Integration – not fragmentation – is the key to success
Swiss Medtech Day 2026 addresses key challenges facing the industry: increasing cost pressures, ever more complex healthcare systems, and growing demands for innovation, security of supply and sustainability. The industry is at a turning point; moving from fragmented approaches towards integrated solutions. «The medtech industry can only create smarter products and better treatment outcomes if research, clinical practice and industrial development work more closely together,» says Adrian Hunn, Director of Swiss Medtech. With over 800 attendees, Swiss Medtech Day brings together relevant stakeholders, including guest speakers Ivan Tornos, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Zimmer Biomet, and Oliver Bisazza, CEO of MedTechEurope.
Diversification is the answer to US tariffs
The Swiss medtech sector is increasingly concerned about the economic and trade policy issues of its two most important trading partners – the EU and the US. The US is the second-largest market after the EU, representing almost 25% of exports. In addition to the strong Swiss franc and difficulties accessing the EU market, US tariffs are creating further pressure for the industry. Many companies are responding by diversifying and expanding their markets and supply chains. Others are exploring ways to reduce tariffs via existing exemptions like the Nairobi Protocol.
At the same time, on the domestic front, the industry is calling for an end to excessive regulations, more support for the Bilateral Agreements III, and the strengthening of free trade with other global markets. «The current situation calls for greater political advocacy for Switzerland as a business location, as well as no further burdens on an industry that is already under considerable pressure,» says Adrian Hunn. He is referring to the planned introduction of annual fees totaling 25 million Swiss francs, payable to the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic).
Medartis wins the Swiss Medtech Award 2026
The Swiss Medtech Award 2026 has been presented to Medartis. The Basel-based company came in first place, despite strong competition from Positrigo and Symbios.
Medartis impresses with its high-precision implant solutions for the surgical treatment of bone fractures and joint replacements. The company combines technological innovation with a consistent international growth strategy – helping to strengthen Switzerland’s position as a hub for medical technology in the long term. Today, Medartis implants are available in over 50 countries, and the Basel-based company employs 1,400 people worldwide. Additional emphasis is placed on continuing professional instruction and education. Together with its network of doctors, IBRA, Medartis trains thousands of surgeons worldwide each year.
The jury particularly commends the combination of Swiss engineering expertise, close ties to the clinical sector and long-term entrepreneurial commitment. «For me, Medartis is a prime example of how a Swiss company can implement a focused strategy in order to thrive alongside major international corporations in a highly competitive environment,» says Adrian Hunn, Director of Swiss Medtech.
Matthias Schupp, CEO of Medartis, is delighted with the award: «This prize is a great honour for our teams. At Medartis, we do not pursue innovation as an end in itself. Our aim is to improve treatment outcomes for patients and to make surgeons’ workload easier. Medartis’ anatomically shaped plates and patient-specific implants are developed based on real clinical needs.»
About the Swiss Medtech Award and Swiss Medtech Day
Partnering to produce Swiss Medtech Day are konplan and Ypsomed. The main sponsors of Swiss Medtech Day are the Canton of Bern’s Economic Development Agency, Helbling and Salesforce. The prize, worth CHF 50,000 sponsored by the Sonova Group and the Straumann Group, recognises outstanding achievements in the Swiss medical technology industry. The jury, chaired by Dr Gery Colombo, assesses the nominations in terms of patient benefit, contribution to healthcare and entrepreneurial achievement. The winning team is announced each year on Swiss Medtech Day.
Swiss Medtech represents around 800 members in its role as industry association for Swiss medical technology. With 71,700 employees and a contribution of 11.9% to the positive trade balance, medical technology is an economically significant sector in Switzerland. Swiss Medtech advocates for conditions that enable the medtech industry to perform at peak capacity and provide first-class medical care.