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Category: immoNews

  • Acquisition makes interior fit-out projects more efficient and regionally focused

    Acquisition makes interior fit-out projects more efficient and regionally focused

    Obrist interior AG, based in Lucerne, has announced in a press release that it has acquired the American company Display Craft Manufacturing Co. of Baltimore, Maryland. The acquisition will increase production capacity for the North American market.

    Local manufacturing will make project execution more sustainable and efficient, according to the company, which specialises in high-end shopfitting and interior design. This means fewer transport and freight routes, simpler logistics and packaging, and shorter project lead times. The expansion of market activity in the US is a response to the high demand from luxury and premium brands, which have a strong presence there, for short delivery times, rapid response times and close collaboration with local production partners.

    Corrado Tona, CEO of Obrist Interior America Inc., will take charge of operational management: “We are gaining a strong local team, expanding our manufacturing expertise and getting even closer to our customers. This strengthens our competitiveness and enables us to serve the US market, which we have actively developed in recent years, in an even more targeted manner,” he is quoted as saying. According to owner Stefan Slamanig, the existing presence in the US will be deepened and the Obrist brand strengthened across the entire value chain.

    Display Craft Manufacturing Co. has been a supplier of retail displays and solutions for shopfitting and interior design for more than 75 years. The manufacturing company has 40 employees, who will be integrated “into the values and quality standards of Obrist interior”.

    The acquisition is accompanied by an expansion of capacity, combined with reduced reliance on external suppliers, greater flexibility, cost optimisation and increased strategic resilience. Solutions for customers and projects can be implemented in a more economically and environmentally efficient manner. The new production site also offers opportunities for employees at the Swiss locations.

  • Umwelt Arena presents new exhibition on micro-apartments

    Umwelt Arena presents new exhibition on micro-apartments

    According to an announcement, the Umwelt Arena in Spreitenbach is presenting a pioneering living concept with the new exhibition “Micro-apartment – 50 m2 for 4 people”. Sustainable, affordable living is one of the major challenges of our time, it continues. With a concrete example, the Umwelt Arena shows that intelligent spatial planning, multifunctionality and energy-efficient construction are not visions of the future, but reality.

    Visitors learn how the project is created, which solutions are implemented and what impact micro-apartments have on sustainability, it continues. The show flat demonstrates how space for a family of up to four people can be created on around 50 square metres without any loss of comfort. Through space planning and multifunctional furnishing, the living room can be transformed into a bedroom at the touch of a button and the children’s room can become an office or playroom if required.

    The 1:1 scale model flat can be viewed during short guided tours. They take place twice a day at 2 pm and 3.30 pm.

    Guided tours for companies, clubs and schools can be booked on request, according to the Umwelt Arena. The topic of micro-living can be chosen as the focus of the two guided tours Sustainability in Everyday Life and Building and Modernising.

  • Regional companies in the spotlight at the Central Switzerland awards ceremony

    Regional companies in the spotlight at the Central Switzerland awards ceremony

    Obrist interior is the winner of the Prix SVC Zentralschweiz 2025. Founded in 1895, the SME from Inwil specialises in high-quality shopfitting and interior design. According to a statement from the Swiss Venture Club(SVC), it employs around 120 specialists worldwide to realise exceptional interiors for luxury brands, business premises and private homes. As Urban Camenzind, jury president and economic director of the canton of Uri, emphasised at the award ceremony, the expert jury was “impressed by the successful combination of traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology. Working closely together, customer advisors, project managers, planners and production specialists process a wide variety of materials such as wood, metal and glass into high-quality shop and interior fittings – true works of art, created in Central Switzerland for the global market.”

    Second place went to the Axon Active Group from Lucerne. It supports companies and organisations in various industries with scalable digital solutions to transform and optimise their business processes. The company is characterised by agility, sustainability and customer proximity, according to the SVC jury.

    Third place went to Schiltrac Fahrzeugbau. The company from Buochs builds customised special transporters for various applications, from agricultural and municipal vehicles to fire engines. According to the SVC, Schiltrac is known for its high manufacturing quality and flexibility.

    The other winners were Stadler Form from Zug and Impact Acoustic from Lucerne. Stadler Form optimises the indoor climate with its humidifiers, dehumidifiers and aroma diffusers. Impact Acoustic develops recyclable products that improve room acoustics in offices, restaurants, hotels and public buildings.

  • Plane trees cool cities even in extreme heat

    Plane trees cool cities even in extreme heat

    Even in extreme heat of over 39 degrees, plane trees evaporate water and cool their surroundings. These are the findings of a study conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research(WSL) based in Birmensdorf and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne(EPFL). According to a press release, the study was conducted in spring and summer 2023 in Lancy in the canton of Geneva. This experienced two heatwaves of up to almost 40 degrees during the measurement period.

