Swiss Healthcare Startups

What Swiss Healthcare Startups does

Swiss Healthcare Startups (SHS) is a Swiss non-profit networking organization founded in 2018 and headquartered in Zürich (Reitergasse 11) that operates as the central coordination layer for the Swiss healthcare startup ecosystem. It connects more than 800 healthcare startup members with over 20 corporate and institutional members, including Switzerland's leading health insurers (CSS, Sanitas), pharmacy and healthcare providers (Galenica, Medbase Group), the University Hospital Zurich Health Innovation Hub, technology and service providers (CSEM, IMT, Congenius, Kellerhals Carrard, VISCHER AG, dynamXIP), and government bodies (Division of Business and Economic Development of Canton Zurich).

The organization's core platform is SHS Cortex, a member-access digital directory unifying founder contacts, elevator pitches, product and funding stage, and origin across 822 registered startups. It publishes real-time ecosystem metrics (2,537 category mentions across medtech, digital health, biotech, femtech, AI/blockchain, mental health and women's health) and is the discovery backbone for the network. SHS also operates an extensive events programme including 10-12 free annual webinars, networking lunches, regional SHS Cru and topic-specific SHS Public events, the SHS Nouveau pitching series, and the flagship Digital Health Day (300+ participants, 55+ partners in 2025). Adjacent products include HealthMatch (a co-founder and partner matching service featured in newsletters reaching 2,400+ recipients), the Vanguard Accelerator (a six-month programme run jointly with Biopôle SA for digital health startups), and a Reimbursement Guide for digital health applications in Switzerland.

Revenue is generated through three streams: corporate membership fees (subscription, annual), event sponsorship packages (webinars, networking lunches, SHS Nouveau, newsletter features), and newsletter feature placements. Startup membership is free under a freemium model; corporate and service-provider membership is subscription-based with annual billing. Operations are run by a lean core team of three (CEO Diana Hardie, finance lead Sibylle Jungen, external marketing communications) supported by a seven-member board of directors and a four-member advisory board. There are no funding rounds, no disclosed financials, and the organization operates exclusively within Switzerland.

Name

Swiss Healthcare Startups

Legal name

Swiss Healthcare Startups (SHS) Association

Website

https://swisshealthcarestartups.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Swiss Healthcare Startups (SHS) is a Zürich-based non-profit networking organization that connects 800+ Swiss healthcare startups with 20+ corporate, provider, and institutional members via its SHS Cortex directory, event programming, HealthMatch service, and the Vanguard Accelerator run with Biopôle SA.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Healthcare Startup Networking and Innovation Ecosystem

NAICS

Social Assistance (624)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Hospitals, Clinics & Charitable Healthcare Providers (BPAGACAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD)

Keywords

• Healthcare startup networking
• Digital health ecosystem
• Medtech startup community
• Healthcare innovation events
• Biotech accelerator programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Zürich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Corporate Membership Fees: SHS generates revenue through corporate/institutional membership fees. Corporate members gain access to Swiss healthcare startup ecosystem, visibility within the healthcare community, lead generation opportunities, and marketing positioning. Members receive free event participation and access to exclusive member events.
2. Event Sponsorships: SHS offers various sponsorship opportunities including webinar sponsorships, networking lunch sponsorships, SHS Nouveau premier pitching event sponsorship, and newsletter features. These sponsorships provide visibility, engagement opportunities, and brand positioning within the Swiss healthcare ecosystem.
3. Newsletter Features: Companies can pay for featured placement in SHS newsletters, which reach over 2,400 recipients including innovative startups and leading corporates within the Swiss healthcare ecosystem.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Swiss Healthcare Startups operates a non-profit networking platform that connects healthcare startups with established industry players, investors, and service providers across Switzerland. It offers a digital directory (SHS Cortex), recurring events and conferences (including Digital Health Day and SHS Nouveau), a startup-to-corporate matching service (HealthMatch), and co-runs an accelerator program (Vanguard Accelerator with Biopôle SA). Membership is free for early-stage startups, while corporate partners pay annual membership fees and event sponsorships to access the network.

