Advanced Manufacturing

A rich heritage

Western Switzerland has a rich industrial heritage, reflected in the region’s diverse economy and skilled workforce. The area is home to a variety of companies in key sectors such as watchmaking, aerospace, biotechnology, and medicine, which create a prosperous knowledge-sharing environment. This collaborative spirit and willingness to innovate is crucial for the development of advanced manufacturing, as companies explore new ways to produce machines, objects, and consumer goods that are more efficient and sustainable. As a result, Western Switzerland is a hub for cutting-edge research and development in the manufacturing sector, with companies constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

A leader in innovation

Western Switzerland boasts a highly advanced research and development ecosystem that offers significant value to companies. The region’s universities and research institutes have fostered strong partnerships with companies to develop new technologies and applications. As a result, Western Switzerland is home to a dynamic and vibrant research community that consistently produces groundbreaking ideas and innovations.

Excellent infrastructure

Switzerland has long been recognized as a global leader in innovation, a reputation that is reinforced by the presence of renowned institutions such as EPFL and CSEM, which are deeply involved in Industry 4.0 research and innovation. In 2022, the two institutions inaugurated the M2C in Neuchâtel, a center focused on high-precision 3D manufacturing processes, a technique at the core of the current industrial transformation. The center aims to cover all stages of development, from fundamental research conducted by EPFL laboratories to the transfer of sustainable technologies with a high economic impact to the industry, led by CSEM. The M2C serves as a catalyst for collaboration among academic, institutional, and industrial partners and also functions as a training platform for stakeholders. Additionally, the Swiss Advanced Manufacturing Center, a part of the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne (SIPBB), supports engineers in designing and developing solutions, as well as providing the necessary infrastructure to produce usable prototypes.

The Swiss Smart Factory (SSF), also part of the SIPBB, serves as Switzerland’s inaugural platform for testing and demonstrating Industry 4.0 innovations, aiming to transform research into marketable products. It functions both as a neutral showcase for various organizations and a think tank for companies to explore fitting technologies for their needs, while also facilitating knowledge exchange and new business relationships.

Switzerland Innovation Park Network West EPFL provides a platform for companies, both local and international, to collaborate with universities and higher education institutions and advance their research efforts. This collaboration among researchers, talented individuals, and innovative entrepreneurs generates an environment that fosters innovation and creativity.