    The researchers measured the sap flow on eight sycamore tree trunks. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the amount of water evaporated and thus the cooling capacity of the trees. The water flow increased despite increasing heat and dry air. The researchers assume that deep-lying water reserves in the soil enabled the increasing water flow.

    The study disproves the assumption that trees close their leaf pores from a temperature of 30 to 35 degrees in order to prevent water loss, meaning that the cooling effect is lost. Previous models used to determine the future distribution of heat in cities would therefore be inaccurate, according to the press release.

    The persistent cooling effect of the plane trees is good news for the urban climate. “Days with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius are becoming more frequent,” explains study leader Dr Christoph Bachofen.

    “Obviously, we have not yet fully understood how trees react to extreme conditions,” says Bachofen. In future, the researchers want to measure the transpiration behaviour of other urban trees in extreme heat. In this way, they hope to find out which tree species are able to cope with heat and best fulfil their cooling function in cities.

  • CEO becomes a partner in assembly group

    CEO becomes a partner in assembly group

    The ERNE Group is taking on its CEO Giuseppe Santagada as a shareholder. The CEO, who has been in office since the beginning of 2024, is also joining the Laufenburg-based construction and property group as a minority shareholder, the ERNE Group announced in a press release. The family business is held by the fourth generation of the founding family.

    “The collaboration with Giuseppe Santagada has been based on partnership, commitment and equality since day one,” Daniel and Christoph Erne, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, are quoted as saying in the press release. Mr Santagada, who holds a doctorate in economics, contributes to the strategic development of the Group with his entrepreneurial vision and management experience. “Becoming a minority shareholder is an expression of our mutual trust and our responsibility towards our employees, customers, partners and family.”

    The companies of the ERNE Group specialise in the entire construction industry, from the extraction of raw materials to the planning and implementation of projects through to dismantling, disposal and recycling. In addition to its headquarters in Laufenburg, the company has further locations in Switzerland and Germany and is active in Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg.

  • District heating from wastewater to decarbonise the municipality

    District heating from wastewater to decarbonise the municipality

    The energy company CKW, part of the Axpo Group, has been awarded the contract for the prequalification of the planned district heating network in Richterswil. With the district heating network, which is central to the municipality’s energy and climate concept, the energy company wants to launch a long-term partnership for decarbonisation, according to a press release.

    The energy network will mainly be operated using waste heat from the Richterswil wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Additional heat production for peak load and security coverage will be evaluated in the future. The aim is for commercial enterprises and residents to benefit from an economically attractive offer. “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract and are convinced that we can plan an economical and sustainable heat supply in Richterswil,” Angela Krainer, Head of Energy at CKW, is quoted as saying in the press release.

    In future, CKW will be responsible for the entire project planning of the heat network. The collaboration between the municipality and the company is to be concretised in the summer and the next project steps are to be taken in autumn 2025.

  • New strategy pays off – more profit and green share of sales increases

    New strategy pays off – more profit and green share of sales increases

    Holcim achieved half-year sales of 7.87 billion Swiss francs, an increase of 1.8 per cent in local currency. In a press release, the company reported a disproportionately high increase in its recurring EBIT (recurring operating profit) of 10.8 per cent in local currency and 3 per cent in Swiss francs to CHF 1.44 billion. The recurring EBIT margin thus improved by 90 basis points to 18.3 per cent. Earnings per share also rose by 7.4 per cent year-on-year to CHF 1.57 before impairments and disposals.

    The building materials company also reported increased demand for sustainable solutions. ECOPact low-CO2 concrete accounted for 31 per cent of total sales of ready-mix concrete in the first half of the year, compared to 25 per cent in the previous year. Sustainable ECOPlanet cement accounted for 35 per cent of cement sales, compared to 32 per cent a year ago.

    “I would like to thank all of our 48,000 employees around the world for their contribution to our excellent half-year results. Holcim is the leading partner for sustainable construction and we are unlocking significant business opportunities through our new strategy ‘NextGen Growth 2030’ – which lays the foundation for a new era of growth and value creation,” CEO Miljan Gutovic is quoted as saying.

    For the full year, Holcim is forecasting 3 to 5 percent sales growth in local currency, 6 to 10 percent growth in recurring EBIT in local currency, a recurring EBIT margin of more than 18 percent, free cash flow before leases of around CHF 2 billion and over 20 percent growth in recycled construction and demolition materials.

  • Strong franc weighs on quarterly results despite gains in market share

    Strong franc weighs on quarterly results despite gains in market share

    The construction chemicals group Sika has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026 in a press release. The group recorded sales of CHF 2.49 billion in the first quarter, representing sales growth of 0.9 per cent in local currencies and a decline of 7 per cent in Swiss francs. The decline in Swiss francs is attributable to the strength of the Swiss franc against Asian currencies and the US dollar, according to the company.

