
Successful financing round enables expansion of concrete sensor technology
DuraMon, which specialises in corrosion monitoring in concrete, has successfully completed a seed extension round of 1.6 million Swiss francs. This should enable scaling and expansion beyond the DACH region. Sika continues its support for


National Council wants to expand support for asbestos victims
The National Council has taken an important decision on financial support for asbestos victims. An amendment to the Accident Insurance Act is intended to secure the future of the Compensation Fund for Asbestos Victims Foundation. A powerful and forward-looking look at political developments in the

Mortgage reference interest rate falls to 1.5 per cent
The mortgage reference interest rate, which is decisive for setting rents in Switzerland, has been lowered to 1.5 per cent. This change has a direct impact on tenancies and offers tenants the opportunity to demand a rent reduction. A powerful and forward-looking look at developments in the property

These cantons lead Switzerland
Innovation and creativity are decisive factors for economic growth and prosperity in Switzerland. With the Cantonal Innovation and Creativity Index (KIKI), the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts has developed an instrument that enables a well-founded comparison of the cantons for the

Property company increases profit and reduces vacancy rate
The Zug Estates Group increased its net profit excluding revaluations by 9 percent to just under CHF 37 million in 2024. This is due to increased income from the properties. Their vacancy rate fell from 3.9 to 0.7 percent compared to the end of

Raiffeisen analyses abolition of imputed rental value
According to an analysis by Raiffeisen, the abolition of the imputed rental value will benefit homeowners. The construction industry, on the other hand, would have to expect lower sales. Once the federal parliament has given its approval, the people will be asked to vote on the system change in the

Project planning credit for Lucerne theatre rejected
The voters of the city of Lucerne have rejected the project planning credit of CHF 13.8 million for a new Lucerne theatre by 57.94%. This brings the carefully prepared planning process to an abrupt end. The city council is disappointed and wants to analyse the reasons for the

Private investors drive innovation in Zurich
Private equity and venture capital companies, family offices and foundations play a central role in the financing of start-ups in the canton of Zurich. A new study shows that private equity investors make a decisive contribution to the region's innovative strength. Nevertheless, growth financing

Europe needs more capital for start-ups
The European Patent Office (EPO) has published a comprehensive study on the innovation ecosystem, which shows that funding gaps are hindering the growth of European start-ups. A new key figure, the Technology Investor Score, helps technology-orientated companies to identify suitable investors. In


Key interest rate trend revives property market
The gradual reduction in key interest rates has led to a revival in the property market. This is the result of surveys by CSL Immobilien. Rents and prices for flats remain on the rise. In the office market, demand is primarily for ESG-compliant space and flexible utilisation

Federal government adjusts cost limits for housing subsidies
On 1 February 2025, the revised ordinance of the Federal Office for Housing (BWO) will come into force, setting new cost limits and loan amounts for rental and owner-occupied properties. This takes into account the increased land and construction costs and improves the funding opportunities for

Rising prices and a tight rental market
The Zurich property market remains on course for growth, but while owners are benefiting, the situation for tenants continues to worsen. Residential property prices rose by 3.3% in 2024, while the shortage of rental flats intensified. Particularly noteworthy rents were increased not only for new

Growth trajectory for solar-powered greenhouses
Voltiris has received CHF 4.8 million in seed capital. The investment will support the commercialisation of the company's proprietary solar technology for greenhouses throughout Europe. The start-up aims to promote the integration of agricultural science and solar

New member of the Board of Directors strengthens growth of sustainable property platform
Alexander von Erdély has joined the Board of Directors of Optiml. The industry expert, who focuses on sustainability and innovation, will support Optiml in scaling its artificial intelligence-based B2B platform for the decarbonisation of the real estate

The Ypsomed Innovation Award 2025 was presented
Yuon Control AG has won the Ypsomed Innovation Award 2025. The spin-off from Bern University of Applied Sciences develops technologies for building automation. Two second place prizes went to Santella from the University of Bern and Xemperia from the University of

Vaud economy between recovery and uncertainty
After two years of weak growth, economic experts are forecasting an economic recovery for the canton of Vaud. The Vaud Economic Commission expects gross domestic product to grow by 1.8% in 2025 and to increase to 1.9% in the following year. Nevertheless, global uncertainties are clouding the

The increasing billion-euro burden for reinsurers
The economic consequences of natural disasters once again reached record levels in 2024. According to Munich Re, total global losses amounted to 320 billion dollars, 140 billion of which were insured. Hurricanes, floods and forest fires in particular caused immense costs. The losses are therefore

Collateral in the construction and property sector – What to look out for?
Property projects are complex and large sums of money are at stake. The interests and therefore the need for security of the various parties involved differ. Of the various means of security, the "guarantee on first demand" stands

Capital increase for healthcare properties and senior-friendly living
The Swiss Life Investment Foundation is opening its Real Estate Switzerland Old Age and Health ESG investment group. Around CHF 200 million in capital is to be raised by mid-March. The foundation intends to use this to acquire additional properties and reduce its debt

Meyer Burger divests measurement technology subsidiary Pasan
The solar cell manufacturer Meyer Burger is selling its subsidiary Pasan as part of its ongoing restructuring programme. The parties have agreed not to disclose the buyer or the financial details of the transaction. Pasan is recognised as a leader in high-precision measurement technology for the

Strengthening Europe’s innovation financing
The latest study by the European Patent Office (EPO) highlights structural challenges in innovation financing and introduces the Technology Investor Score (TIS), a new indicator for identifying suitable investors. Supplemented by an expanded Deep Tech Finder, the EPO wants to provide European

Canton of Zug strengthens its property portfolio
The Canton of Zug pursues a sustainable strategy for managing its property portfolio. The strategy emphasises maintenance, legal requirements and the careful use of resources. Future investments and strategic guidelines ensure the quality and stable value of the canton's property

Affordable living in Zug
There has been an acute shortage of housing in the canton of Zug for years. At 0.2%, the vacancy rate is the lowest in the country, which intensifies competition for rental flats and drives up rents. In view of the increasing unaffordability for the middle class, the question arises as to how



