There is a mix of unique factors that makes Ticino particularly attractive for companies working in fashion, food, travel, design and other lifestyle-related industries. Here is why.
Unlike the rest of Europe, if you decide to incorporate in Switzerland the process that you will encounter is quick, lean, and uncomplicated as well as benefit from favourable tax conditions and a market stability.
Ticino is also exceptionally well-connected with the major European hubs. Zurich besides being the tech and financial capital, it is also the home of big relevant companies and academic excellence for which is ranked among top universities of the world. On the other hand, Milan, is the biggest Italian startup hub and next to become the global capital of lifestyle.
Industries that decide to set-up activities in Ticino get all the benefits of working in a fast, solid, and independent Swiss economy, with easy access to the rest of the continent.
Over its strategic position between the two hubs of Zurich and Milan, Ticino is a center of academic excellence, USI and SUPSI, which work closely to understand corporation needs and subsequently tailor relevant curricula. Besides, Ticino proudly hosts two exceptional research institutes: The Swiss National Supercomputing Centre and the Swiss Artificial Intelligence Lab IDSIA, which are global leaders in machine learning, data mining, and robotics and work also with academia and the private sector.
Canton Ticino has been selected as one of the top five regions more innovative in Europe. Over the last 15 years, it has also become a European Lifestyle Hub attracting around 60 fashion brands in this area, investing in digital transformation. In addition, Ticino-based B2B startups are able to access numerous global food and travel players based both in Switzerland and in Italy. Acting as one of the drivers and facilitators of innovation in this Canton, Lifestyle Tech Competence Center, a part of Switzerland Innovation Park – Ticino, has created a dynamic ecosystem where brands, innovators, universities and big tech companies work together on R&D and science-based innovation projects.
Every year in Ticino are organised a huge number of networking events and meet-ups, both physically and digitally, to promote cooperation and knowledge sharing about technology and innovation in the lifestyle sectors. An interesting example is Dagorà Lifestyle Innovation Hub, a coworking space where a vibrant community increase every day. The hub organises many events, so it is a good starting point for tapping into the network of local businesses.
The Swiss have successfully maintained a position at the forefront of international business and affairs. Their reputation is built on their innate attention to detail and organizational skills, the security and neutrality of their country, and the closeness to nature of the people. In recent decades, Switzerland and Ticino have also strengthened their position as global leaders in sustainability, policies, security, technologies, and impact investing.