    The main drivers of growth in local currencies were market share gains across all regions, despite a subdued global construction market. In the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Sika recorded a 3.6 per cent increase in revenue in local currencies in the first quarter (previous year: 0.7 per cent) In the Americas region, Sika recorded a slight decline in sales of 0.8 per cent in local currencies. Whilst economic uncertainties weighed on construction activity in the US, demand in the data centre sector grew at double-digit rates, Sika reports. Canada performed well and Latin America also continued the recovery in construction markets. In the Asia/Pacific region, sales in local currencies fell by 2.2 per cent. The continued weakness of the Chinese construction sector, with double-digit declines, had a particularly negative impact. Positive contributions came primarily from India, South-East Asia and the Automotive & Industry segment.

    The completed acquisition of mortar manufacturer Finja (Sweden) and the announcement of the acquisition of adhesives manufacturer Akkim (Turkey) contributed to the increase in market share in the first quarter. Sika is also strengthening its production capacities with new plants in the USA, Tanzania, Argentina, Colombia and Bangladesh.

    Sika confirmed its strategic direction and expects revenue growth of 1 to 4 per cent in local currencies for the full year 2026, as well as an EBITDA margin of 19.5 to 20 per cent.

  • A lack of clarity in legal requirements is holding back the circular economy

    A lack of clarity in legal requirements is holding back the circular economy

    The circular economy is still being held back by a number of obstacles. A report compiled by Basel-based ecos and Münsingen-based Rytec for the Building Department of the Canton of Zurich has identified 71 such barriers. Of these, 28 stem from legal requirements, whilst 43 arise only during the actual implementation of regulatory provisions. Often, they only emerge during the implementation of regulations.

    The construction and real estate sectors, with their high level of regulation, are particularly affected by regulatory barriers. Here, sustainability criteria are often not sufficiently binding or are given insufficient weight. Particularly when it comes to reuse, the scope for deviating from standards is not yet being utilised. Processes are still geared towards the linear rather than the circular economy.

    In retail and logistics, the infrastructure for returning used goods and incentives for developing the necessary logistics are often still lacking. Private collection initiatives are held back by unclear scope for implementation. The circular economy in commerce and industry suffers, among other things, from a lack of incentives for repairs and reuse.

    The report divides the barriers into four categories. The first three include those whose removal would have a significant impact. They are ranked according to the canton’s ability to influence them. The fourth category comprises measures with low impact and limited scope for influence.

    In the next steps, the canton intends to focus on the two categories of barriers whose removal would have a significant impact and over which the canton has considerable influence. This concerns 33 barriers. The barriers of least relevance will not be pursued further.

    The report is based on a survey of 122 people and workshops involving a total of 80 participants.

  • Innovation project to serve as a starting point for the new construction industry

    Innovation project to serve as a starting point for the new construction industry

    The BioHaus am Waldsee in the US state of Minnesota has turned 20. The building, located on the Waldsee campus of Concordia Language Villages, is the first building in America ever to be certified as a Passive House by the German Passive House Institute. The project was originally realised by Stephan Tanner and his team from Integrale Planung GmbH (Intep) in Zurich. It also served as the starting point for TANNER Building Products and its related ventures, according to a press release.

    The BioHaus is characterised by materials and technologies such as Passive House-certified windows and doors, high-performance ventilation systems, external shading elements and vacuum insulation panels, which were imported from Europe to the US for the project at the time. It was built at a time when the Passive House standard was still largely unknown in North America and the necessary materials, technologies and construction expertise were lacking locally.

    The project was supported by the German Federal Environmental Foundation and was intended to demonstrate that advanced environmental technologies can also be successful abroad. “BioHaus has not only proven that Passive Houses can work in America. It has also helped others to follow this example,” the statement reads.

    The project also gave rise to Stephan Tanner’s company, TANNER Building Products. Based in Watertown, Minnesota, the company started in 2006 as Peak Building Products and supplied the advanced materials for the BioHaus. “What began as a necessity – importing components that no one else had – sparked an entire industry,” the company explains in the press release.

  • Building Services Group boosts profits and continues to grow

    Building Services Group boosts profits and continues to grow

    According to a press release, the Burkhalter Group has closed the 2025 financial year with “excellent results”. All relevant key performance indicators have once again improved compared with the previous year. The building services provider recorded revenue growth of 1.8 per cent to CHF 1.2 billion, as well as a 6 per cent increase in EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) to CHF 73.8 million and a consolidated profit of CHF 61.3 million (previous year: CHF 57.2 million, up 7.3 per cent). Earnings per share rose to CHF 5.78, representing an increase of 7.2 per cent on the previous year. As a result of this positive performance, the Board of Directors is proposing an increased dividend of CHF 5.20 per share to the Annual General Meeting.

