Category: propTech

KOF between crises, AI and a clear stance

2024 was a year of significant upheaval. The KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich responded with new formats, expanded methods and a clear positioning that is evidence-based, independent and relevant. The weakening German economy and geopolitical uncertainties, such as the election of Donald Trump, also influenced the forecasts for Switzerland. The KOF favoured scenarios over rigid forecasts and adapted its forecasting model to current requirements.

Third-party funding, data and dynamism
In the intensified competition for third-party funding, KOF is focussing on practical, data-oriented research. Projects are becoming larger and international co-operation is increasing. At the same time, the claim remains clear: KOF remains an independent voice with scientific depth. With the expansion of the KOF Lab, the institution is creating space for cross-sector analyses on monetary policy, health and social inequality and is specifically promoting young talent.

Utilising potential with a sense of proportion
Both Sturm and Gersbach see great opportunities in AI, but not an overnight revolution. Rather, it is about continuous productivity gains, flanked by smart regulation. The KOF itself uses modern methods, but remains cautious about hypes. Research that has an impact is the goal, not technology for technology’s sake.

Open questions for 2025
Looking ahead to the new year, the directors see key challenges in analysing tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers and geopolitical tensions. The lessons from the collapse of Credit Suisse have not yet been fully learnt and the future of banking regulation also remains an issue. The KOF observes, analyses and remains clear in its stance, fact-based, forward-looking and independent.

June 2025
OST thinks AI ahead

Artificial intelligence is more than just a trend at the OST. It is an integral part of teaching and research. Rector Daniel Seelhofer emphasised that the OST specifically builds bridges between scientific excellence and practical application. More than 20 OST research institutes are now working with AI, often in collaboration with companies, administrations or the healthcare sector. The topic has been part of all degree programmes since 2021.

The importance of this focus was emphasised by Bettina Surber, member of the St. Gallen cantonal government. She praised the OST as a driving force for Eastern Switzerland and pledged the canton’s political support for the university.

From concrete to care to children’s language
Various short presentations and films demonstrated the wide range of applications for AI at OST.

Sustainable construction
AI helps to optimise concrete mixes with reduced cement content for specific requirements.

Focus on ethics
How can AI be used fairly?

Self-determined handling of data
A digital “data account” is intended to give citizens more control over their information.

Sport and intelligence
Exergames train the intelligence of professional ice hockey players under physical stress.

Healthy eating with digital support
A smart app creates personalised meal plans – taking allergies, preferences and health goals into account.

Agriculture with robots
Agricultural robots carry out maintenance work such as irrigation or pest control independently.

Care advice via chatbot
A digital assistance system for caring relatives was developed in collaboration with the city of St.Gallen.

Understanding children’s language
An AI supports professionals in interpreting children’s expressions.

Two panel discussions focussed on the social dimensions of AI. SRF presenter Florian Inhauser led the discussions. Questions about data protection, responsibility and inclusion were addressed. The discussion showed that technological development alone is not enough. Clear ethical guidelines and social dialogue are needed.

AI as a tool, not an end in itself
The second OST University Day made it impressively clear that artificial intelligence is already present in many areas of life – and is making real improvements possible. The decisive factor is how responsibly it is used. The OST is positioning itself as a key player in combining innovation with social benefits.

June 2025
Humans at the centre of the future of AI

Artificial intelligence has arrived in everyday life, from language models such as ChatGPT to personalised recommendations. But AI is not intelligent in the human sense. Manuel Kaufmann from the ETH AI Centre demonstrated this vividly. Computers process images as numbers, while humans interpret content contextually. The difference? “Humans think, computers calculate,” says Fabian Unteregger.

From the moon mission to a million users in 5 days
AI systems have made a technological leap forward with enormous computing power. Stephan Sigrist from the think tank W.I.R.E sees AI as an evolutionary development with disruptive potential. His vision is a personal AI assistant that negotiates, plans and communicates with each other on our behalf. This will not only fundamentally change the internet, but also our everyday lives.

Innovation needs social benefits
An AI-related productivity gain of 20 per cent is expected for Switzerland. But technology alone is not enough. “Innovation is what creates benefits,” says Sigrist. This is precisely why clear framework conditions are needed. Stephanie Gygax from Algorithm Watch calls for broad social participation in the design, particularly in view of ecological and ethical issues.

Switzerland as an AI nation with untapped potential
Pascal Kaufmann, founder of AlpineAI, sees Switzerland as the origin and future location for AI. With SwissGPT, he wants to create a local response to global developments that is trustworthy, scientifically sound and technologically leading. For him, it is clear that AI can serve people if they actively shape it.

