By Kristina Edvinsson, Owner & General Manager, Gelpell AG
In the heart of Switzerland, where precision, quality, and trust are embedded in every industry, Gelpell AG stands as a quiet force in redefining what healthcare can be. As a family-owned CDMO with deep roots in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical innovation, we are guided not only by science and compliance but by a clear and deeply personal vision: to create a healthcare ecosystem that is as preventative and personalized as it is effective and efficient.
A Vision Beyond the Capsule
At Gelpell, we believe that the future of healthcare lies in empowering people to take charge of their health—proactively, early, and with confidence. Our unique Gelpell® bead technology, which offers superior bioavailability and stability, was born from that very belief. But innovation for us isn’t limited to formulation. We’re redefining what it means to be a contract manufacturer by becoming a strategic partner—one who anticipates trends, supports our clients’ growth, and leads conversations in longevity, clean-label supplements, and precision nutrition.
The healthcare industry, especially in Europe, is undergoing a philosophical shift—from treating illness to fostering vitality. We see ourselves at the forefront of that movement.
From Family Legacy to Female Leadership
I come from a long line of entrepreneurs in health and wellness. My great-grandfather founded Salus Haus, my father established Swiss Caps, and today, my husband and I continue that legacy with Gelpell. But my journey also took detours—through the art world and motherhood. These experiences shaped a leadership style that is both structured and empathetic, ambitious yet grounded.
At Gelpell, leadership means clarity in strategy and compassion in execution. Our team knows that they are seen, heard, and supported—and that’s what builds real resilience in an organization.
The Role of Technology in the Next Five Years
Technology is already reshaping patient care—from AI-driven diagnostics to DNA-based personalization. In the supplement sector, we’re seeing an explosion in demand for smart delivery systems, real-time biomarker tracking, and clean manufacturing with full transparency.
Gelpell is investing in digital quality control, smart production lines, and real-time data dashboards. We’re preparing not just to keep up, but to lead. Our focus: how can our processes support a world where the right supplement, at the right dose, reaches the right person at the right time?
A Lesson in Scaling—The Hard Way
One of the most humbling moments in scaling Gelpell was underestimating the cultural differences in global partnerships. While our standards were consistent, expectations around timelines, communication, and risk tolerance varied drastically across markets.
This taught me that scaling isn’t about imposing structure—it’s about creating alignment. Today, I invest more time in training, onboarding, and cultural integration than ever before. Trust is built slowly—but it’s the currency of growth.
Human-Centered Innovation
As we scale, we always ask: Who is this ultimately serving? Behind every capsule is a person seeking better sleep, stronger immunity, or a longer healthspan. That human lens informs our decisions—from the cleanroom to the boardroom. Whether it’s choosing a sustainable packaging supplier or deciding which clinical data to prioritize, we stay close to the people we serve.
What’s Next: Trends & Opportunities
In Swiss healthcare, I’m most excited about the merging of pharma and nutrition, the rise of microbiome-focused therapies, and the integration of mental health into preventive care. There’s growing recognition that food is medicine, and that supplements must meet the same standards as any therapeutic.
For Gelpell, this opens doors to co-develop condition-specific solutions in areas like metabolic health, cognitive performance, and mitochondrial support. Our agility as a midsized, independent manufacturer is our biggest strength—we can move fast, think holistically, and partner meaningfully.
Challenging Outdated Mindsets
If I could change one thing in the industry, it would be the mindset that innovation only comes from “big players.” Some of the most transformative work is happening in family-run firms, start-ups, and academia. The industry needs to open itself to more collaboration—across size, discipline, and geography.
Advice for Future Healthcare Leaders
This industry is complex and highly regulated. But don’t let that dim your vision. Lead with purpose, surround yourself with people smarter than you, and remember that resilience is more valuable than perfection. The future of healthcare doesn’t need more compliance officers—it needs brave visionaries who put people at the center of progress.
At Gelpell, we’re not just manufacturing supplements. We’re helping shape a healthier, longer-living society—and doing it the Swiss way: with quality, integrity, and heart.