    The drivers of growth are sustained high demand for building services engineering and efficiency gains from optimised and digitalised processes. Targeted acquisitions also contributed to the positive performance. In 2025, the Group acquired Mathieu Ingenieure AG in Visp (VS) and Gattiker Elektro GmbH in Uster (ZH). Four further acquisitions followed at the start of 2026: BZ-Dépannage Sàrl in Lonay, Vaud; Enplan AG in Herisau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden; Elektro Gasser AG in Lalden, Valais; and Caotec SA in Brusio, Graubünden. According to the company, this strengthens the Burkhalter Group’s regional presence, expands its expertise and increases its market share. The acquisition strategy remains a central component of growth.

    The company is confident about the 2026 financial year. Driven by government support programmes and continued high levels of construction activity, demand for energy-efficient building services solutions remains strong. The Group expects to be able to achieve a moderate increase in earnings per share for the 2026 financial year as well.

  • PropTech start-up is driving the digitalisation of property management

    PropTech start-up is driving the digitalisation of property management

    According to a press release, Bewy has received 150,000 Swiss francs in funding from Venture Kick. The Zurich-based proptech start-up is developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered software solution for property management that streamlines processes and offers a better service to both landlords and tenants.

    The background to this is widespread inefficiency in property management across the DACH region, as stated in the press release. Poor communication, neglected maintenance, unexpected costs and inadequate tenant services frequently lead to dissatisfaction among owners and tenants. Bewy addresses this through automated internal processes, improved communication and real-time transparency. This is expected to reduce management costs by up to 30 per cent and significantly improve the user experience. The fresh funding is intended to drive the further development of the platform and its scaling within Switzerland. In its expansion, Bewy is pursuing an M&A (Merger & Acquisition) strategy aimed at acquiring small and medium-sized property management firms without a succession plan.

    “As Switzerland’s leading start-up programme, Venture Kick is a significant accelerator for Bewy. The funding process is streamlined and efficient, yet simultaneously opens up access to a valuable network and boosts credibility,” co-founder Luca Serratore is quoted as saying in the press release.

    Bowy currently operates in Zug, Zurich, Aargau and Lucerne and serves a double-digit number of clients, including private individuals, single-family offices and property companies such as Swiss Prime Site. The founding team comprising Luca Serratore, Marcandrea Hunkeler, Gilles Baumann and Katrin Leuppi brings together experience from the fields of start-ups, consultancy and the property sector. The start-up accelerator Venture Kick is an initiative of the Kick Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and is supported by a private-sector consortium.

  • New care home expands capacity in urban neighborhood

    New care home expands capacity in urban neighborhood

    Schlieremer Halter AG has handed over a new home for people in need of care in Bern’s Wyler district. The care home, which is operated by Domicil Bern as the general tenant, provides 112 new care rooms, according to a statement on LinkedIn.

    Each room has its own bathroom and balcony. The facility also has recreation and service rooms as well as publicly accessible areas. Employees have been provided with a modern working environment with optimal conditions. The completed facility was handed over to the Swiss Life Investment Foundation at the end of March.

    According to the press release, a further contract was agreed with Domicil Immobilien AG for the construction of a care home with 75 rooms, a dementia unit and a restaurant.

  • Modernization of operations center secures long-term capacity

    Modernization of operations center secures long-term capacity

    Migros Eastern Switzerland has begun the renovation and modernisation of its operations centre in Gossau. According to a press release, the management of Migros Eastern Switzerland intends to make the building fit “for operation and expansion over the next 40 years” with the reconstruction, as Sandro Feltscher, Head of the Logistics and IT Directorate at Migros Eastern Switzerland, is quoted as saying.

    The work will mainly be carried out on Building C of the operations centre. This has been used since 1979 for the production and distribution of meat and charcuterie products as well as for the commissioning and dispatch of chilled food. In the first construction phase, an extension will be built on the southern side with additional docking points for delivery vehicles. In the coming year, parking spaces for trailers and car parks for employees will be renovated. In 2028 and 2029, new, modern rooms for employees will be built. Parallel to the overall construction measures, the refrigerated lines for order picking are to be replaced with modern ones. Construction work is expected to be completed in 2030.

    “The biggest challenge in the construction project is replacing the systems and modernising production without interrupting operations. Even during the replacement, our supermarkets and restaurants need daily deliveries of dairy products, meat and other chilled goods,” says Feltscher.

  • Energy provider reports declining results alongside rising investments

    Energy provider reports declining results alongside rising investments

    According to a press release,Repower achieved a total operating performance of CHF 1986 million in 2025. This was 20 per cent less than in the previous year. The operating result before interest and taxes fell by 24 per cent to CHF 133 million, while Group profit fell by 27 per cent to CHF 101 million. According to the press release, the international energy trading business made the largest contribution to earnings. At the same time, the Graubünden-based energy supplier increased its investments by 80 per cent to 142 million. The equity ratio rose from 53 to 59 per cent.

