“A Recognition, but Also a Natural Fit”
In March 2026, the canton of Fribourg will host BIOKET, one of the leading international conferences on bioeconomy and biomass valorization technologies. A first for Switzerland—and a chance to reaffirm the strategic role Fribourg plays in this field. Jerry Krattiger, Managing Director of the Fribourg Development Agency (FDA), shares his insights on the significance and outlook of this event.
Jerry Krattiger, what does it mean for Fribourg to host BIOKET 2026?
It’s both a recognition and a natural fit. A recognition, because it shows that Fribourg is now playing in the big leagues when it comes to bioeconomy. And a natural fit, because our canton has built a clear strategy rooted in its agro-food, industrial, and scientific strengths. We’ve been engaged with BIOKET for several years and have taken part in it twice. Hosting it now is a logical continuation of what we’ve been building.
What specific strengths are you referring to?
Fribourg has a strong primary sector, but we go far beyond that: we focus on transforming resources to generate maximum added value. This ambitious approach has become a clear strategic priority, supported by the unifying work of the Food & Nutrition Cluster and the Swiss Plastics Cluster. Fribourg’s economic fabric features major players as well as innovative startups such as Bloom Biorenewables and Seprify. These companies are developing next-generation molecules and polymers using state-of-the-art infrastructure. They embody a sustainable, future-oriented bioeconomy based on circular principles.
There seems to be strong momentum…
Yes, and we aim to strengthen it further by more clearly asserting our position in life sciences and the broader field of the living world. Fribourg has outstanding assets to support this goal: the School of Engineering and Architecture (HEIA-FR) hosts two internationally recognized centers—the ChemTech Institute for organic chemistry and the Biofactory Competence Center (BCC) for bioprocessing. The University of Fribourg complements this ecosystem with expertise in bioinspired materials, developed at the Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI), and with the transdisciplinary work of the Food Research Innovation Center. Altogether, this provides a strong scientific and technological foundation for advancing the bioeconomy.
The conference is organized by the French competitiveness cluster IAR, based in the Hauts-de-France and the Grand Est region. What does that imply for Fribourg?
BIOKET originated notably in the Grand Est, and its arrival here marks a new milestone in cross-border cooperation between our regions. It’s a win–win dynamic: BIOKET expands into Switzerland and taps into our rich ecosystems, while Fribourg enhances its visibility and global reach.
What benefits can local companies expect?
BIOKET is a real opportunity—whether a company is already active in the bioeconomy or still in the strategic planning phase. The exchanges around machine tools, innovative materials, biotech and agri-food solutions are always of a very high standard. It’s a B2B event, practical and application-driven. It will allow our companies to make new connections, explore new markets, and even rethink their strategic directions.
Will this also be a chance to showcase some of Fribourg’s signature expertise?
Absolutely. Fribourg is a canton that blends tradition with ambition. We’ll be proud to present our local specialties—like Gruyère and Vacherin cheeses—while highlighting how they reflect a demanding level of craftsmanship that aligns perfectly with a modern, circular bioeconomy. People often forget that skilled cheesemakers are, in essence, biotech operators: they work with living matter, manage precise fermentation processes and master complexity. Fribourg is a land of values—ideally suited for emerging bioeconomic practices.