Product overview

Swiss Healthcare Startups (SHS) operates as a non-profit networking organization for the Swiss healthcare ecosystem, offering a portfolio of services centered around its member directory (SHS Cortex), event programming (including webinars, networking lunches, SHS Nouveau, and the flagship Digital Health Day), the HealthMatch co-founder/business partner matching service, and the Vanguard Accelerator program in collaboration with Biopôle SA. The organization also provides a Reimbursement Guide and distributes a newsletter to over 2,400 recipients. SHS connects healthcare startups with industry partners, investors, and service providers through targeted networking and visibility platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SHS Cortex Digital directory of Swiss healthcare startups, corporate members, service providers and network partners; used by startups seeking visibility and corporates seeking partners.
• SHS Events Program Recurring networking events including webinars, networking lunches, SHS Nouveau and the Digital Health Day conference, designed for healthcare startups and corporate members.
• HealthMatch Matching service connecting healthcare startups with corporate partners, investors, and service providers across the Swiss healthcare ecosystem.
• Vanguard Accelerator Accelerator program co-run with Biopôle SA for selected early-stage healthcare and life sciences startups, providing structured support.
• SHS Newsletter Regular newsletter distributed to the SHS network featuring industry news, member updates, and event highlights; sponsored features offered to corporate members.
• Reimbursement Guide Reference guide on reimbursement processes in the Swiss healthcare market aimed at helping startups navigate market access.
• Corporate Membership Annual paid membership tier for corporates, investors, and service providers that grants access to the SHS network, directory, events, and matching services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 822 startups registered in the SHS Cortex ecosystem with real-time insights
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• Biopôle SAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiopôle SA operates the Vanguard Accelerator, a six-month programme for promising digital-health-oriented companies, in collaboration with Swiss Healthcare Startups. The program managers ensure participants have resources to build momentum and achieve goals through rapid, iterative development and extensive interaction with a diverse network of experts including clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, regulators, investors and IT specialists.
• CSS GroupmajorOthersCSS Group is one of Switzerland's leading health insurers, insuring around 1.8 million individuals. As a corporate member since 2020, CSS seeks to build new business models in digital health with promising healthcare startups.
• GalenicamajorOthersGalenica is the leading fully integrated healthcare provider in Switzerland, operating the largest pharmacy network. Member since 2023. Provides distribution services and e-health solutions to the healthcare market.
• SanitasmajorOthersSanitas runs basic and supplementary insurance business with over 850,000 customers and premium revenue of over CHF 3.5 billion. One of the biggest health insurers in Switzerland.
• Medbase GroupmajorOthersMedbase Group operates over 190 medical, pharmaceutical and dental locations in Switzerland with over 4,300 employees. Leading service provider for outpatient integrated medicine. Member since 2022.
• USZ Health Innovation HubcoreOthersThe Health Innovation Hub is the incubator for startups and entrepreneurship of the University Hospital Zurich. Promotes startups and entrepreneurship in healthcare by accelerating novel healthcare solutions. Member since 2021.
• CongeniuscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCongenius provides tailored MedTech consultancy services in Quality, Regulatory, eHealth, Operations, and Clinical fields. Forms trusted partnerships with medical device and IVD startups enabling the smartest route to enhanced medical solutions.
• CSEMcoreTechnology or IntegrationCSEM is a Swiss technology innovation center developing advanced technologies with high societal impact. ISO-13485 certified, CSEM pioneers disruptive biosystems and medical solutions that prevent, monitor, and treat diseases. Leading innovator in Swiss healthcare and life sciences industry.
• dynamXIPsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerdynamXIP is an IP law firm specializing in patents, trademarks, and designs with strong focus on medtech and healthcare. Supports startups with tailored strategies to protect innovations. Member since 2024.
• Effectum MedicalsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEffectum Medical facilitates efficient, accelerated market access for MedTech innovators by offering a ready-to-use Plug-and-play e-Quality Management System as well as Fast Track Certification when acting as legal manufacturer.
• Health Info Net AG (HIN)supportingOthersHIN protects patient data in the digital world. For healthcare professionals in Switzerland, HIN is the standard for secure communication and trustworthy handling of sensitive data.
• IMTcoreTechnology or IntegrationIMT is a preferred Swiss engineering partner pioneering in healthcare and medical device development. Expertise spans custom hardware and software solutions including UX & industrial design, rapid prototyping, simulations, cybersecurity and AI innovations.
• Kellerhals CarrardcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKellerhals Carrard combines experience and tradition with innovation and entrepreneurial minds. Deeply rooted in the startup ecosystem, supporting founders and investors through dedicated Startup Desk with specialized team of dynamic lawyers and startup aficionados.