    The low rainfall in spring 2025 in particular had a negative impact on Repower’s result. The wind farms in Italy and Germany also recorded a slight decline. The Teverola gas-fired combined-cycle power plant was out of operation for an extended period. Only solar production increased significantly in 2025. According to the press release, Repower produced a total of 2147 gigawatt hours of electricity in 2025. In the previous year, this figure was 2639 gigawatt hours.

    Repower achieved a very strong result of CHF 371 million and a profit of CHF 300 million in 2023. However, the company also reported a very good annual result for 2025. This was above the long-term average. The company also expects a good result for 2026.

  • Digital platform simplifies analysis and development of building constructions

    Digital platform simplifies analysis and development of building constructions

    The ZHAW has put its dkon.ch platform online. Students, specialists and interested parties can use it to analyse, compare and develop building designs themselves. According to a statement from the university, this digital tool provides them with information on the impact of individual design decisions on the environment, costs and construction methods. Users can disassemble, rotate and reassemble components in virtual space.

    This makes it possible to visualise which materials a construction is made of and how they interact. By linking this with ecological assessment data, variants can be specifically compared with each other. According to the ZHAW, this opens up new possibilities in planning: “If you want to reduce the use of concrete or test alternative materials, for example, you can directly compare different solutions. Changes in the construction become immediately visible and their effects can be understood.”

    According to the information provided, a special feature of this platform is the integration of real reference buildings. Their designs, materials and construction processes can be analysed in detail. “dkon.ch creates a direct link between teaching and application,” says Andri Gerber, Project Manager and Co-Head of the ZHAW Institute of Structural Design. “Knowledge is not taught in isolation, but can be experienced in the context of real and concrete construction projects.”

    The platform is also helpful for specialists who have to integrate complex requirements and develop sustainable solutions, Gerber continues. That is why dkon.ch is “a tool that can be used both in training and in professional practice”.

  • Infrastructure works tackle challenging terrain on Lake Zurich

    Infrastructure works tackle challenging terrain on Lake Zurich

    Walo Bertschinger AG, a family-run construction firm based in Dietikon, is carrying out the roadworks and civil engineering works as part of an infrastructure project in the Lake Zurich region. According to a press release, over a stretch of 1.1 kilometres between Tägerst and Buchenegg, “roads, drainage systems and numerous engineering structures are being newly constructed, reinforced or repaired.” The project is scheduled for completion by 2027.

    A central element of the project is the construction of two new Lehnen viaducts, measuring 90 and 130 metres in length. A total of 21 piers and around 240 micropiles will provide a solid foundation on the landslide-prone slope.

    “Limited space, steep terrain and a tight schedule make this project particularly challenging,” explains Walo Bertschinger AG in the press release. “We are therefore all the more pleased that the work is progressing according to plan and that the team is delivering a strong performance in their daily work.”

  • New head of department to drive strategic development in the economy and labour market

    New head of department to drive strategic development in the economy and labour market

    According to a press release, the government of the Canton of St. Gallen has appointed Daniel Müller as the new head of the Office for Economic Affairs and Labour, effective 1 May. He succeeds Karin Jung, who has led the office since 2018 and announced her resignation at the start of the year. Müller is currently carrying out her duties on an interim basis.

    The 50-year-old has been working for the canton since 2018. Until now, he was head of business development. A qualified audio and video electronics technician and IT specialist, he studied business administration at OST– the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland. Before joining the Department of Economic Affairs, he worked for the University of St. Gallen, amongst other roles.

  • Construction and Housing Fair in Wettingen attracts considerable interest

    Construction and Housing Fair in Wettingen attracts considerable interest

    From 16 to 19 April, Tägi Wettingen will host the region’s largest construction and housing exhibition, the Bauen Wohnen fair, for the 19th time. All signs point to success for this year’s edition, as Tägi explains in a press release. All exhibition spaces are sold out, and visitor numbers are expected to exceed last year’s figure, when 14,000 people attended the fair.

    “The fact that the exhibition space is sold out shows that there is a high level of interest in the fair and in the Tägi venue,” says Pascal Schelbert, deputy managing director and head of operations at Tägi. “For us, this is a wonderful confirmation that our infrastructure and flexibility are winning people over. At the same time, it is an incentive to continue developing even recurring events year on year.”

    During the event, visitors can look forward to specialist presentations, panel discussions and themed forums featuring experts. By offering insights into current building trends and sustainable housing concepts, the fair aims to provide inspiration as well as serve as a concrete basis for decision-making regarding construction and housing projects. According to a statement from Tägi, the timing of the fair is ideal, as it traditionally marks the start of the spring season – a time when a particularly large number of construction and renovation projects are planned or launched.

