List of the 100 largest medical technology companies Switzerland [2023]

List of the 3 largest medical technology companies in Switzerland

Medical technology is one of the most important industries in Switzerland. Swiss medical technology companies are among the country’s largest employers and are considered world leaders in numerous segments. In the following, we present the three largest medical technology companies in Switzerland, which are based in very different areas.

1. Roche Diagnostics International AG, Rotkreuz

Roche Diagnostics, one of the world’s leading providers of diagnostic systems, is based in Switzerland. Especially in the field of in vitro diagnostic systems, Roche is a global pioneer. With its headquarters in Rotkreuz, the company is the largest private employer in the canton of Zug. More than 2,600 employees are employed here, developing state-of-the-art equipment for clinics, laboratories and medical practices. Among other things, quality management, which is very important for medical technology, takes place in Rotkreuz.

Update 2022: The medical technology giant is also making further progress in the area of digitalization – across all three Group divisions. Among other things, a medical device with an integrated app store is planned

2. Alcon Management SA, Vernier

In the field of ophthalmology, Alcon is an established global market leader. In recent decades, the company was first part of Nestlé and later of Novartis. Alcon is now a component of the Swiss Market Index and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. Alcon divides its businesses into Ophthalmic Surgery and Vision Care. Among other things, the company is a leading supplier of contact lenses.

Update 2023: Alcon was able to maintain the growth rate at a high pace in Q1/2023. In this context, sales guidance was exceeded by approximately USD 100 million compared to the same period last year.

3. Sonova AG, Lausanne, Stäfa

In the field of hearing systems, the Swiss company Sonova is a force to be reckoned with. The Stäfa-based company owns the Phonak, Unitron, Hansaton and Advanced Bionics brands, among others. Sonova was founded in 1947 and now employs more than 14,000 people worldwide. In the financial year 2021/21, it generated a profit after tax of CHF 585 million.

Picture source: Michael Browning

The Swiss health technology industry

Switzerland is known as a country of high technology. Accordingly, numerous competent and leading medical technology or medical engineering companies have developed in Switzerland over the decades. Sales run into billions, and the industry employs over 60,000 people. It is also interesting that over 80% of the companies still produce in Switzerland. Our list gives a comprehensive overview of the industry.

Industries of the Swiss medical technology enterprises

Medical technology refers to all devices used for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The industry is divided into various sub-industries, which we present below.

Ophthalmology and hearing aids

For problems related to the eyes and ears, medically high-quality and advanced products are important. Swiss medical technology companies also play a leading role here. Stäfa-based Sonova, for example, is one of the world’s leading hearing technology companies. Its focus is on hearing aids and cochlear implants. In ophthalmology, Alcon is a leading company, for example, also for eye surgery products.

Dental technology

Dental technology companies are essential for dentists and dental treatments. Companies such as Straumann Holding from Basel are leaders in the field of restorative dentures. Companies like Whaledent offer consumables.

Orthopedics and implants

An important component of the medical technology industry is orthopedics. Orthopedics deals with injuries, deformities and diseases of the “supporting and moving apparatus”. Swiss companies are also leaders in this sector. One example is Medacta International SA from Ticino, which also manufactures implants.

Medical instruments and ventilators

Medical instruments are indispensable in medicine and surgery. Examples include infusion systems from Ypsomed and ventilators from Hamilton Medical.

In-Vitro Diagnostics

In-vitro medical technology is used for laboratory testing of human samples. In Vitro translates as “in a jar.” These samples can be urine, secretions or blood. The leading company in this field is Roche with its subsidiary Roche Diagnostics.

Picture source: Unsplash

Included information in our database

• Company name
• General contact data (address, e-mail address, telephone number, URL)
• Serial letter suitable for addressing the management (e.g. “Sehr geehrter Herr Dr. Müller”)
• Name of the management
• Sales figures for the years 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 as well as employee figures for the years 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 (taken from the annual and consolidated financial statements or public directories)
• Field of activity

Note: If the sales and employee figures are not included in a company’s own financial statements but in the parent company’s consolidated financial statements, the data from the respective consolidated financial statements are provided.

Statistics about the firms represented in our list

Using our unique list, our research team can create statistics that provide deeper insight into our list. Below we have prepared sample statistics for you.