Webinar Doing Business in Switzerland: Geneve
Mai 5 @ 10:00 - 11:00 CEST
Join us for an exclusive webinar series designed to help Finnish firms and individuals explore business opportunities in Switzerland. Each session features insights from Swiss canton representatives and successful Finnish or Nordic companies operating in the region.
Webinar: Cantonal Office for Economic Affairs and Innovation (OCEI) Geneve
Date: 05.5.2026 | Time: 10:00 AM (Swiss time) / 11:00 AM Finnish time
Registration
Geneva is one of 26 Swiss cantons, located at the far west part of the country and constitutes an enclave largely surrounded by France.
Geneva has more than 100 km of border with France and only 5km of border with the neighbouring canton of Vaud (capital Lausanne) and the rest of Switzerland. The canton of Geneva population is 530’000 people of which 1/3 are local Genevans, 1/3 are other Swiss citizens and 1/3 are from abroad.
Program:
- Welcome and Introduction
- Presentation by Office for Economic Affairs and Innovation (OCEI) Michael Kleiner Economic Affairs Officer
- Nordic Firms’ Experience: Pietari Kauttu shares his insights into establishing and operating in the canton
1. A brief overview of the Finnish–Swiss business ecosystem: key players and entry points in Geneva
- International Geneva as a platform (UN, NGOs, diplomacy)
- Finnish institutional presence (Mission, professional networks)
- Key entry points: CERN, UN system, finance, security/dual-use
- Core sectors: science & tech, finance, humanitarian, high-value industry
2. How to do business with CERN (tendering, partnerships, funding)3. Setting up a FINMA-regulated SA with US ties in Geneva – lessons learned - Q&A Session: Open to participants for questions
Michael Kleiner is the Economic Affairs Officer at the Cantonal Office for Economy and Innovation (OCEI) in Geneva.
The Canton of Geneva lies in western Switzerland and forms an enclave largely surrounded by France. It offers a dynamic and diversified economic environment where international businesses can grow and thrive, regardless of size or origin.
The region hosts strong economic clusters, including banking and finance, commodity trading, life sciences, luxury goods, and ICT. This diversity creates synergies and fosters innovation across industries. Geneva also benefits from a long-standing tradition of research and innovation. The presence of CERN, the world-renowned particle physics laboratory, reflects the region’s commitment to scientific advancement and international collaboration. In addition, Geneva supports the transformation of ideas into businesses through initiatives such as The Innovation Platform.
With political stability, a competitive tax environment, and exceptional global connectivity, Geneva provides an attractive ecosystem for international companies. Many multinational corporations and international organizations have chosen the region for their headquarters.
The main Geneva economic clusters are
- Bank and finance,
- Commodity trading,
- Life sciences
- Luxury goods and watchmaking
- We consider HQ functions by major companies as an economic cluster
- ICT
Dr. Pietari Kauttu has been based in the Geneva region since 2008. He has served as COO of a Geneva-based high-tech investment family office, where he led the setup of the financial intermediary structure, compliance frameworks, and day-to-day interactions with cantonal authorities. In parallel, he has worked closely with CERN, including in governance-related roles, advising companies on tendering processes, supporting R&D collaboration funding, and contributing to startup development.1. A brief overview of the Finnish–Swiss business ecosystem: key players and entry points in Geneva
- International Geneva as a platform (UN, NGOs, diplomacy)
- Finnish institutional presence (Mission, professional networks)
- Key entry points: CERN, UN system, finance, security/dual-use
- Core sectors: science & tech, finance, humanitarian, high-value industry
2. How to do business with CERN (tendering, partnerships, funding)3. Setting up a FINMA-regulated SA with US ties in Geneva – lessons learned
Why Attend?
These webinars are designed to provide an informative platform for learning about Switzerland’s dynamic business environments, uncovering new opportunities, and engaging with expert insights. It’s also an excellent chance for networking with other Finnish businesses and stakeholders interested in Switzerland’s markets.
Organised: Chamber of Commerce Finland Switzerland
Target Audience:
- Keskuskauppakamari (Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Finland) members in Finland
- FINNCHAM members across Europe
- Firms and individuals interested in Switzerland as a business destination
- Finnish governmental bodies seeking to learn more about Switzerland and its cantons
- Open to everyone to attend!
Partners:
Don’t miss the chance to learn about the Swiss business environment, ask questions, and network with experts!
NEXT WEBINARS: 15.09.2026 Ticino