Dialogue with society
The series of events entitled “The robot, our new friend and helper?” shows how important social dialogue on AI is. Because only if the fears, questions and expectations of the population are taken seriously will a technology emerge that serves people – and not the other way round.

June 2025
New plant in Dübendorf produces renewable methane

Empa has commissioned the move-MEGA methanisation plant in Dübendorf. The project demonstrates the sorption-enhanced methanisation developed by Empa and is intended to improve the power-to-gas process, as detailed in a press release. The plant demonstrates how solar power is converted into hydrogen using electrolysis and then processed into methane by adding CO2. The synthetic methane can be fed directly into the gas grid and replace fossil natural gas.

According to the press release, sorption-enhanced methanisation is central to the plant. Zeolite pellets absorb the water produced during the reaction and shift the chemical balance in favour of methane formation. As a result, the methane produced can be used directly or fed into the grid. “Thanks to sorption-enhanced methanisation and heat management, we achieve high sales and significantly greater load flexibility than with conventional processes. This makes the technology particularly attractive for direct coupling with photovoltaic or wind power plants,” explains move-MEGA project manager Florian Kiefer.

The use of CO2 from the ambient air for methanisation enables negative CO2 emissions through methane pyrolysis. The synthetic methane can be broken down into solid carbon and hydrogen downstream. The carbon is used in concrete or asphalt.

“Methanisation in conjunction with methane pyrolysis opens up a way to combine the supply of renewable energy with the permanent removal of CO2 from the atmosphere,” explains Christian Bach, initiator of the move-MEGA project and head of the Chemical Energy Carriers and Vehicle Systems department at Empa.

In addition to methanisation, the focus of the move-MEGA project is also on the use of the waste heat generated. The project is supported by the ETH Board, the Canton of Zurich, Glattwerk, Avenergy Suisse, Migros, Lidl Switzerland, Armasuisse and Swisspower.

June 2025
Digital tool for site development

Site development is one of the most challenging tasks in municipal planning. Smaller municipalities in particular face structural hurdles. There is a lack of resources, access to IT tools is limited and a lack of standards makes it difficult to make well-founded decisions. The digital guide is a modular, user-friendly and technically precise tool that closes this gap.

Interplay of knowledge and technology
The project combines the interdisciplinary know-how of the Institute for Spatial Development (IRAP) and the Institute for Information and Process Management (IPM). The centerpiece is a digitally supported guideline that systematically structures planning processes and enables automated analyses. Research, evaluation and variant development can thus be organized more efficiently. Municipalities receive a tool that improves planning quality, regardless of their size.

Focus on employment areas
While inner-city development has so far concentrated primarily on residential and mixed zones, this project focuses specifically on workplace areas. The strategic development of such areas is crucial to the future viability of companies and locations, especially in times of scarce space. The digital guideline provides a unique solution in Switzerland.

Participation through echo chamber ensures quality
An echo chamber was set up to guarantee practical application. This committee of experts from municipal administrations and planning offices contributes valuable expertise. At the first meeting on January 24, 2025 in St. Gallen, the participants discussed basic requirements and defined the next steps. The dialog between research and practice is thus established at an early stage.

Efficient and sustainable planning and decision-making for the future
The final software solution should be easy to use. It enables an objective and systematic evaluation of development scenarios according to relevant sustainability criteria, thereby promoting well-founded decisions in politics and administration. The creative design process is retained, supplemented by digital efficiency and reliable comparative values.

Time horizon and outlook
The project was launched in June 2024 and will run until May 2026. It is intended as a contribution to modern, digitally supported spatial planning. The vision is a national competence platform that makes site development tangible, scalable and of high quality.

June 2025
Smart City Aarau networked, user-centered and environmentally friendly

Aarau is facing complex social and technological developments. In order to respond to this in a future-oriented manner, the city is pursuing a networked, creative and efficient approach with its Smart City strategy. The focus is on concrete benefits for the target groups and environmentally friendly processes. Digital technologies are only used where they create real added value.

Five basic principles for smart impact
Based on experience from the first strategy period from 2021 to 2025 and proven models from other cities, Aarau has defined five high-impact approaches.

Networking: Projects interlock across departments and are implemented collaboratively.

Meeting needs: Solutions that are actually needed are developed in dialog with the population.

Testing: Innovation also means trying things out. Pilot tests help to minimize risks and make ideas practicable.

Environmental protection: Sustainability is a must. All projects take environmental aspects into account and rely on renewable resources.

