grow cluster celebrates anniversary and looks to the future
“You have accomplished so much good over the past 20 years,” emphasized Government Councilor Carmen Walker Späh to approximately 70 invited guests at grow’s anniversary celebration on 23 October 2024, at the Schloss Au conference center. In her speech, the head of the Department of Economic Affairs for the Canton of Zurich highlighted grow’s continuous growth. Founded in 2004 in Wädenswil, grow has transformed from a small start-up hub into a renowned life sciences cluster with 19 companies and about 210 employees. “Innovation is the key to tomorrow’s success,” she remarked, noting that four grow member companies are now among Switzerland’s Top 100 Start-ups.

Reflecting on the early days
The event began with remarks from Matthias Kaiserswerth, President of Stiftung grow, and Heiner Treichler, a member of the grow executive board, who reflected on grow’s early years. They explained how, in 2002, the idea for a start-up center first emerged in collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in Wädenswil. Two years later, on 26 May 2004, Stiftung grow (grow Foundation) was officially established with the clear goal of fostering young companies in the Zimmerberg-Sihltal region.
Over the following years, life sciences – encompassing health, food and environmental solutions – became a focal point and remains the core of the organization today. Today, the number of sites has grown to five, and the available space has increased tenfold. “For our 20th anniversary, we’ve given ourselves a facelift,” said Kaiserswerth, President of Stiftung grow. The former start-up organization is now rebranded as “grow cluster” and is still supported by the foundation. “We are now ideally equipped for the challenges of the next decade,” Kaiserswerth added.

Success through strong partnerships
A key factor in grow cluster’s success is its close collaboration with numerous partners. A panel discussion revealed just how many stakeholders from the region contribute to its achievements. In addition to real estate owners, who provide custom laboratories and office space, the city of Wädenswil and the municipality of Horgen, Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB), and ZHAW play significant roles in grow’s success. Jürg Bühlmann, Head of Corporate Clients at ZKB, underscored the bank’s mission: “It is our responsibility to strengthen innovation in the Canton of Zurich.”
ZHAW is also an important partner, providing opportunities for knowledge exchange, access to specialized equipment, and qualified personnel. “Our graduates can find their first job almost right across the street,” noted Urs Hilber, Director of the Department of Life Sciences and Facility Management in Wädenswil.
Support is essential
Dominique Sirena, co-founder of GlycoEra AG, and entrepreneur Michael Wacker shared their experiences of successful collaboration with ZHAW. Wacker recounted how, with grow’s support, he was able to build his biotech company GlycoVaxyn, laying the foundation for his future success. In 2015, the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline acquired the vaccine technology developed by GlycoVaxyn. Today, Wacker invests in emerging companies as a General Partner at Biomed Partners VC. “Support is crucial for success,” he emphasized, adding that policymakers must create the appropriate framework conditions.

The regional economy benefits from life sciences companies
Philipp Kutter, Mayor of Wädenswil and Vice President of Stiftung grow, explained how the establishment of young life sciences companies has gradually transformed the region, traditionally dominated by local trades. This new wave of innovation has revitalized the economy. Former commercial properties have been renovated by local craftsmen and now house innovative companies. “While initially only small spaces were available for start-ups, we are now able to accommodate larger companies that are on their way to becoming established players,” said Kutter.
Dolf van Loon, Managing Director of grow cluster, summarized the importance of this development: “We are now able to support companies at every stage of their development, ensuring they remain rooted in the region along Zurich’s left bank.” This, he noted, is a crucial step for the sustainable development of the local economy.
Looking to the future
The anniversary celebration concluded with a Flying Dinner, where guests engaged in lively discussions about future projects and strengthened their connections. After 20 successful years, grow cluster is ready to continue growing and enhancing innovation in the Zimmerberg-Sihltal region and beyond.










(Photos: Anja Kutter)