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Research institutes headquartered in Switzerland

Tamtam tracks 87 research institutes headquartered in Switzerland. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by ETH Zürich, University of Zurich and CHUV | Lausanne university hospital. Their median headcount is 863. Half of them were founded in 1962 or later. The most common headquarters are Lausanne (7), Bern (5) and Zurich (5).

🇨🇭 Switzerland50 companiesUpdated Nov 12, 2026

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.

#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
ETH Zürichethz.ch

University specializing in science, technology, and engineering education and research, fostering innovation and producing high-impact patents and spin-offs.

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Zurich 11,664 1855
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Zurich 9,752 n/a
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

Hospitals and Health Care 🇨🇭 Lausanne 8,763 1806
4
CERNhome.cern

A collaborative organization of scientists and experts pushing the boundaries of knowledge, making history through immense scientific discoveries

Research Services 🇨🇭 Meyrin 7,998 1954
5
EPFLepfl.ch

Innovative Swiss institute near Lake Geneva fostering collaboration between students, professors, researchers, and entrepreneurs to create groundbreaking work in science and technology

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Lausanne 7,716 1853
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

Research Services 🇨🇭 Geneva 6,934 1559
7
University of Bernunibe.ch

Comprehensive university offering diverse courses across eight faculties, excelling in interdisciplinary research including climate, trade, and membrane biology.

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Bern 5,770 n/a
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Winterthur 4,873 2007
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

Research Services 🇨🇭 Basel 4,626 n/a
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.

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Windisch 4,379 2006
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

Research Services 🇨🇭 Lausanne 4,279 1537
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

Education Administration Programs 🇨🇭 Lucerne 3,147 1997
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.

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Bern 2,872 n/a
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.

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Fribourg 2,752 1889
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.

Research Services 🇨🇭 Villigen PSI 1,848 1988
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Manno 1,604 1997
17
Empaempa.ch

Research and development of nanostructured materials, cleantech, biotechnology, and medical technologies for sustainable innovation and industry solutions.

Research Services 🇨🇭 Dübendorf 1,500 n/a
18
USI Università della Svizzera italianausi.ch

University offering original degree programs and research areas, fostering a dynamic, multicultural academic community with close interactions.

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Lugano 1,184 1996
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.

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Sion 1,108 n/a
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.

Higher Education 🇨🇭 1,074 n/a
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Zurich 1,061 2007
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Zurich 989 2002
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

Farming 🇨🇭 Bern 964 n/a
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Lucerne 877 2000
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Delémont 863 n/a

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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.

Education Administration Programs 🇨🇭 Winterthur 833 1968
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Yverdon-Les-Bains 819 1956
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Geneva 746 n/a
29
CSEMcsem.ch

Swiss technology innovation center developing advanced technologies for societal impact, transferring to industry to boost economy, operating in precision manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable energy

Research Services 🇨🇭 Neuchâtel 743 1984
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.

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Chur 734 1962
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

Education Administration Programs 🇨🇭 Neuchâtel 733 1838
32
Swiss TPHswisstph.ch

Research, education, and services focused on infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, environment, society, and health systems worldwide.

Research Services 🇨🇭 Allschwil 732 1943
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.

Hospitals and Health Care 🇨🇭 Bern 684 2017
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.

International Affairs 🇨🇭 Geneva 684 1965
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

Hospitals and Health Care 🇨🇭 Zurich 678 1912
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Bern 675 2005
37
AO Foundationaofoundation.org

International network of surgeons focused on improving patient outcomes in trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, veterinary, and reconstructive surgery.

Hospitals and Health Care 🇨🇭 Davos Platz 665 1958
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

Research Services 🇨🇭 Birmensdorf 655 n/a
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

Hospitals and Health Care 🇨🇭 Lausanne 605 2019
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.

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Lausanne 567 n/a
41
Eawageawag.ch

A world-leading aquatic research institute driving innovative approaches and technologies in the water sector through collaboration with industry and government

Research Services 🇨🇭 Dübendorf 550 1936
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Zollikofen 541 2007
43
University of Lausanneunil.ch

Higher education institution with seven faculties, focusing on Medicine, Life Sciences, Business, Humanities, and interdisciplinary research and teaching.

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Lausanne 502 1537
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.

Education Administration Programs 🇨🇭 Winterthur 479 1874
45
METASmetas.ch

This company is the National Metrology Institute responsible for realizing and disseminating accurate units of measurement and supervising measuring instruments in various sectors

Government Administration 🇨🇭 Bern-Wabern 475 1862
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Lucerne 461 2003
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Sion 433 n/a
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Lausanne 431 1911
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.

Spectator Sports 🇨🇭 Magglingen 427 n/a
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

Higher Education 🇨🇭 Fribourg 426 1896

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How this list is built

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.

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