The canton of Basel-Stadt is increasing its innovation funding by 42.5 million Swiss francs to 67.3 million Swiss francs for the period up to 2030. This was decided by the Grand Council on 17 January. The decision marks the canton’s commitment to continue supporting five programs and introduce four more. The programs are divided into three fields of innovation: life sciences, sustainable economy and digital transformation.

The canton already finances the BaseLaunch program to promote biotech startups and DayOne for local innovation at the intersection of life sciences and digital health. The HealthTechParks program for the promotion of low-cost infrastructure for startups such as laboratories, congress funding and rent relief for startups will also continue. Among others, the canton intends to launch the BaselCircular program to promote the circular economy. A total of 9 million Swiss francs will be made available for the program until 2030. The canton wants to strengthen local production and value creation while promoting innovative ideas from existing companies and startups. In doing so, it aims to play a pioneering role in Switzerland.

Remain an attractive business location in the future

The new FoodHealth program aims to contribute to the diversification of life sciences by promoting agri and foodtech. Cooperation with neighboring cantons is also planned. Basel2037 promotes economic measures aimed at achieving the goal of net zero by 2037. BaselTech aims to promote the digital sector in the canton.

Kaspar Sutter welcomes the cantonal parliament’s decision. “In order to remain an attractive business location in the future, we are focusing our location promotion on innovation,” writes the cantonal councillor on LinkedIn.