This list compiles the largest research institutes in Switzerland. These organizations are primarily universities and higher education institutions, often with a strong focus on scientific and technological research. Noteworthy examples include ETH Zürich, specializing in science, technology, and engineering, and the University of Zurich, known for its extensive academic programs. CERN is also listed, recognized for its scientific discoveries.
The data shows a concentration of these institutes in major Swiss cities. For instance, the University of Geneva, founded in 1559, and the University of Lausanne, established in 1537, are among the older institutions. EPFL, a younger institute, fosters collaboration in science and technology. The University of Bern and the University of Basel also contribute to the country's research landscape.
| # | Company | Employees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
ETH Zürichethz.ch
University specializing in science, technology, and engineering education and research, fostering innovation and producing high-impact patents and spin-offs. |
11,664 | |||
| 2 |
University of Zurichuzh.ch
Switzerland's largest university, offering a wide range of Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs, known for its prestigious research and academic excellence |
9,752 | |||
| 3 |
CHUV | Lausanne university hospitallinktr.ee
A teaching hospital in Switzerland's Canton of Vaud providing care in all branches of medicine, surgery, and psychiatry, in partnership with the University of Lausanne |
8,763 | |||
| 4 | 7,998 | ||||
| 5 | 7,716 | ||||
| 6 |
University of Genevaunige.ch
A prestigious university in Geneva, founded in 1559, offering a wide range of faculties and programs while fostering collaborations with international organizations |
6,934 | |||
| 7 |
University of Bernunibe.ch
Comprehensive university offering diverse courses across eight faculties, excelling in interdisciplinary research including climate, trade, and membrane biology. |
5,770 | |||
| 8 |
ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Scienceszhaw.ch
A leading Swiss university of applied sciences addressing societal challenges in research and development, with a focus on energy and social integration |
4,873 | |||
| 9 |
University of Baselunibas.ch
A prestigious Swiss university offering a wide range of degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels to Swiss and international students |
4,626 | |||
| 10 |
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNWfhnw.ch
Leading Swiss university offering practical degree programs, innovative research, continuing education, and strong industry partnerships in applied sciences and arts. |
4,379 | |||
| 11 |
University of Lausanne - UNILunil.ch
Cutting-edge facilities and technology, unique faculties in law, biology, and geosciences Collaborates with CHUV for medical advancements Offers diverse educational and cultural activities |
4,279 | |||
| 12 |
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Artshslu.ch
The university offers a variety of bachelor's and master's degree programs, continuing education courses, research and development, and services to students and professionals |
3,147 | |||
| 13 |
Berner Fachhochschule BFHbfh.ch
Offers interdisciplinary bachelor’s, master’s, and continuing education programs across eight departments in various applied sciences fields in multiple locations. |
2,872 | |||
| 14 |
Université de Fribourg - Universität Freiburgunifr.ch
Excellence in research and teaching with an interdisciplinary and international focus, offering bilingual French-German programs and diverse academic opportunities. |
2,752 | |||
| 15 |
PSI Paul Scherrer Institutpsi.ch
Development, construction, and operation of large research facilities supporting national and international scientific communities in technology, energy, health, and nature. |
1,848 | |||
| 16 |
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerlandsupsi.ch
An educational institution offering a range of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, combining theoretical education with a strong professional focus |
1,604 | |||
| 17 | 1,500 | ||||
| 18 |
USI Università della Svizzera italianausi.ch
University offering original degree programs and research areas, fostering a dynamic, multicultural academic community with close interactions. |
1,184 | |||
| 19 |
HES-SO Valais-Wallishevs.ch
Higher education institution offering practical degree programs across art, management, engineering, health sciences, and social work with research institutes. |
1,108 | |||
| 20 |
National Institute of Technology Raipurnitrr.ac.in
National technical education center offering diverse engineering disciplines including metallurgy and mining through advanced science and technology programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students. |
1,074 | |||
| 21 |
ZHdK Zürcher Hochschule der Künstezhdk.ch
An internationally oriented art university in Zurich offering diverse education in art, design, film, music, dance, theater, and transdisciplinarity |
1,061 | |||
| 22 |
Pädagogische Hochschule Zürichphzh.ch
Leading Swiss educational institution for aspiring teachers, offering training, research, and continuing education programs in a supportive, inclusive environment with a vibrant campus culture |
989 | |||
| 23 |
Agroscopeagroscope.ch
A Swiss research center focused on sustainable agriculture, high-quality food, and environmental preservation, providing decision-making bases, enforcement tasks, and knowledge exchange |
964 | |||
| 24 |
University of Lucerneunilu.ch
Youngest university in Switzerland, offering streamlined education in law, humanities, social sciences, economics, management, health sciences, and medicine with European-standard study programs |
877 | |||
| 25 |
HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerlandhes-so.ch
A leading Swiss education institution offering practice-oriented university degrees, cutting-edge research, and international partnerships to promote innovation and knowledge transfer |
863 | |||
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| 26 |
ZHAW School of Management and Lawzhaw.ch
One of Switzerland's largest business schools offering accredited degree programs, research, and continuing education with international recognition. |
