EECO Delegation Visits sitem-insel in Bern to Learn from a Successful Translational Medicine Ecosystem

Bern, Switzerland – 10 November 2026

A delegation from Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), led by Secretary General Dr. Chula Sukmanop, visited sitem-insel in Bern on 10 November 2026 as part of its Switzerland roadshow. sitem-insel is the Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine. The visit was coordinated with the support of Mr. Nicolas Panzer of Switzerland Global Enterprise.

Dr. Simon Rothen, CEO of sitem-insel, welcomed the delegation and gave a presentation on how sitem-insel works. The institute brings researchers, clinicians, startups and industry together under one roof to move medical innovations from the laboratory to patients and the market. Ms. Aphitchaya Srikacha, Director of the Service and Medical Industries Division of EECO, then presented the Eastern Economic Corridor’s investment opportunities in medical and health industries. These include the EEC’s established promotional zone for medical-related activities, investment promotion incentives under the EEC Act, and the EEC’s role in supporting Thailand’s Medical Hub policy.

Following the presentations, Mr. Mark Illi, Director Operations of sitem-insel, led the delegation on a tour of the facilities, including the Clinical Anatomy Training and Research Lab and the Dynamic Imaging Center. These showed how shared infrastructure, clinical access and research expertise can speed up the development of new medical technologies.

The visit gave EECO a valuable first-hand look at a proven model of how to build a medical innovation ecosystem. Ideas from sitem-insel, such as integrated translational infrastructure, close links between clinical and industrial partners, and dedicated support for startups, can help EECO as it develops a health and medical innovation ecosystem in the EEC.

The visit also gave startups and companies based at sitem-insel useful information about investment opportunities in the EEC area. This opens the way for future cooperation, market entry and investment in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor.