Discover the world of life sciences

The life sciences sector is the region’s key driver of growth. Around 800 companies and 33,000 skilled workers are active in this sector here. They conduct research into diseases, develop treatments and medicines, and manufacture implants. With Novartis and Roche, two of the world’s top ten life sciences companies have their headquarters in Basel. Both will be opening their doors during Industry Night.

Novartis offers exclusive insights into its biotech site at the Klybeck site, which opened in 2007. 180 employees work there to produce and test active ingredients for clinical trials and their commercial launch. The Industry Night begins with a short introductory film about the Klybeck plant, after which you’ll explore three specific areas: In WKL-694, you’ll see how life sciences supply chains work. On the Bioproduction Tour through WKL-686, you’ll observe how bioreactors are operated and active ingredients are produced. Finally, on a guided tour, you’ll discover the historic Klybeck site, where Ciba once manufactured products and where Novartis now conducts research and development.

At Roche, you’ll discover how medical breakthroughs are made: from understanding a disease and an idea, through research, to production and global distribution. You’ll also get hands-on experience with science: at interactive stations and through discussions with experts, you’ll deepen your knowledge of cells, antibiotics and AI in research.

Lonza is taking part in the Industry Night for the first time. Not at its famous skyscraper headquarters, but at its new site in Stücki Park, at Hochbergerstrasse 60 E, which the company only moved into in 2015. On fascinating guided tours, you’ll see how modern medicines are made. You can test medicines in quality control, discover freeze-drying technology and learn more about the 15 different apprenticeships offered by this attractive employer.

There’s plenty going on at Stücki Park during Industry Night anyway: Medartis takes us behind the scenes of its implant production and its internationally renowned training centre for surgeons. You’ll get a hands-on introduction to the operating theatre environment and can even insert implants into a model yourself during a workshop. Meanwhile, at Artidis, a journey through nanotechnology awaits us – a field that is expected to revolutionise the treatment of cancer.

At Bayer Switzerland, you can look forward to surprising insights into nutrition, health and the human body – presented in an interactive, accessible and engaging way for curious visitors of all ages. You can test your knowledge of health in Switzerland at various stations, get to the bottom of myths about the menopause and men’s health in the exhibition, and experience spectacular experiments live in the WOW! LAB.

Laboratories are fascinating places in their own right: that’s where samples turn into answers. Whether it’s a fever, tiredness or dizziness – blood test results reveal whether the cause is iron deficiency, an infection or something else. Normally, this world remains hidden in the background of medicine. At Industry Night, the Labor Rothen is opening its doors exclusively to visitors: gain an insight into the processes, technology and day-to-day work of medical diagnostics, have your blood taken until midnight and experience interactive stations – for young and old alike.

ten23 health is also making its debut at the Industry Night. The company, which is just five years old, develops, manufactures and tests modern medicines at the Rosental site. It is a strategic partner for the pharmaceutical industry and biotech start-ups. At the Industry Night, you’ll have the chance to get to know the company in person. You’ll explore the laboratories, see step by step how the filling machine prepares medicines for distribution, and take part in a visual inspection quiz: can you spot the particles and solve the puzzle?

Meanwhile, things are getting sporty at Weleda in the Foyer Süd of Messe Basel. The focus for the natural cosmetics manufacturer is on movement, regeneration and the power of nature. Take part in the sporting challenge, discover Weleda’s regenerating products and try them out for yourself.