Technology as a means to an end: Technology is used in a targeted manner and only if it contributes to the solution.

Smart City Team as enabler
The municipal Smart City Team supports employees in the idea and project phase. It helps to identify target groups, hone project ideas and develop testable solutions. Formats such as kick-off meetings, workshops or support for complex projects through to implementation are available. The motto: implement projects with real benefits for Aarau or consciously reject them.

Targeted support and smart vessels
The Smart City Team also works in the background. It monitors trends, networks stakeholders and promotes knowledge transfer via formats such as the “Smart City Newsroom”. It also supports projects financially via the Smart City Investment Loan and helps to create participatory vessels.

Measuring impact and learning
The strategy is based on the IOOI impact model and measures not only outputs but also outcomes and long-term impacts. The aim is for all municipal specialists to apply user-centered methods, plan their projects in a networked manner, implement them in a resource-efficient way and integrate digital technologies in a meaningful way by 2034.

Smart City Aarau thinks ahead
The city of Aarau is reinterpreting Smart City as a method for developing sustainable, liveable urbanity. The focus is on people, not technology. This turns complexity into innovation and ideas into concrete future solutions for Aarau.

June 2025
Shanghai relocates Shikumen complex with robots

With this project, the city of Shanghai is demonstrating its ability to combine heritage conservation and urban development. The Huayanli complex, built between 1920 and 1930, is part of the Zhangyuan district, which looks back on over 140 years of history. With a total area of 4,030 square meters and three brick and timber buildings, it is not only architecturally significant, but also an important testimony to urban identity.

The temporary relocation is necessary in order to construct a three-storey underground facility of over 53,000 square meters. This will create cultural and commercial spaces, more than 100 parking spaces and connections to three subway lines. An ambitious project in a densely built-up historical environment.

Robot-assisted precision work in the historic core
Given the narrow alleyways and limited space, the construction team relied on a combination of advanced technologies and customized robotics. A total of 432 self-propelled robots move the ensemble at a speed of around 10 meters per day. A logistical masterpiece that enables minimal disruption with maximum precision.

In addition, miniaturized robots were used for foundation work, which move through narrow doors and corridors thanks to remote control. Supported by BIM and point cloud scans, precise 3D models of the existing building were created to identify potential collisions and structural challenges at an early stage.

Smart earthmoving and minimally invasive interventions
Another technical innovation is the specially developed earthmoving robots with foldable gripper arms. These can move in spaces less than 1.2 meters wide and use deep learning algorithms to distinguish between clay and obstacles. As a result, the construction project is progressing with high efficiency and minimal risk to the historic building, despite the cramped conditions.

Zhang Yi, General Manager of the Shanghai Construction No 2 subsidiary responsible for urban renewal, explains the approach: “We designed several curved transportation routes for the excavated earth and implemented a conveyor belt system like in a factory. This allows us to reduce disruption and achieve high working speeds at the same time.”

Linking old and new
The project is more than just a technical masterpiece. It exemplifies an urban vision that sees historical heritage not as an obstacle, but as a resource. Once the work is complete, the Huayanli complex will return to its original location. However, above a modern infrastructure that connects it to the surrounding high-rise buildings, shopping centers and residential districts. The integration of above-ground conservation measures with modern underground facilities offers a model for the sustainable revitalization of historic districts in growing metropolises. For Shanghai and for international urban planners and engineers, this project is a milestone. It shows how cultural identity and urban modernization can be combined to form a harmonious whole.

June 2025
Digital concrete analyses for higher quality and sustainability

Sika has made a strategic investment of an undisclosed amount in the Canadian company Giatec Scientific, headquartered in Ottawa. In a press release, it describes the Zug-based speciality chemicals company as a “significant milestone in its overarching digital strategy”.

Giatec develops sensors, software solutions and data analysis tools that improve the quality, durability and sustainability of concrete, from production to transport and processing. Sika anticipates that Giatec’s Artificial Intelligence-based precise analysis and optimisation of concrete mixes, together with Sika’s admixture technologies, will lead to “significant” cost and CO2 savings.

Pouria Ghods, CEO and co-founder of Giatec, wants to “redefine the future of AI-powered concrete construction” through this strategic partnership with Sika. He sees the global presence of the new partner as a great opportunity “to establish our intelligent technologies worldwide”.

Like Ghods, Sika’s Head of Construction, Ivo Schädler, wants to help shape the future of the concrete industry through digital transformation “working closely with Giatec and its network of strategic global partners such as Heidelberg Materials. By utilising digital innovation, we provide the construction industry with data-driven insights that improve sustainability and performance and enable the next level of modern construction.”

June 2025
AI-based weather forecasts for energy and agriculture

The Zurich-based start-up Jua.ai has closed a Series A financing round totalling over 9 million Swiss francs, according to an article on startupticker.ch. The financing round was led by Ananda Impact Ventures and Future Energy Ventures and supported by existing investors such as 468 Capital and Promus Ventures. Jua plans to use the funding to accelerate the market launch of its Earth Intelligence Platform. This will enable more accurate weather forecasting to help energy traders make faster and more profitable decisions.

The platform is powered by Jua’s artificial intelligence (AI) model EPT-2.0 and is designed to significantly outperform the weather forecasting performance of conventional numerical weather models and AI models from large technology companies. Precise weather forecasts are particularly important for sectors such as energy, agriculture, aviation and shipping. The AI-based earth simulation is intended to provide a consistent and physically simulating platform to enable reliable decisions in various sectors in the face of increasing weather extremes and weather changes.

Jua 2024 has already secured around 13 million Swiss francs in its seed financing round. As part of this year’s capital increase, Marvin Gabler, co-founder and architect of EPT-2.0, has now been appointed as the new CEO. He succeeds Andreas Brenner, who has led Jua since its foundation in 2022. With Gabler at the helm, the company intends to focus on scaling its platform in the energy sector and expanding into new markets. “With our Earth Intelligence Platform, we have transformed the world’s most advanced Earth simulation into a real-world decision engine,” Gabler is quoted as saying in the article. “This is a fundamental step towards shaping our planetary future.”

June 2025
Lift refurbishment with a focus on comfort and safety

KONE has replaced the outdated lifts of a competitor in the Im Tiergarten neighbourhood of Zurich for 466 occupied rental flats. Within 18 months, the lift manufacturer from Brüttisellen installed a total of 46 of its MonoSpace 500DX lifts in one of Zurich’s largest residential complexes.

According to a company statement, this model adapts flexibly and with millimetre precision to the existing shaft. The payload of most of the passenger lifts has been increased from 320 to 480 kilograms. The new cabins are also significantly larger. According to KONE, they are monitored around the clock via the company’s digital asset management system and serviced proactively. This should lead to around 30 per cent fewer breakdowns.

The owners had decided to forego vacancy notices and to carry out further refurbishment measures while the building was occupied. According to KONE, it was able to adhere to the tight schedule thanks to a special logistics concept with overnight delivery and close coordination with the owners and residents.

The successful complete replacement in the Im Tiergarten development is one of KONE’s largest lift modernisation projects in Europe to date. According to Christian Herbst, KONES Director of Modernisation for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, “it shows that we are well positioned to meet an increasingly important demand in the market: the efficient modernisation of even a large number of installations, in close coordination with partners and under difficult conditions such as renovating while the building is occupied”.

June 2025
Precise timing for perfect thin films

Piezoelectric thin films are indispensable components in a wide range of electronic applications. They are used in frequency filters, sensors, actuators and tiny energy converters. Their ability to convert electrical voltage into mechanical movement and vice versa makes them a central component of modern communication technology. However, the production of these highly sensitive layers is a complex matter. Their quality determines the performance and durability of the end products.

HiPIMS process with new possibilities
High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) is a well-known process for coating substrates with high-density layers. High-energy pulses are generated in a vacuum chamber environment, which knock atoms out of the target material. These atoms are deposited as a thin film on the substrate. For piezoelectric applications, such as aluminium nitride coatings, the process has not yet offered an optimal solution. This is because along with the desired target ions, argon ions from the process gas also reach the substrate, which leads to undesirable inclusions.

Avoiding argon inclusions
Argon, a common process gas in magnetron sputtering, is chemically inactive, but it can remain in the coatings in the form of inclusions. This is problematic for piezoelectric coatings as they are operated under high electrical voltages. Even small amounts of argon lead to an electrical breakdown and jeopardise the functionality of the components. In classic HiPIMS process control, however, it is difficult to eliminate the argon ions as they hit the substrate at the same time as the target ions.

Timing as a decisive factor
Under the leadership of Sebastian Siol, the team led by PhD student Jyotish Patidar has developed precise timing in order to accelerate only the target ions and avoid argon inclusions. As the argon ions are faster and reach the substrate first, the accelerating voltage is applied to the substrate with a delay. At this point, the argon ions have already flown past and can no longer penetrate the growing layer. This results in piezoelectric layers of outstanding quality that were previously not possible with HiPIMS.