    The organisation of the fair is also seen as a clear example of the Tägi’s multifunctionality. The leisure, sports and events centre can utilise a wide variety of spaces simultaneously – from large halls for exhibitions to smaller rooms for specialist talks, explains Pascal Schelbert.

  • New director to drive the energy supplier’s strategic development

    New director to drive the energy supplier’s strategic development

    The Board of Directors of Regio Energie Solothurn has appointed Martin Bucher as Director, thereby confirming him in his role. According to a press release, Bucher had already taken over the operational management of the regional energy supplier in July 2025 and has successfully led the company. It was particularly his high level of technical expertise, his strategic clarity and his inclusive and goal-oriented leadership that enabled Bucher to stand out in a multi-stage selection process involving over 100 candidates.

    Before joining Regio Energie Solothurn last year, Bucher gained many years of management experience in the energy and finance sectors, including at energy supply companies and in management consultancy. The new director thus combines technical, regulatory and business management expertise, which enables him to further develop Regio Energie Solothurn in a sustainable manner, the statement said.

    Regio Energie Solothurn supplies the city of Solothurn and surrounding municipalities with electricity, gas, district heating and water. The public-law company is wholly owned by the city of Solothurn. The mayor, Stefanie Ingold, serves as chair of the board of directors by virtue of her office.

  • The material that thinks – without a brain

    The material that thinks – without a brain

    The material consists of a chain of identical joints connected by an elastic framework. An integrated microcontroller measures the current position, stores past states and exchanges information with neighboring elements. The overall behavior results from the interaction of many simple units. Just like simple organisms that react to their environment without a complex brain.

    Learning through repetition
    Individual joints are moved into defined positions and the remaining elements are gradually moved into a target structure. The microcontrollers adjust torques in several runs, called “epochs” in the experiment. Stiffness and interactions within the structure change. The “information” is not outsourced to software, but stored directly in the physical structure. First author Yao Du sums it up: “As soon as the system starts to learn, the possibilities of where it can develop seem almost limitless.”

    Three abilities in one
    The system masters three properties that were previously reserved for biological systems. It learns new reaction patterns to defined inputs. It stores several states simultaneously and switches between these states depending on the input. Previous work by the laboratory had already shown that such structures can move without central control. What is new is the adaptability, as the material chooses its form of movement depending on the environmental stimulus.

    Fields of application and next steps
    The research team sees the greatest potential in adaptive components that adjust to changing loads, in soft robotics without central control and in systems for unstructured environments such as exploration. From August 2026, research in Amsterdam will be expanded in collaboration with the Learning Machines group. The Dutch research agenda NWA 2026 will dedicate a separate focus to adaptive materials. In addition to technical issues, the focus will also be on control and safe use.

    The boundary between material and machine is becoming blurred
    Instead of passive materials, adaptive systems are being created whose properties actively change. In the future, time-dependent behavior and the handling of uncertain conditions, so-called stochastic scenarios, will be integrated. This increases robustness and makes the technology suitable for real application environments. Intelligence is not created through central control, but from the interaction of many simple elements.

  • Ground-breaking ceremony marks the start of a new residential development in Baden

    Ground-breaking ceremony marks the start of a new residential development in Baden

    The first five foundation stones were laid on the Brisgi site, marking the official start of the approximately three-year construction phase. According to a statement from the City of Baden, the site will see the creation of around 220 units of sustainable and affordable housing. The symbolic laying of the foundation stones was carried out by Baden’s Mayor Markus Schneider, representatives of the non-profit developers – the Baden Housing Foundation, Logis Suisse AG and the Graphis Building and Housing Cooperative – as well as members of the local community.

    “These five stones come from the excavation and represent the core values of the future Brisgi site: together we are shaping the future with sustainable and affordable housing,” explains the City of Baden in the statement.

    By 2028, affordable flats and flexible housing options for single people, couples and families are to be built on the site. In addition, community life will be enhanced by studios, green spaces, a neighbourhood square and a playground.

    The project will be built in accordance with the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS). “The site focuses on hybrid construction, renewable energy, biodiversity and minimal soil sealing,” the press release states. “In this way, the project demonstrates that high-quality construction, sustainability and affordable housing go hand in hand.”

  • Lucerne cantonal government plans to set up a foundation for innovation

    Lucerne cantonal government plans to set up a foundation for innovation

    The Canton of Lucerne intends to establish the Innovation Lucerne Foundation. To this end, the Cantonal Government has now submitted a request for a special grant to the Cantonal Council. This comprises CHF 1 million in endowment capital and CHF 23 million to fund the foundation’s activities between 2026 and 2029.

    This foundation forms part of Lucerne’s location strategy, which aims to strengthen the canton’s competitiveness. According to the statement, the background to this is that whilst the Canton of Lucerne ranks in the top third in national competitiveness rankings, it consistently ranks lower in terms of its innovative strength. And “without strengthening its innovative strength, the Canton of Lucerne risks further losses in competitiveness”, the analysis states.

