Greater Zurich Area leadership visits Tartu to explore cooperation in life sciences
Tartu City Government Press Release
/ The leadership of Greater Zurich Area (GZA) visited Tartu on 12-13 September to gain a first-hand understanding of Tartu’s science-based business ecosystem and explore opportunities for closer cooperation between the two regions.
The programme focused particularly on life sciences and biotechnology - an area where connections between Tartu and Switzerland are already developing. Tartu companies Icosagen and TBD Pharmatech have been active participants in Swiss biotechnology networks and events, with both already having established clients and ongoing collaboration projects in Switzerland, and a strong interest in further expanding their partnerships within the country’s highly developed biotech ecosystem. For Better Medicine, the meeting was particularly valuable in gaining a better understanding of how the Swiss market operates and the nuances of entering and navigating the market.
The visit to the Estonian Biobank focused on where Tartu’s strengths in genomics, personalised medicine and health tech could connect with the Greater Zurich Area’s internationally established life-science ecosystem. The discussion explored how these complementary strengths could lead to new research, business and innovation partnerships between the two regions.
Roomer Tarajev, Business Development Manager at Tartu City Government, said the visit should be seen as a first step rather than a one-off programme.
“We are very open to building new international partnerships, and we greatly appreciate that the Greater Zurich Area accepted our invitation to extend their Nordic visit and spend part of their weekend in Tartu. Successful business diplomacy and economic cooperation ultimately start with personal connections, mutual trust and simply enjoying working together”
Dr. Balz Hösly, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Greater Zurich Area, said:
“Tartu offers a rare combination of a world-class university and innovative companies, particularly in the biotech sector. This offers exceptional potential for Switzerland and the Greater Zurich Area, where our closely aligned ecosystems act as a natural catalyst for powerful synergies. Furthermore, startups and established businesses in both the Greater Zurich and Tartu regions share a remarkably similar entrepreneurial mindset and spirit.”
Mirjam Loertscher, Economic, Trade and Innovation Advisor at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Switzerland, highlighted the value of connecting the two innovation ecosystems:
“Switzerland and Estonia have much in common when it comes to doing business. Bringing the right businesses, scientists and entrepreneurs together helps uncover new synergies, and I am particularly pleased that the delegation had the opportunity to discover the strengths of Tartu.”
The visit is intended to serve as a starting point for identifying concrete areas of cooperation between Tartu and Greater Zurich Area and for creating new connections between companies and research organisations in both regions.
Last changed 16.09.2026