A new standard for sensitive substrates
The researchers call this innovative process “Synchronised Floating Potential HiPIMS”. Particularly noteworthy is the possibility of creating layers on non-conductive substrates such as glass or sapphire. Normally, no electric fields for ion control can be applied to such substrates. By utilising the so-called “electron shower”, which is generated with the magnetron pulse, ions can nevertheless be accelerated at the right moment. The substrate is briefly negatively charged so that the desired ions are introduced in a targeted manner.

Practical relevance for semiconductor and quantum technologies
Lower process temperatures protect the sensitive components in semiconductor production and enable the coating of temperature-sensitive components. At the same time, a high layer density and associated resistance is achieved, which is crucial for a long service life of the components. The possibility of depositing layers on insulating substrates also opens up completely new applications in photonics and quantum technologies that previous methods could not achieve.

Cooperations and next steps
The Empa team has not reached the end of its research with these successes. The group is already working on optimising the process with machine learning and high-throughput experiments. At the same time, collaborations are being established with other research institutions and industrial partners in order to bring the technology into application. Research into ferroelectric thin films, which pose similar challenges in terms of precision and material purity, is already underway.

June 2025
The world’s tallest 3D-printed building is in Graubünden

The Graubünden cultural foundation Nova Fundaziun Origen has realised the world’s tallest 3D-printed building together with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH). The new landmark of the mountain village of Mulegns at the foot of the Julier Pass is called Tor Alva, the white tower. According to an ETH report, it was inaugurated in the presence of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and ETH President Joël Mesot. Parmelin expressed his conviction that the building “will become a place of cultural and touristic encounter” and can stop the place from dying out.

Tor Alva was printed in five months on the ETH Hönggerberg campus. The parts were then assembled in Savognin GR and transported to Mulegns by heavy goods vehicle along the Julierstrasse. This pioneering building, which is reminiscent of the tradition of Graubünden confectioners, demonstrates how digital construction enables load-bearing structures without formwork. Over four storeys, 32 sculptural columns of white concrete grow upwards, becoming increasingly slender and finally joining together at the very top to form a kind of open dome.

An industrial robot applied the concrete layer by layer. A new mix was developed at ETH for this purpose, as well as the innovation of a reinforcement that grows with the building together with the ETH spin-off Mesh and Zindel United. A second robot places ring-shaped reinforcement bars in the fresh structure every 20 centimetres. In addition, vertical longitudinal reinforcement bars were inserted after printing. In addition, the researchers developed a new test procedure that allows the load-bearing capacity of 3D-printed concrete to be reliably calculated for the first time.

Guided tours of the White Tower will be offered daily from 23 May. From July, it will also serve as a venue for theatrical performances. The tower in Mulegns will stand for around five years. After that, it can be dismantled and rebuilt elsewhere.

June 2025
sfb course in building automation HF increases efficiency in companies

Students on the Building Automation HF programme at sfb – Höhere Fachschule für Technologie und Management develop innovative projects for practical application, almost all of which are implemented, according to the press release. This benefits the Swiss economy, for example in the context of the Energy Strategy 2050 or other efficiency improvements. According to the sfb, the programme, which focuses on energy efficiency and building informatics, provides knowledge on how to operate the trades in a complex building as energy-efficiently as possible. 90 per cent of the final theses have a practical relevance, and it is not uncommon for students to make a career leap as a result. This is demonstrated, for example, by alumni Fabian Haist, who has completed further training to become a qualified building automation engineer HF and was available to answer questions for a series of sfb interviews.

Based on his experience as an electrical planner, Fabian Haist prepared for his next career step with the sfb further training programme. “It played a key role in helping me to reach my current position, as a lot of the content was a perfect fit for my job profile,” he is quoted as saying. As an energy engineer at the Office for Environment and Energy of the Canton of Basel-Stadt (AUE), he is now responsible for implementing the cantonal energy law.

In his diploma thesis, he planned an energy-related operational optimisation in a Basel school building and further developed the enforcement practice. According to Fabian Haist, the analysis has shown that even simple energy optimisations can lead to considerable savings: Energy savings of 15 per cent and cost savings of 17 per cent had been achieved in the Basel school building. The measures he has defined should now simplify the verification of operational optimisation.

According to the sfb, the further education programme in building automation takes six semesters to complete, provided that the student has completed relevant vocational training. In addition to building automation, the module content includes data security, digital construction, renewable energies and fire protection. Skills in leadership, communication and teamwork are also taught. Details are available at information events in person and online as well as from a further education counselling service. The next start date is 13 August 2025.