    The foundation is intended to counteract this and focus on supporting Lucerne as a hub for innovation and start-ups, with a particular emphasis on SMEs. As a key player, it is to coordinate the established partner organisations “and ensure that their services are better integrated, become better known and achieve greater impact”. In addition, the foundation can co-fund implementation projects such as feasibility studies.

    From 2026, the Canton of Lucerne intends to invest a total of between 250 and 300 million Swiss francs annually in “business- and population-oriented measures” to promote the region. Voters will be able to vote on these regional development measures in September 2026.

  • Schlieren is modernising its maintenance depot

    Schlieren is modernising its maintenance depot

    Schlieren Town Council has allocated 2.229 million Swiss francs for the refurbishment and modernisation of its municipal works site. According to a statement from the City Council, the city’s growth and increasing demands on public services make modernisation necessary. Key parts of the facilities have become too old and need to be replaced in order to meet legal standards for fire safety and occupational safety. The modernisation will also prevent structural damage and ensure proper operation in the long term.

    The works yard site houses the waste collection, building services, gas and water supply, green space maintenance and administration departments of the Works, Supply and Facilities Division. Due to the city’s ongoing growth, it is necessary to create the conditions to meet increasing demands on public services.

    The plans include replacing the gas heating system with an environmentally friendly heat pump system and refurbishing the roof surfaces. To increase capacity, the storage areas in the green space maintenance, gas and water supply, cloakroom and staff lounge sections are to be expanded.

    Parts of the project will include the modernisation of the ventilation and summer heat protection in the administration building, as well as the expansion of the charging infrastructure for the city’s electric vehicle fleet, it is reported.

    The awarding of construction contracts by a building commission appointed by the city council has already begun. The municipal council will now decide on the installation of a high-performance photovoltaic system.

  • New police headquarters sets new standards for the workplace

    New police headquarters sets new standards for the workplace

    The construction group Implenia is building the new police headquarters in Münster, Germany, on behalf of the project company PPMS Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG, to accommodate more than 1,400 staff. According to a press release, the building will provide much-needed additional space for the police force, as well as a modern headquarters featuring short walking distances and attractive new-work concepts. The project is worth more than €200 million.

    As the main contractor, Implenia is responsible for the planning and construction of a functional and administrative building designed to bring together virtually all of Münster Police’s existing departments. The turnkey new building will include modern office and laboratory workspaces, a police station, a canteen, training areas, detention facilities and an underground car park.

    According to the press release, the project is in line with the strategic focus on “large, complex and specialised property projects”. In the words of Matthias Jacob, Head of the Buildings Division Germany, Implenia is focusing on “partnership-based contract models that allow us to make optimal use of our capabilities for the benefit of our clients and Implenia”.

    Construction work is scheduled to begin in summer 2026, following the early completion of the excavation, and is expected to last until October 2029.

  • The acquisition is specifically designed to expand our presence in the construction industry

    The acquisition is specifically designed to expand our presence in the construction industry

    The SFS Group, based in Heerbrugg, has acquired Harald Zahn GmbH, headquartered in Wiesloch. According to a press release, by acquiring this specialist in flat roof fastenings from northern Baden-Württemberg, SFS aims to strengthen its market position in the German and Austrian construction industries.

    Founded in 1981, Harald Zahn GmbH develops and manufactures high-quality fastening elements for flat roofs. In 2025, the company generated turnover of €8 million with 45 employees. It will be integrated into SFS’s Fastening Systems segment at its Wiesloch site.

    The SFS Group has a presence in 35 countries across Asia, Europe and North America, with 150 sales and production sites. According to its own figures, it generated turnover of over 3 billion Swiss francs in 2025.

  • Energy supplier boosts profits despite lower turnover

    Energy supplier boosts profits despite lower turnover

    The AEW Group has had a successful financial year in 2025. According to a press release, the Aargau-based energy supplier achieved total revenue of 833.1 million Swiss francs. This is 4.2 per cent less than in the previous year. At the same time, operating profit before interest and taxes increased by 24.4 million to 131.4 million Swiss francs. The adjusted net profit stands at 159.7 million Swiss francs. The canton can expect a dividend of 53.0 million Swiss francs.

    The company attributes this growth to one-off effects. These included not only the efficient management of the energy business but also the early sale of own-generated electricity on the power exchange, as well as the strong performance of the Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant (KKL) decommissioning and disposal fund, the Axpo dividend and a write-down in the power plant portfolio. AEW holds a 5.4 per cent stake in KKL.

    Investments stood at 94.3 million, slightly above the previous year’s figure (93.0 million).

    “Operationally, 2025 was a very good year for AEW,” CEO Marc Ritter is quoted as saying in the statement. “Our organisation has picked up pace and, at the same time, demonstrated that it can perform effectively even in a very challenging and dynamic market environment.”

