Bottneuro helps people with neurocognitive disorders act, not just cope. From its base on the Novartis Campus, the team collects real-world data and prepares a phase 2 trial.
Bottneuro: transforming neurocognitive care from Basel’s Novartis Campus
October 20, 2025
A bold vision: empowering patients
Bottneuro‘s approach is rooted in one core idea: giving patients the power to actively improve their health. The company has developed a device that enables patients with neurocognitive disorders to track their condition and take measurable actions. With a focus on real-world data, Bottneuro is gathering insights from patients using the device, paving the way for its next phase of clinical development.
“Our goal is to help patients not just live with their condition, but actively manage it,” explains Dr. Thomas Hefti, CEO. “The device is a tool that allows people to track their progress and make decisions that impact their quality of life.”
The ecosystem: basel’s unique life sciences hub
Basel has long been recognized as a global hub for life sciences innovation. For Bottneuro, being at the intersection of medical devices and pharmaceuticals has opened doors to both cutting-edge technology and clinical expertise. The company’s office at Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area – Novartis Campus offers a unique environment where these worlds converge.
"The Basel life sciences cluster is unlike anywhere else. We’re not just close to the University of Basel and Novartis; we’re part of a community that thrives on collaboration and shared knowledge. The mix of established players and innovative startups creates an energy that is crucial to our growth."
Dr. Thomas Hefti, CEO of Bottneuro
The Switzerland Innovation Park Novartis Campus: where startups thrive
What sets the Novartis Campus apart is its ability to foster both large-scale innovation and startup agility. Bottneuro is based in the only coworking space on campus, a dynamic environment where they are surrounded by high-rise offices filled with biotech and healthtech companies. The blend of startup vibrancy and the influence of a global pharmaceutical giant creates a unique backdrop for Bottneuro’s mission.
“The Novartis Campus has this incredible energy—it feels like a place where anything is possible. Being here means that we can leverage the know-how from both academia and the pharmaceutical industry, giving us the resources to grow faster and more effectively.”
The Novartis Campus offers an inspiring environment for innovation with facilities and spaces which are equally well designed for teamwork, focused individual work in one of the many meeting rooms, and for welcoming clients and partners in a professional, modern setting.
Annina Ruffner, Client Service Manager at Bottneuro
Proximity to talent and expertise
One of the biggest advantages of Bottneuro’s location is its proximity to top talent. The University of Basel is just around the corner, a key resource for hiring skilled employees and collaborators. The close-knit relationship between academia, startups, and global players like Novartis helps Bottneuro attract the best minds in the field.
“Many of our team members come from the University of Basel, and that connection is invaluable,” says the CEO. “Without this proximity, we would lose the ability to tap into this deep well of expertise. It’s a competitive advantage that’s unique to this area.”
The Novartis campus is situated well in the city of Basel. Its surrounding infrastructure allows us at Bottneuro to focus on our core business, the development of personalized Neurotech solutions. The variety of public spaces encourages to have coffee, eat and connect with your colleagues and peers. This fosters the exchange of ideas and makes each office day a pleasant experience.
Alois Hopf, CSO of Bottneuro
A culture of collaboration
Bottneuro’s success is not just about its technology; it’s about the culture of collaboration that surrounds the company. The openness of the Novartis Campus allows Bottneuro to engage with other biotech startups and industry leaders on a daily basis. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas or troubleshooting challenges, the open environment fosters innovation and keeps progress moving forward.
The ability to collaborate freely is the most important aspect of our day-to-day work. Being able to quickly connect with other experts and bring in external input is essential as we move through the different phases of product development.
Dr. Thomas Hefti, CEO of Bottneuro
Space to grow: adapting as needs evolve
As Bottneuro grows, the need for flexible space has become essential. The Novartis Campus provides both immediate, ready-to-use facilities and the option to build out custom spaces as required. This adaptability ensures that Bottneuro can scale smoothly, maintaining momentum as they progress toward clinical trials and beyond.
“The ability to expand and adapt is crucial,” says the CEO. “We need to be able to scale quickly without interrupting our operations, and the campus offers us that flexibility.”
looking ahead: bringing treatments to patients
Bottneuro’s journey is just beginning. With a phase 2 trial on the horizon and a solid foundation in Basel’s life sciences ecosystem, the company is ready to make an even bigger impact. The goal remains clear: to bring their device to patients in need and change the landscape of neurocognitive disorder treatment.
“Every day, we’re energized by the potential to improve patients’ lives,” says the CEO. “That’s what drives us, and that’s what keeps us pushing forward.”
I value the Novartis campus site because it offers a unique balance: the chance to engage with other start-ups at various stages of growth, while also being in close proximity to a major corporation that provides a forward-looking perspective on where we could head in the future. The environment is both highly professional and vibrant, which creates the right atmosphere for innovation and collaboration. Additionally, the wide range of facilities, from beautiful gardens to dedicated meeting rooms and focus booths, supports every kind of need, whether it’s individual deep work, team collaboration, or hosting external guests.
Mahyar Joodaki, Head of Digital Therapeutics at Bottneuro
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