May 2025
Cooperation strengthens digital precision in infrastructure construction

Amberg Technologies AG from Regensdorf, part of the Amberg Group, is joining forces with Topcon Positioning Systemsfrom Livermore in the US state of California. The aim of the cooperation is “to enable interoperability between Topcon’s sensor solutions and Amberg Technologies’ software and hardware platforms for rail and tunnel applications”, the two international partner companies write in a joint press release. The background to this is the endeavor of Amberg and Topcon to be able to offer joint customers “fully integrated solutions”.

Amberg Technologies specializes in measurement solutions for the construction of roads, railways, subway railroads and other infrastructure. Founded in 1981, the Regensdorf-based subsidiary of the Amberg Group also offers measurement solutions for monitoring such infrastructure. Topcon Positioning Systems, which belongs to the Tokyo-based Topcon Corporation, develops, produces and distributes precision measurement and workflow solutions for the construction, geodata and agricultural sectors.

May 2025
New certificate verifies energy efficiency in operation

The Basel-based Minergie association presented its new Minergie Betrieb certificate in Bern on May 22. It is awarded to property owners who make a contribution to climate protection with low energy consumption and low operating costs, explained Minergie in a press release on the launch. While the existing Minergie building standard certifies structural energy efficiency, Minergie operation is intended to prevent incorrect or inefficient settings in building technology.

“The new Minergie Operation certificate now bridges the gap between planning, construction and operation by checking and certifying the settings of the building technology and the associated energy consumption based on automatically recorded energy data and evaluations,” Sabine von Stockar, Head of Education and Development at Minergie, is quoted as saying in the press release. “This ensures that the potential for energy efficiency is guaranteed during ongoing operations.”

For the first time, Minergie operation can be awarded after the building technology has been in operation for at least one year. The certificate is aimed in particular at “property owners with large portfolios and sustainable ambitions”, explains Minergie. In addition to the Minergie building standard, the certification process for Minergie operation can result in energy savings of 15 percent across the entire portfolio. The association recommends recertification after three years.

May 2025
Swissbau 2026 rethinks the construction industry

With a clear focus on content and new formats, Swissbau Lab 2026 is sending out a strong signal. The transformation of the construction and real estate industry will no longer just be discussed, but brought to life. The four key topics “Smart technologies”, “Digitalization in the planning and construction process”, “Circular economy” and “Climate change” structure the programme. Current challenges meet real solutions, which are jointly designed by partners from business, science and start-ups.

The event starts with a clear appeal to the industry. Tobias Hofmeier and Fabian Cortesi emphasize the role of Swissbau Labs as a networking platform for thinking and implementing the most pressing issues of the present. In 2026, the innovation workshop will not only be larger in terms of space, but also more in-depth in terms of content. The newly created workshop area in particular will create space for direct experience, practical applications and new technologies. This will be hands-on, interactive and directly on site. An additional trade fair day on Saturday will also focus more on interior design and contact with end customers.

Dialogue instead of individual opinions
Partners present current projects and pioneering solutions on the Main Stage. In a pointed, interdisciplinary manner and in exchange with experts. The contributions show how technological and structural innovation can work together if they are conceived in a networked way and implemented across disciplinary boundaries. Christoph Schaer from suissetec emphasizes the importance of synergies through digitalization. Markus Weber from Bauen digital Schweiz calls for a common language in the construction data space. Margarete Olender from the FHNW sees not only ecological, but above all economic potential in the circular economy. Sibylle Wälty from Resilientsy advocates robust local infrastructures as a response to climate change.

The daily live demonstrations in the workshop area make Swissbau Lab 2026 a trade fair of action. Innovations are not only presented, but demonstrated in real time. Technologies, materials and processes can be tried out, evaluated and discussed. Another highlight is the Speakers Corner, where projects, workflows and digital solutions are presented in pitch format and critically evaluated in the subsequent talk.

A place where new standards are created
In 2026, Swissbau Lab will once again be a place where the industry outgrows itself, with new approaches, genuine cooperation and the will to change. The challenge is no longer whether digitalization will come, but how it will become the new normal. Amidst a plethora of digital solutions, the question of how people, technology and value creation can interact optimally remains central.

For the Swiss construction and real estate industry, Swissbau Lab 2026 offers both orientation and exchange. Anyone who wants to actively shape change will find ideas, partners and inspiration here.

May 2025
Empa wins bridge builder

Matthias Sulzer is not your typical researcher. His career path took him from a trade to engineering studies to founding a company and finally back to research. Today he heads the Empa Department of Engineering Sciences, where he is helping to shape the built environment of tomorrow. His office is just as structured as his way of thinking. On a poster he drew himself, a mountain road shows the stages of a strategic development. For Sulzer, visualizations are not just a working tool, but an expression of pragmatic, goal-oriented thinking.

