
SMG prepares billion-euro IPO
The Swiss Marketplace Group (SMG), operator of platforms such as Homegate, ImmoScout24 and Ricardo, is preparing the largest IPO in Switzerland in recent years. The joint venture between TX Group, Ringier, Mobiliar and General Atlantic is currently valued at around CHF 4.5 billion and wants to take



Swiss electricity supply 2050 on the brink of major expansion
Switzerland's energy supply should be climate-neutral and nuclear-free by 2050. A new research report shows that photovoltaics and wind power must be massively expanded. At the same time, access to the European electricity market remains crucial in order to guarantee security of supply and

Federal Council strengthens agenda for location attractiveness
The Federal Council wants to secure Switzerland's competitiveness in the long term. In view of global uncertainties, it is focusing on regulatory relief, lower production costs and new international sales markets. The first steps have already been taken with free trade

SMEs fight for skilled workers and rely on flexibility
The shortage of skilled workers remains the biggest challenge for Swiss SMEs. In addition to competition from large companies and the state, the increased bargaining power of employees is increasing the pressure. More flexible working models are becoming key in the competition for

Simple building needs courage and less bureaucracy
In Switzerland, "simple building" is not failing because of the law, but because of uncertainty, overregulation and a lack of trust. SIA legal advisor and National Councillor Beat Flach calls for more pragmatism, less bureaucracy and a strengthening of existing

New tower approved for Zurich Airport
The federal government has approved the construction of the new tower at Zurich Airport. The control tower is to be built from 2027 and will later become part of the sustainable new Dock A replacement building. This will not only modernize air traffic control, but also implement a forward-looking

Molecular light chain opens up paths for quantum technologies
Researchers at Empa have achieved a breakthrough. They have coupled porphyrin molecules to graphene nanoribbons with atomic precision. The result is a hybrid system that combines electronic, magnetic and optical properties, with potential for sensor technology, electronics and quantum

New silicon acids could destroy “eternal chemicals”
Researchers at TU Berlin have achieved a breakthrough: They have developed a new class of silicon-based super Lewis acids that can break down even extremely stable compounds such as PFAS. This opens up prospects for green chemistry, recycling processes and the degradation of highly hazardous

Lock-in effect blocks the housing market
The gap between asking rents and existing rents is growing. Many tenants are staying in apartments that no longer suit their living situation for fear of higher costs. The phenomenon of the lock-in effect is slowing down mobility on the housing market and exacerbating structural

Digital twins for energy systems are gaining in importance
Urban Sympheny AG has completed ESRI's three-year start-up programme. During this time, Sympheny has integrated ESRI's geodata technology into its services. These are designed to support the planning and management of energy systems using digital

Swissbau 2026 provides strong impetus
From January 20 to 23/24, 2026, the Swiss construction and real estate industry will meet at Swissbau at Messe Basel. Under the motto "Setting new impulses together", the concentrated expertise of the industry will provide information on innovations and current challenges from Tuesday to

Red Dot Award for Swiss office furniture series
The jury of the Red Dot Award has honoured LO Summit from Lista Office LO with the prestigious design prize. They praised the versatility, elegance and intelligent design of the modular desks and conference tables as well as their sophisticated accessories and formal

Pilot project for intelligent automated mobility is progressing
The Swiss Transit Lab, the cantons of Zurich and Aargau and SBB are preparing the deployment of self-driving vehicles in the Furttal valley. A digital map of the region is currently being created as part of the iamo pilot project. This will be followed by a training and test

Photovoltaic system combines culture with sustainability
The Langmatt Museum is producing solar power as part of its complete refurbishment. On the roof of a newly constructed glass pavilion, a photovoltaic system from Regionalwerke Baden will supply the museum and the complex with sustainable energy in


Students consider Food Factory in Basel
Students from the Institute of Architecture at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland have spent a year analysing the food cycle. The idea of setting up a food factory in the centre of Basel was evaluated. All stages of the cycle are to be mapped




Renovation incentives secure energy targets and the construction industry
Energy-efficient renovations are crucial to achieving Switzerland's climate and energy targets. However, the current proposal on the imputed rental value threatens to slow down investment and weaken the construction industry. A new study shows how much untapped potential there is in the building

Green spaces as ecological capital for cities
Untapped potential lies dormant between buildings. Urban green spaces can make a decisive contribution to climate adaptation and biodiversity. Landscape architecture must be more than just a specialist discipline. It should take the lead in systemic urban


Builders’ association welcomes EU negotiating mandate
The Swiss Federation of Master Builders supports the adopted negotiating mandate with the European Union. According to the association, orderly relations with the EU are key for Switzerland. Thanks to the Information System Allianz Bau (ISAB), the association believes that wage protection is




