The Technopole celebrates its 10th anniversary

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Tecnopolo Ticino celebrates a decade of helping innovative companies scale up. Located on the fifth floor of the Suglio Business Center in Manno, Tecnopolo Ticino has supported the growth of 72 companies over the past ten years, helping them collectively raise nearly CHF 80 million in funding.

 

In 2024, Tecnopolo Ticino celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Canton Ticino. Over the past ten years, it has played a key role in the development of 72 companies, which have collectively raised nearly CHF 80 million in funding. Since its establishment in 2014, Tecnopolo Ticino has become a cornerstone of the Regional Innovation System (RIS). As the final link in the RIS value chain that supports startups, it is crucial in helping innovative companies take the last steps toward scaling and internationalization.

The Technopole offers 2,600 m² of office space, co-working areas, and meeting rooms. It is also part of the Technopark Allianz, a network of eight technoparks across Switzerland that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer. As of December 31, 2023, the facility on the fifth floor of the Suglio Business Center in Manno boasts an occupancy rate of over 90%, with 28 companies actively operating in key sectors such as ICTs, Life Sciences, Agritech, and Cleantech, collectively employing over 60 people.

Among the standout success stories is xFarm Technologies, which recently raised CHF 34 million in a Series C funding round, the largest ever secured by a scale-up based at the Technopole, establishing itself as a leader in digital agriculture. Another success story is Gain Therapeutics, which went public on NASDAQ in 2021. Other notable scale-ups include DAC System, which has earned a strong international reputation, and iWin, which is actively involved in two major Horizon Europe projects with a total budget exceeding CHF 18 million. Hive Power, specializing in AI-driven smart grid solutions, closed a CHF 500,000 funding round in 2023. TissueLabs, a Brazilian company that chose Tecnopolo Ticino as its first European base, has recently secured a CHF 700,000 pre-seed round and is developing state-of-the-art life sciences laboratories in Bellinzona. The presence of Pilatus Aircraft, which has chosen the infrastructure for its Ticino-based R&D activities, underscores the appeal of Tecnopolo Ticino to scale-ups and established companies looking to innovate.
The Technopole was also the first home of TiVentures, a seed investment fund owned by Fondazione Centenario Banca Stato. TiVentures plays a key role in the development of promising Ticino-based startups, investing in companies with high growth potential.

The success of Tecnopolo Ticino is rooted in fostering collaboration within Ticino’s Regional Innovation System: it connects companies with academic institutions, investors, and public entities, creating a robust network of support. Admission to the Technopole is highly selective, ensuring that only the most promising, innovative companies join the community. "The strength of our community lies in its diversity," says Luca Bolzani, President of Fondazione Agire. "By bringing together different industries and perspectives, we create an environment where innovation thrives." Reflecting on the past decade, Bolzani adds: "This milestone is not just about individual successes: it's about the strength of the network we’ve built. We’ve seen companies reach extraordinary goals, and we’re proud to have played a part in their journeys."

Looking ahead, Tecnopolo Ticino remains committed to nurturing innovation with even greater energy. Stefano Rizzi, Director of the Canton’s Economic Division and Vice President of Fondazione Agire, underscores this commitment: "Tecnopolo Ticino has become a cornerstone of the Canton’s Regional Innovation System. Its focus on supporting scale-ups and fostering collaboration among companies is vital to the region’s economic growth. We are dedicated to strengthening this ecosystem and backing new initiatives that drive Ticino’s economic development." With a strong foundation, strategic collaborations, and a forward-thinking approach, Tecnopolo Ticino is set to continue empowering innovative companies to scale and bring made-in-Ticino innovation to global markets.