He recognized early on that sustainable change can only succeed if research and practice work closely together. Even when he founded his company, he focused on scientific cooperation. This attitude later led him to Empa as a senior researcher, where he led national innovation projects and translated scientific findings into concrete applications.

Innovation as a combination of systems thinking and responsibility
Today, Sulzer deals with a wide range of topics, from sustainable robotics and new materials to the decarbonization of entire energy systems. Its work is particularly impressive in the context of climate change. After all, the built environment is responsible for a large proportion of resource consumption. Sulzer sees this not only as a technological task, but also a social one. His vision ranges from closed material cycles to the recovery of atmospheric carbon. For him, climate protection begins in the laboratory, but it ends in application.

His department covers the entire spectrum of research, from molecular material developments to the evaluation of national energy strategies. From drones for infrastructure repairs to biocompatible implants, the work of the Empa teams is as diverse as it is relevant. According to Sulzer, it is crucial that the various disciplines work together. Where individual experts used to work side by side, today the focus is on real teamwork.

Research that empowers people
For Sulzer, however, the focus is not on technology, but on people. Research should not only be measured in terms of excellence, but must also empower the next generation to take responsibility. He sees himself as an enabler who creates spaces for scientific excellence. And he believes in the added value of teams in which individual strengths are combined to create collective intelligence. Where disciplinary boundaries are crossed, new solutions emerge, often with an impact beyond research.

With Matthias Sulzer, Empa is not only gaining a technically skilled head of department, but also a leader who brings together science, entrepreneurship and social responsibility. At a time when technological developments alone are no longer enough, Sulzer relies on attitude, cooperation and a clear vision. Research that works through people, for people.

May 2025
High-tech timber construction meets craftsmanship

For centuries, wood was regarded as a traditional craft material. Today, however, it is driving an ecological and technological revolution in the construction sector. Automation, artificial intelligence and digital planning are transforming the timber construction industry. The mix of proven carpentry skills and modern technology makes it possible to implement projects faster, more economically and more sustainably.

Hybrid systems
Hybrid timber construction makes targeted use of the respective advantages of timber and concrete. Load-bearing structures made of glulam are combined with reinforced concrete layers. Such composite ceilings enable large spans, reduce the weight and improve the physical properties of the building. Prefabrication increases efficiency on the construction site. Examples such as the Timber Peak in Mainz demonstrate the economic and urban development potential of this technology.

The potential of transparent wood
Researchers are working on a material that replaces glass: transparent wood. By removing the lignin and filling the cell structure with polymer resin, a material is created that lets light through, is robust and offers excellent thermal insulation. Applications range from windows and light-flooded façades to building-integrated solar panels. Ideal for energy-efficient architecture with high design quality.

3D printing with wood
Wood filaments enable the additive production of smaller objects with the feel and look of real wood. Although this technology is not yet suitable for structural timber construction, new areas of business are opening up in the fields of interior design, model making and individual components. Large-format printing with wood composites in combination with robotics and generative design is already under development.

Wood foam the next generation of insulation
Wood foam is a completely bio-based insulating material made from waste wood. Manufactured without synthetic binders, it offers good insulation values, is dimensionally stable and can be recycled. The first industrial applications are about to enter the market. Wood foam is a promising alternative to traditional foams, especially for projects with a focus on sustainability.

Augmented reality on the construction site
AR technologies bring digital construction plans directly to the construction site. Using tablets or AR glasses, fitters can view component positions and pipe systems with millimetre precision. This speeds up assembly processes, avoids errors and improves communication between the planning office and the execution team. Initial pilot projects show clear time and cost benefits.

Artificial intelligence as a planning assistant
From automated floor plan development to quality assurance on timber surfaces. AI is increasingly being used throughout the entire construction process. Particularly exciting are systems for material optimization that minimize waste and maximize the use of residual materials. Ageing simulations and adaptive machine control systems are also becoming a reality.

Robotics is revolutionizing manufacturing
Robotic arms that mill, screw and assemble are no longer a dream of the future. Today, collaborative robots work side by side with skilled workers. They take on heavy or monotonous tasks and increase precision. Research projects in Zurich, Biberach and Austria show that robots can be used economically in timber construction. The combination of AI, sensor technology and robotics will enable virtually autonomous production in the future.

