With the Basel Incentive Programme, the Canton of Basel‑Stadt is setting new standards across Switzerland. The programme strengthens the canton as a business location through targeted funding in the areas of innovation, society, and the environment. 

It is financed by two funds, into which the Government Council can contribute between 150 and 500 million Swiss Francs annually. The Government Council decides on the amount of the contributions each year depending on the financial situation. In 2025, a total of 88 applications were submitted, and the Government Council approved 246.25 million Swiss Francs funding. 

The programme places a strong emphasis on innovation: 80 percent of the available funds support companies whose activities help advance Basel‑Stadt as a leading location for and innovation and growth in research and development. 20 percent of the funds are reserved for social and environmental objectives – including parenteral leaves, climate action, and – expected from late 2026 – research collaborations in the life sciences sector. 

Except for the Research and Development Cooperations, which will be initiated in 2026, companies can only submit applications for measures that have already been implemented. This ensures that the canton uses public funds with proven impact.
 

With Basel 2037, an innovation support programme was launched in August under the motto »Promoting the economy: Net Zero by 2037». The programme helps SMEs in Basel-Stadt implement sustainability projects effectively and actively contribute to achieving the canton’s net‑zero target by 2037. At the same time, Basel 2037 provides SMEs with practical knowledge and clear guidance on the topics of sustainability, climate action and net zero. 

The programme is the result of close cooperation between the Canton of Basel-Stadt and the Basel-Stadt Trade Association - a strong example of how government and business can jointly create solutions that strengthen the location in a sustainable way. 

With FoodHealth, the region establishes a new strategic priority. Launched in February 2026, it marks the beginning of a bicantonal initiative designed to accelerate high-tech innovation across agritech and foodtech, following the principle of »from soil to gut». The programme takes a technology neutral and stakeholder neutral approach, bringing together startups, SMEs, research institutions and industry partners across the full value chain. 

Through this coordinated effort, Northwestern Switzerland is positioning itself as a leading European hub for integrated solutions in Planetary and Human Health, strengthening its global competitiveness and reinforcing its role as a centre for science‑driven innovation. 

WEF Basel Morning underscored the growing importance of national and international connectivity in 2026. Held for the very first time and in the run‑up to the World Economic Forum, the event sent a clear signal of intent: Basel is positioning itself as a global meeting point for leaders shaping the next era of Life Sciences. 

The platform brought together senior representatives from the global pharmaceutical industry, international investors, startups, policymakers, academia and public administration to discuss the key challenges and emerging opportunities facing the global Life Sciences sector. The fruitful exchange helped set new priorities for the continued development of the region as a world‑class innovation hub. 

A central message emerged: the future of Life Sciences will be defined less by isolated excellence and more by co‑creation, trust, and high performing ecosystems. Government, industry and research institutions all share responsibility for building collaborative, resilient frameworks capable of delivering sustainable solutions at scale. 

Digitalisation is reshaping every sector of the economy, and companies in Basel-Stadt are driving this transformation across industries. In response, Basel-Stadt launched the BaselTech innovation support programme. Established as an association in October 2025, with its official rollout in March 2026, it has been developed in close collaboration with academia and industry. The programme aims to establish Basel‑Stadt as a major innovation hub for digital technologies and connected industry by 2032. The vision is a visible, interconnected ecosystem that brings together start-ups, established companies and research institutions. 

Key measures include the Digital Accelerator Basel — run jointly with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of both Basels and the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, as well as the BaselTech Galaxy innovation platform in partnership with Innofuse. These initiatives form essential digital and physical foundations for the region’s tech ecosystem. 

The programme also offers a vibrant calendar of local tech events, organised in collaboration with the Innovation Office of the University of Basel, and the Startup Academy Basel. The future opening of the new FHNW Campus for Business and Information Technology at Dreispitz will further strengthen the community, providing a space that unites talent, inspires collaboration and actively shapes the digital future of Basel‑Stadt.