# 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).

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.

🇨🇭 Switzerland · 50 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [ETH Zürich](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/eth-zurich) (ethz.ch)<br>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 Zurich](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-zurich) (uzh.ch)<br>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 |  |
| 3 | [CHUV \| Lausanne university hospital](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/chuv-lausanne-university-hospital) (linktr.ee)<br>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 | [CERN](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cern) (home.cern)<br>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 | [EPFL](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/epfl) (epfl.ch)<br>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 Geneva](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-geneva) (unige.ch)<br>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 Bern](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-bern) (unibe.ch)<br>Comprehensive university offering diverse courses across eight faculties, excelling in interdisciplinary research including climate, trade, and membrane biology. | Higher Education | 🇨🇭 Bern | 5,770 |  |
| 8 | [ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zhaw-zurich-university-of-applied-sciences) (zhaw.ch)<br>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 Basel](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-basel) (unibas.ch)<br>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 |  |
| 10 | [University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-applied-sciences-and-arts-northwestern-switzerland-fhnw) (fhnw.ch)<br>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 - UNIL](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-lausanne-unil) (unil.ch)<br>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 Arts](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/lucerne-university-of-applied-sciences-and-arts) (hslu.ch)<br>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 BFH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/berner-fachhochschule-bfh) (bfh.ch)<br>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 |  |
| 14 | [Université de Fribourg - Universität Freiburg](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universite-de-fribourg-universitat-freiburg) (unifr.ch)<br>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 Institut](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/psi-paul-scherrer-institut) (psi.ch)<br>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 Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-applied-sciences-and-arts-of-southern-switzerland) (supsi.ch)<br>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 | [Empa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/empa) (empa.ch)<br>Research and development of nanostructured materials, cleantech, biotechnology, and medical technologies for sustainable innovation and industry solutions. | Research Services | 🇨🇭 Dübendorf | 1,500 |  |
| 18 | [USI Università della Svizzera italiana](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/usi-universita-della-svizzera-italiana) (usi.ch)<br>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-Wallis](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hes-so-valais-wallis) (hevs.ch)<br>Higher education institution offering practical degree programs across art, management, engineering, health sciences, and social work with research institutes. | Higher Education | 🇨🇭 Sion | 1,108 |  |
| 20 | [National Institute of Technology Raipur](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-institute-of-technology-raipur) (nitrr.ac.in)<br>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 |  |
| 21 | [ZHdK Zürcher Hochschule der Künste](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zhdk-zurcher-hochschule-der-kunste) (zhdk.ch)<br>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 Zürich](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/padagogische-hochschule-zurich) (phzh.ch)<br>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 | [Agroscope](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/agroscope) (agroscope.ch)<br>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 |  |
| 24 | [University of Lucerne](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-lucerne) (unilu.ch)<br>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 Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hes-so-university-of-applied-sciences-and-arts-western-switzerland) (hes-so.ch)<br>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 |  |
| 26 | [ZHAW School of Management and Law](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zhaw-school-of-management-and-law) (zhaw.ch)<br>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-VD](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/heig-vd) (heig-vd.ch)<br>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 Institute](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/geneva-graduate-institute) (graduateinstitute.ch)<br>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 |  |
| 29 | [CSEM](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/csem) (csem.ch)<br>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 Grisons](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-applied-sciences-of-the-grisons) (fhgr.ch)<br>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 Neuchâtel](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-neuchatel) (unine.ch)<br>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 TPH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/swiss-tph) (swisstph.ch)<br>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) AG](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitare-psychiatrische-dienste-bern-upd-ag) (upd.jobs)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/united-nations-institute-for-training-and-research-unitar) (unitar.org)<br>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 Balgrist](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitatsklinik-balgrist) (balgrist.ch)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/padagogische-hochschule-bern-phbern) (phbern.ch)<br>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 Foundation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ao-foundation) (aofoundation.org)<br>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 WSL](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/swiss-federal-institute-for-forest-snow-and-landscape-research-wsl) (wsl.ch)<br>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 |  |
| 39 | [Unisanté](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/unisante) (unisante.ch)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/haute-ecole-pedagogique-du-canton-de-vaud-hep-vaud) (hepl.ch)<br>Offers comprehensive teacher education and postgraduate programs for school professionals, stimulating educational research and development, and providing pedagogical resources. | Higher Education | 🇨🇭 Lausanne | 567 |  |
| 41 | [Eawag](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/eawag) (eawag.ch)<br>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 SFUVET](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/swiss-federal-university-for-vocational-education-and-training-ehb-hefp-suffp) (ehb.swiss)<br>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 Lausanne](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-lausanne) (unil.ch)<br>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 Engineering](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zhaw-school-of-engineering) (zhaw.ch)<br>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 | [METAS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/metas) (metas.ch)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/padagogische-hochschule-luzern-ph-luzern) (phlu.ch)<br>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)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-applied-sciences-and-arts-western-switzerland-valais-hes-so) (hevs.ch)<br>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 |  |
| 48 | [HEC Lausanne - The Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Lausanne](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hec-lausanne-the-faculty-of-business-and-economics-of-the-university-of-lausanne) (unil.ch)<br>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 FOSPO](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/federal-office-of-sport-fospo) (baspo.admin.ch)<br>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 |  |
| 50 | [College of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/college-of-engineering-and-architecture-of-fribourg) (heia-fr.ch)<br>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 |

## 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.

## More company lists in Switzerland

- [The largest companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-switzerland) (6,776)
- [Multinational companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-switzerland) (1,793)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-switzerland) (916)
- [Financial services firms in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-switzerland) (875)
- [Manufacturers in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-switzerland) (748)
- [Real Estate companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/real-estate-companies-switzerland) (637)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-switzerland) (574)
- [Hardware manufacturers in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-switzerland) (538)
- [Financial Services companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-switzerland) (525)
- [IT services companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-switzerland) (438)
- [SaaS companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-switzerland) (435)
- [Retail chains in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-switzerland) (424)
- [Professional services firms in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-switzerland) (402)
- [Software Development companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-switzerland) (380)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-switzerland) (378)
- [Family-owned companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/family-owned-companies-switzerland) (346)
- [Consulting firms in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consulting-firms-switzerland) (288)
- [Publicly traded companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/publicly-traded-companies-switzerland) (262)
- [Pharmaceutical companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/pharmaceutical-companies-switzerland) (242)
- [Property management companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/property-management-companies-switzerland) (227)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-switzerland) (225)
- [Medical Equipment Manufacturing companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/medical-equipment-manufacturing-companies-switzerland) (225)
- [Medical device companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/medical-device-companies-switzerland) (223)
- [Investment Management companies in Switzerland](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/investment-management-companies-switzerland) (216)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Research institutes in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-the-world) (5,686)
- [Research institutes in Europe](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-in-europe) (2,713)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/research-institutes-switzerland