  • Location marketing attracts 264 companies to Switzerland

    Location marketing attracts 264 companies to Switzerland

    According to a statement from the Conference of Cantonal Economic Affairs Directors, location marketing organisations have attracted 264 new businesses to Switzerland in 2025. These businesses have already created 919 jobs in their first year of operation. This figure is set to rise to a total of 2,687 jobs over the next three years.

    This represents significant growth for the cantonal, regional and national location marketing organisations. In the previous year, they had attracted 231 companies, which created 716 new jobs in their first year. This figure is set to rise to 2,135 jobs by 2027. In 2023, 206 companies were newly established, creating 640 jobs in their first year.

    Of the 2,025 newly established companies, 60 per cent come from Germany, France, China and the UK. Around 80 per cent operate in the strategic key technologies agreed upon by the federal government, cantons and regions for the years 2024 to 2027. These include the future of healthcare, digital technology, automation, food and the financial sector.

    The promotion of Switzerland as a business location is a joint task between the federal government and the cantons. They have commissioned Switzerland Global Enterprise to handle national location marketing.

  • Smart plant care is making its way into high street shops

    Smart plant care is making its way into high street shops

    The Bern-based Ecotec start-up Boum AG and the DIY and garden centre operator Hornbach have announced a partnership in a press release. Under the agreement, the Boum Core smart plant care system will be available in selected Swiss branches from this spring.

    Boum Core is a fully automatic, solar-powered plant care system that autonomously supplies plants with water over several weeks. Users can check the water level at any time via a dedicated app. The Ecotec start-up is firmly committed to sustainability: compared to conventional solutions, the Boum system reduces water consumption by up to 40 per cent and also acts as a rain collector for the efficient reuse of water.

    The partnership brings benefits for both companies. For Hornbach, it marks an entry into a new, innovative product segment. “With the Boum Core plant care system, we can expand our range with a unique product. We are convinced that this innovation will enable us to meet our customers’ needs for sustainable and smart solutions that offer real added value,” says Sorin Nasture, Head of Garden Hardware at Hornbach, in the press release.

    For Boum, availability in brick-and-mortar stores is being expanded. In a next step, the company is aiming to expand across Europe. “We have been working towards this moment for a long time. We are delighted about this partnership and see Hornbach as the ideal partner to bring Boum to the public,” says Dr Ludwig Auer, founder of Boum AG.

    Boum AG, a spin-off from the University of Bern, has set itself the goal of enabling everyone to successfully grow and enjoy plants through the combination of technology and ecology.

  • The Zurich economic region is attracting an increasing number of international companies

    The Zurich economic region is attracting an increasing number of international companies

    Greater Zurich Area AG draws a positive conclusion in its 2025 annual report. 98 foreign companies have heeded the call of the location marketing agency for the Zurich economic region and have chosen to establish a new presence within the network comprising nine cantons, the city of Zurich and the Winterthur region. 29 of them are engaged in research and development, whilst 24 intend to establish their headquarters in Switzerland. Together, they plan to create 1,295 new jobs over the next five years.

    GZA acts on behalf of the Greater Zurich Area Location Marketing Foundation, positioning the Zurich economic region internationally and supporting companies wishing to relocate here. In doing so, it focuses particularly intensively on the key ecosystems of life sciences, artificial intelligence and robotics. “Innovation determines whether good jobs, entrepreneurial know-how and industrial expertise remain anchored in our region,” says Chairman of the Board Dr Balz Hösly in his foreword. “For a high-cost location such as the Greater Zurich Area, this is not an option, but a strategic necessity.”

    With 20 new businesses, blockchain technology was the strongest focus industry in 2025, followed by biotech and pharmaceuticals (15) and artificial intelligence (8). Many of these projects are in the fields of robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and food & agritech.

    For instance, the Israeli food-tech company Aleph Farms has chosen Kemptthal (ZH) as the base for its European operations. There, it is joined by partners across the entire value chain: Givaudan, Migros Industrie and Bühler. TikTok opened an office in Zurich, where it benefits from proximity to brands, agencies, media and individuals who create content for social media. The Canadian firm Blockstream is expanding its Bitcoin infrastructure in Lugano by establishing its headquarters there and acquiring Elysium Lab. The Beijing-based company Baidu Apollo has chosen Zurich as its first European location for its robotaxis.

    International visibility is also the aim of the Zurich AI Festival, which is co-organised by the GZA and will continue in 2026. At the same time, preparations are underway for the integration of the canton of Aargau from 2027, according to GZA Managing Director Lukas Huber. He emphasises the role of the associated cantons in the development of the business location: “With their framework conditions, their clusters and their location development, they lay the foundations for this marketing to succeed. We do the promotion – the cantons are excellent product managers.”