORAGE based in Kitchener, Ontario, which is a subsidiary of the Canadian solar company Canadian Solar Inc.

Bern - The Federal Council has rejected additional support for chemical storage of renewable energy, known as Power-to-X. In a report, it states that such systems would likely only play a supplementary role until 2035. The industry network SPIN welcomes the report but rejects its conclusion. (CONNECT) According to a statement, the Federal Council approved the report entitled “Potential of Power-to-X as a contribution to supply security” on 24 June.

Zurich/Lisbon - Zurich Portugal has launched the multimedia campaign “Um Bom Protetor” (A Good Protector) to market its four property protection products. These policies insure homes against damage caused by extreme weather. (CONNECT) Zurich Portugal, the Portuguese subsidiary of the Zurich-based Zurich Insurance Group, is raising awareness among the country's public about growing climate risks through its “Um Bom Protetor” campaign.