Medical Device Link.

REGIONAL FOCUS

If you want to find out more about med-tech related research and manufacturing opportunities in western Switzerland, DEWS – Development Economic Western Switzerland (www.dews.com) and the Medical Cluster (www.medical-cluster.ch) are eager to help.

DEWS is an international agency and joint partnership of the regional development agencies of the states of Vaud, Valais, Neuchâtel, and Jura. It provides complimentary assistance to foreign-based companies seeking to establish business activities in Switzerland. Reports and statistics on medical technology in the DEWS region can be downloaded from the site.

Originally established in Bern to promote the local med-tech industry, Medical Cluster has evolved into a national network that aims to support established companies and start-up businesses, says manager Peter Biedermann. “We try to bring companies and people together by organizing seminars, company visits, and supporting the industry at international expositions such as MEDTEC,” says Biedermann. Although its focus is on domestic firms, it can be a resource to foreign companies, as well. The organization will publish its 2008 survey on the Swiss medical technology industry in October, and plans to publish an English-language booklet on Switzerland’s medical cluster in March 2009.