833 | |||
| 27 |
HEIG-VDheig-vd.ch
Offering Bachelor and Master degree programs in engineering and business economics, as well as postgraduate training Leading research and development activities with 13 institutes |
819 | |||
| 28 |
Geneva Graduate Institutegraduateinstitute.ch
An institution based in Geneva focused on research and education in international relations and development, preparing future leaders for global challenges |
746 | |||
| 29 | 743 | ||||
| 30 |
University of Applied Sciences of the Grisonsfhgr.ch
Higher education institution offering bachelor’s, master’s, and further education in applied sciences, conducting research, and providing consultancy services. |
734 | |||
| 31 |
University of Neuchâtelunine.ch
Leading European university offering diverse disciplines in humanities, sciences, law, and economics Emphasizes student exchange and research in unique city setting |
733 | |||
| 32 |
Swiss TPHswisstph.ch
Research, education, and services focused on infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, environment, society, and health systems worldwide. |
732 | |||
| 33 |
Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste Bern (UPD) AGupd.jobs
Provides a full range of psychiatric services from early detection to rehabilitation, education, and training in mental health care. |
684 | |||
| 34 |
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)unitar.org
Dedicated training arm developing capacities for enhanced global decision-making, supporting country-level action, and shaping a better future through various training and research activities. |
684 | |||
| 35 |
Universitätsklinik Balgristbalgrist.ch
A world-leading hospital specializing in musculoskeletal and spinal cord injuries, offering interdisciplinary medical care, nursing, therapies, social support, and legal services |
678 | |||
| 36 |
Pädagogische Hochschule Bern (PHBern)phbern.ch
Provides education and training programs for prospective teachers to develop their skills and knowledge in teaching practices and pedagogy |
675 | |||
| 37 |
AO Foundationaofoundation.org
International network of surgeons focused on improving patient outcomes in trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, veterinary, and reconstructive surgery. |
665 | |||
| 38 |
Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSLwsl.ch
A research institute focused on studying and protecting natural and urban habitats, providing solutions for responsible land use and managing natural hazards |
655 | |||
| 39 |
Unisantéunisante.ch
A Swiss organization with 930 employees focusing on research, training, prevention, and care in primary healthcare and public health Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration |
605 | |||
| 40 |
Haute école pédagogique du canton de Vaud (HEP Vaud)hepl.ch
Offers comprehensive teacher education and postgraduate programs for school professionals, stimulating educational research and development, and providing pedagogical resources. |
567 | |||
| 41 | 550 | ||||
| 42 |
Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training EHB HEFP SUFFP SFUVETehb.swiss
Specialized in providing vocational education and training, offering basic and continuing training, conducting research, and supporting international cooperation in the field |
541 | |||
| 43 |
University of Lausanneunil.ch
Higher education institution with seven faculties, focusing on Medicine, Life Sciences, Business, Humanities, and interdisciplinary research and teaching. |
502 | |||
| 44 |
ZHAW School of Engineeringzhaw.ch
Leading Swiss engineering faculty providing high-quality education, research, and development in energy, mobility, information, and health, preparing graduates for industry demands. |
479 | |||
| 45 | 475 | ||||
| 46 |
Pädagogische Hochschule Luzern (PH Luzern)phlu.ch
The educational institution in central Switzerland offers teacher training, pedagogy, and didactics, focusing on research, development, and customized education services |
461 | |||
| 47 |
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland Valais (HES-SO Valais-Wallis)hevs.ch
This company operates five schools in Valais offering 10 degree programs, nine research institutes, with 700 staff members and over 2,500 students |
433 | |||
| 48 |
HEC Lausanne - The Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Lausanneunil.ch
Leading management and economics school providing top-class education and research to train executives, entrepreneurs, and future academic professionals for over a century |
431 | |||
| 49 |
Federal Office of Sport FOSPObaspo.admin.ch
National administration promoting physical activity, managing sports education, providing science expertise, and developing specialized facilities to support a healthy society in Switzerland. |
427 | |||
| 50 |
College of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourgheia-fr.ch
A university in Switzerland offering degrees in engineering, architecture, and life sciences, with a focus on bilingual education and applied research |
426 | |||
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Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.
More company lists in Switzerland
- The largest companies in Switzerland 6,776
- Multinational companies in Switzerland 1,793
- Companies with in-house R&D in Switzerland 916
- Financial services firms in Switzerland 875
- Manufacturers in Switzerland 748
- Real Estate companies in Switzerland 637
- IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Switzerland 574
- Hardware manufacturers in Switzerland 538
- Financial Services companies in Switzerland 525
- IT services companies in Switzerland 438
- SaaS companies in Switzerland 435
- Retail chains in Switzerland 424
- Professional services firms in Switzerland 402
- Software Development companies in Switzerland 380
- Critical infrastructure operators in Switzerland 378
- Family-owned companies in Switzerland 346
- Consulting firms in Switzerland 288
- Publicly traded companies in Switzerland 262
- Pharmaceutical companies in Switzerland 242
- Property management companies in Switzerland 227
- Companies with a mobile app in Switzerland 225
- Medical Equipment Manufacturing companies in Switzerland 225
- Medical device companies in Switzerland 223
- Investment Management companies in Switzerland 216