Swiss Stories

Gottardo 2016 © Amberg Group

The Gotthard Tunnel: also a women's story

Environment
The world's longest rail tunnel, 57km long, opened on 1 June 2016. This feat of Swiss engineering, which crosses the Alps and links the cantons of Uri and Ticino, was built by AlpTransit Gotthard SA, a subsidiary of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). AlpTransit has a workforce of 170, including 53 women, which makes it something of an exception in the construction and infrastructure engineering sector.
swiss medicinal plants

Medicinal plants: working with nature for our health

Environment
Industrialisation has somewhat eclipsed the valuable properties of medicinal plants. Recently, however, these noble plants are being rediscovered in Switzerland and are experiencing a renaissance.

by Lea Huszno

90% less herbicide thanks to the robot’s targeted weeding © ecoRobotix

Swiss start-ups at the forefront of ‘green tech’

Science & Education
ecoRobotix, Vivent and AgroSustain all began life in Switzerland but have set their sights beyond our borders. These start-up companies have been working with the scientific community to develop technological innovations that enable more sustainable farming practices. This is a portrait of three Swiss start-ups at the forefront of ‘green tech’.
Elias Läderach

Swiss Chocolate Masters winner

Society
For Elias Läderach, dreaming up new chocolate creations is about much more than just exquisite taste. It's also about art and innovation – from the initial design to tasting trials and the final hand-crafted creation. It's a process of regular self-scrutiny and a chance to use creativity to translate tradition into something new. Elias' win at the World Chocolate Masters in Paris proves how Swiss chocolatiers can reach even greater heights – in innovation.
Airheart Copyright Airheart

8 innovative Swiss games

Society
In today’s society, gaming apps, eSports, online games and even virtual reality games have changed the way the Swiss play. And with its top science universities and creative thinkers, Switzerland is well positioned to be a key ‘player’ in the gaming world of tomorrow.
Kevin Germanier © Le Temps

Eco-couturier Kevin Germanier

Society
You won't find any jute dresses in this collection: meet designer Kevin Germanier, the Valais native taking sustainable fashion up a notch with his ultra-glamorous silhouettes made from textile cast-offs.
Lausanne Flon © Presence Switzerland

Greening Swiss cities

Environment
With the introduction of living roofs, pocket parks and flower meadows, Swiss cities such as Geneva and Lausanne are using urban nature to help deal with climate change.