New company formations in Switzerland, first half of 2026: More start-ups despite global headwinds

Despite the war in the Middle East, rising energy prices, US tariff conflicts and a subdued economy, Switzerland's start-up landscape grew significantly in the first half of 2026. A total of around 28,781 new companies were entered in the commercial register – an increase of 3.5 percent compared to the same period last year. The biggest winner is Ticino, with growth of over 15 percent. These are the findings of the latest analysis by the online platform Startups.ch, based on entries in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SHAB).

After new incorporations virtually stagnated the previous year with a minimal increase of 0.8 percent, momentum picked up noticeably in the first half of 2026. Switzerland recorded around 28,781 new entries, compared with 27,811 in the same period in 2025 – an increase of 3.5 percent. This growth is all the more remarkable given that the economic environment has deteriorated noticeably since the start of the year.

Ticino: From Last Place to Front Runner

The most surprising development comes from the canton of Ticino, which recorded the strongest growth rate of all regions at 15 percent (1,343 compared with 1,167 the previous year). Just a year earlier, the canton had been at the bottom of the rankings with a decline of 4.9 percent. The turnaround is likely largely attributable to the significant reduction in the cantonal corporate tax rate from 8 to 5.5 percent as of 2025 – the largest tax cut by any canton under the TRAF reform.

Broad Growth with Regional Differences

The other regions also developed largely positively. Northwestern Switzerland grew by 4.3 percent to 6,375 new entries, driven by Aargau (+7.0%), Basel-Landschaft (+7.0%) and Bern (+4.9%). Eastern Switzerland grew by 3.6 percent, with St. Gallen standing out at +11.6 percent. The Romandie saw moderate growth of 1.5 percent, Zurich 2.4 percent. Headwinds were felt in individual cantons: Thurgau (–10.9%) and Basel-Stadt (–7.9%) recorded noticeable declines.

Starting a Business Against the Tide

The growth stands in contrast to the clouded environment: the war in the Middle East is driving energy prices, the federal government expects below-average GDP growth of 0.8 to 1.0 percent for 2026, and US additional tariffs of 10 percent on Swiss exports are weighing on planning certainty. The fact that start-up momentum is nevertheless picking up is likely due to low inflation, the strong franc and new business opportunities around artificial intelligence.

IT and Software at the Top for the First Time

Startups.ch's own data reveals a notable shift: the IT and software development sector, at 12.3 percent, has overtaken the previous leader, consumer goods and retail (9.7 percent), for the first time. This is followed by real estate and architecture (8.1%), construction (7.2%) and hospitality (6.9%). The shift reflects the AI boom: more and more Swiss SMEs are seeking professional support in integrating AI technologies, while simple services are increasingly being automated.

Outlook: Cautious Optimism Despite Uncertainties

For the full year 2026, Startups.ch expects start-up growth to stabilise at the current level. The decisive factor will be how the tariff conflict with the US develops and whether the recent declaration of intent for an end to the war in the Middle East actually leads to lasting peace. The structural drivers of start-up momentum remain intact: Switzerland continues to offer a reliable, innovation-friendly environment – and the AI boom is likely to provide additional impetus in the second half of the year as well.

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