What is Deep Tech and Why It Matters in Switzerland

Deep tech is having a moment! From AI and quantum computing to biotech and robotics, breakthrough technologies are reshaping how we solve society’s biggest problems. But what exactly is deep tech, why is Switzerland such a hub for it and how can you get involved?

What Is Deep Tech?

Deep tech(nology) is based on tangible engineering innovation or scientific advances and discoveries applied for the first time as a product, often aiming to solve society’s biggest issues. Examples of deep tech include AI, robotics, blockchain, biotech, quantum computing and advanced materials – fields that require serious R&D and long-term vision.

It’s beyond “shallow tech”, which focuses on incremental improvements, ease of implementation, and short-term impacts. Deep tech is harder to develop, but its potential to create lasting transformation is far greater.

The issues deep tech tackles – such as climate change, healthcare, food security, sustainable energy – are no longer abstract future risks. They are urgent global challenges that demand solutions beyond incremental improvement. Deep tech’s breakthrough technologies offer the possibility to address these issues at scale, with impact that can last for generations.

Why Deep Tech Thrives in Switzerland

Switzerland’s position as a hub for deep tech is driven by leading research institutions ETH Zurich and EPFL. Universities often serve as launchpads for deep tech startups, providing access to cutting-edge research, IP, funding and talent.

Initiatives like Innosuisse and the Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation help to build the ecosystem.

Deep tech is not without challenges:

• Longer development cycles

• Higher capital requirements

• Greater technological risk

However, for investors, deep tech stands out for its resilience and defensibility. The complexity behind these innovations makes them difficult to copy and the barriers to entry are high. Development cycles can be longer, but when these companies succeed, they often redefine entire markets. That combination of high impact and high potential return is drawing more venture capital into the field than ever before.

According to the newly released Swiss Deep Tech Report 2025 (by Deep Tech Nation Switzerland), 60% of Swiss VC funding now goes into deep tech, the highest share globally. ETH and EPFL are among the top 5 European institutions for deep tech spinouts, and Switzerland sits at the heart of the Alpine Tech Cluster—one of Europe’s few “superclusters” with global relevance.

Product-market fit (PMF) in deep tech is a journey. It requires shifting from tech-centric thinking to user-centric product management. Understanding real-world problems, validating the value proposition, and guiding complex sales processes is key.

As Enzo Wälchli (CCO, ANYbotics) and Patrick Griss (CEO & Partner, Zühlke Ventures, and author of the Deep Tech Play Book) highlighted at our 2025 Founders Day, selling deep tech is rarely simple. It often requires changing a customer’s entire process, not just their tools, and helping them navigate that change.

Measuring success is also tricky. Early on, metrics may include patents or technical milestones. Once commercialized, startups must evaluate whether their solutions are delivering measurable value against the promised business case.

How to Get Involved

The Swiss Startup Association is proud to support the country’s deep tech community. We connect founders, investors, experts, and ecosystem players, and we offer networking events, education, and advocacy tailored to high-tech, high-potential startups.

SSA is also an official partner of the Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation, founded by Swisscom and UBS. Our president, Raphael Tobler, serves on the foundation’s Advisory Board—further strengthening our commitment to shaping the future of deep tech in Switzerland.

Whether you’re building the next frontier in climate tech, healthcare, or AI, we’re here to support you.

👉🏼 Join SSA as a member
👉🏼 Download the Swiss Deep Tech Report 2025

Let’s build a deep tech future together!