• MediDatasupportingOthersMediData is a leading Swiss IT service provider enhancing cooperation between medical service providers, insurances and patients through digitized processes. Operates the most extensive data exchange platform for healthcare professionals.
• CloudvisorsupportingTechnology or IntegrationCloudvisor is an AWS Advanced Tier Partner helping startups and growth-stage companies run AWS efficiently and sustainably. Supports with cost optimization, credits and funding guidance, and hands-on help from AWS-certified architects. Member since 2026.
• EIT HealthmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean network of best-in-class health innovators. Network partner providing access to European health innovation ecosystem and funding opportunities.
• Swissnex San FranciscomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwissnex network connects Switzerland and the world in education, research, and innovation. Swissnex San Francisco focused on digital health lead, supporting Swiss startups in US market access.
• Kickstart InnovationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKickstart Innovation is a major innovation platform in Switzerland connecting startups with corporates and investors.
• Startup CampusmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStartup Campus organizes events for building successful healthcare startups, collaborating with SHS on events like Startup Stories.
• Kellerhals Carrard Startup DeskcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDedicated startup desk within Kellerhals Carrard law firm providing specialized legal support for founders and investors in all phases of startup life.
• VISCHER AGcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVISCHER AG is a Swiss law firm with Life Sciences Group advising healthcare companies in Swiss law matters. Board member Stefan Kohler and board member Angelina Rau are associated with the firm.
• Division of Business and Economic Development (Zurich)supportingOthersDivision of Business and Economic Development of Canton Zurich supports resident companies and promotes Zurich's innovation capacity by connecting relevant stakeholders in key industries. Member since 2025.
• Vanguard AcceleratorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVanguard Accelerator is a six-month programme run by Biopôle SA in collaboration with Swiss Healthcare Startups. Provides tailored mentorship, industry access, and strategic support for digital health startups. MoleSense, a Swiss femtech company founded by EPFL alumni, was selected for the program.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Swissnex: Swissnex is a Swiss network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research, and innovation. SHS co-president Franziska Steiner previously led their digital health lead role, and both organizations support Swiss startups with US market access and international exposure.
• Kickstart Innovation: Kickstart Innovation is a major Swiss innovation platform connecting startups with corporates and investors. It overlaps with SHS in Switzerland-focused startup-to-corporate matchmaking and runs accelerator programs that compete for the same startup pipeline.
• Biopôle SA: Biopôle SA operates the Vanguard Accelerator in collaboration with SHS and is a life sciences cluster organization based in Lausanne serving Swiss healthcare startups. Both organizations focus on building the Swiss healthcare innovation ecosystem through startup support, events, and corporate connections.
• EIT Health: EIT Health is a European network of best-in-class health innovators and is explicitly listed as a network partner of SHS. Both organizations support healthcare innovation through funding access, networking, and startup acceleration across Europe.
• MassChallenge Switzerland: MassChallenge runs health-focused accelerator programs in Switzerland connecting startups with corporate partners. It competes with SHS's Vanguard Accelerator and corporate membership offerings for the same Swiss healthcare startup pipeline.
• Venturelab: Venturelab is a Swiss private sector initiative that supports Swiss tech startups from idea to growth through programs, events, and networking. It overlaps with SHS in serving the Swiss startup ecosystem, including healthcare verticals.
• Startup Campus: Startup Campus is a Swiss nonprofit organization that organizes events and programs for healthcare startups in collaboration with SHS. Both organizations serve as ecosystem builders connecting founders, investors, and corporates in Switzerland.
• Health Innovation Hub (Universitätsspital Zürich): USZ Health Innovation Hub is the University Hospital Zurich's incubator for healthcare startups and an SHS member since 2021. Both organizations promote startups and entrepreneurship in the Swiss healthcare ecosystem through events, exposure, and corporate connections.

Emerging players

• CASE BioMed (USI): CASE BioMed is the Center of Advanced Studies on Entrepreneurship in Biomedicine at Università della Svizzera italiana. Its director Heidrun Flaadt sits on SHS's advisory board. Both organizations support healthcare entrepreneurship in Switzerland through education and ecosystem connections.

Broad incumbents

• Techstars Healthcare Accelerator: Techstars operates a global healthcare accelerator program offering mentorship, funding, and corporate connections to health startups. While global rather than Switzerland-focused, it competes for the same healthcare startup founders and corporate innovation budgets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/startups_health

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Swiss Healthcare Startups