Timber construction is becoming an investment in the future
The timber construction of tomorrow stands for efficiency, sustainability and design diversity. For investors and project developers, it offers opportunities to realize properties economically and future-proof. Especially where ESG criteria, construction time and location quality are decisive for market success. Intelligent timber construction is more than just a trend, it is a strategic advantage for Switzerland as a business location.

May 2025
ETH uncovers vulnerability in Intel architecture

Modern site development is based on digital infrastructures whose security is taken for granted. However, with the discovery of the “Branch Privilege Injection” vulnerability by ETH researchers, it has become clear that the risks in speculative CPU technologies are more serious than previously assumed. The vulnerability allows attackers to read privileged memory areas on shared processors. Byte by byte and at high speed. Millions of systems in private and public data centres worldwide are affected.

A boon for performance, a risk for security
The vulnerability originates from a concept that was originally introduced to increase efficiency. Speculative execution. The processor calculates computing steps in advance, a mechanism that can lead to authorisation errors at nanosecond intervals. Attackers use a so-called race condition in the branch predictor and thus overcome protection mechanisms between different users.

Cloud environments are particularly exposed
The threat is not limited to individual devices. The vulnerability is particularly critical in cloud computing, where different customers share the same hardware resources. The attack scenario makes it possible to access the storage areas of other users. A nightmare for anyone who relies on secure data storage. This means that the choice of location for digital companies also becomes a question of IT security architecture.

Architectural weakness with system
Ever since Spectre and Meltdown were discovered in 2017, it has been clear that speculative execution is a security minefield. The current gap is part of a series of systematic design problems. ETH professor Kaveh Razavi speaks of a fundamental architectural flaw. New avenues of attack are regularly discovered and have to be rectified via complex microcode updates.

May 2025
Location opportunities for Switzerland in the face of global change

The global economy is at the beginning of a profound transformation. Artificial intelligence has the potential to stimulate growth on a historic scale by 2035. Globally, up to 15 per cent additional GDP growth could be achieved, in Western Europe up to 13.8 %. However, for this boost to become a reality, transparent, ethically supported framework conditions are needed to create trust in the technology. Companies and countries are called upon to actively help shape the social and regulatory framework.

The pressure to transform is increasing
Switzerland is well positioned to play a key role internationally. 84% of CEOs in Switzerland introduced AI technologies in their companies last year, a sharp increase on the previous year. At the same time, the study shows that USD 7.1 trillion in value creation will be redistributed worldwide in 2025 alone. For companies in Switzerland, now is the time to rethink business models, utilise potential and strategically develop innovation-friendly locations.

Growth areas along basic human needs
Growth in the future will no longer take place along traditional industry boundaries. Instead, new ecosystems will emerge, for example in the areas of mobility, housing, food, energy and communication. In these networks, technology providers, utilities and industrial companies are working together on integrated solutions. Investing in this cross-sector cooperation at an early stage can open up new value chains and secure locational advantages.

Climate change as a counterforce
The positive potential of AI is offset by the burden of climate change. By 2035, there is a threat of a global decline in GDP of up to 7 %. At the same time, energy requirements will increase due to data-intensive AI applications. Targeted increases in efficiency, for example in buildings or production processes, can reduce CO₂ emissions and conserve resources. The challenge lies in taking a systemic approach to climate protection and digitalisation.

Linking technological innovation and sustainable development will determine the attractiveness of tomorrow’s business locations. Those who invest in trustworthy AI applications, form cross-sector alliances and at the same time assume ecological responsibility will position themselves in the competition for future markets. Switzerland has the potential to become a globally relevant centre of innovation if politics, business and society actively and jointly shape change.

May 2025
EPFL shows new gripping technology with potential

In everyday life, people instinctively reach for objects without knowing their exact position. Robots, on the other hand, usually require precise environmental information and complex calculations. The newly developed robotic hand from EPFL dispenses with this computational burden. Instead, the robotic hand uses soft materials, spring mechanisms and an intelligent design that enables human-like gripping without high-resolution sensors.

Self-organising movements with a93% success rate
The hand uses silicone straps, mechanical springs and a foldable robotic joint, supplemented by just 12 motors instead of the usual 20. Thanks to this reduced but optimally distributed control, ADAPT achieved a gripping success rate of 93% in tests with 24 objects, with a similarity of 68% to human movements. The interaction between material, mould and environment partially replaces classic programming, a form of mechanical intelligence.

From rigid machines to adaptive systems
Instead of controlling each joint separately, the robot hand follows only four main points of movement. Everything else is determined by physical interactions with the object. This not only reduces computational effort, but also creates robust systems that can deal with uncertainties and unknown shapes. In future, this flexibility will be supplemented by sensory feedback and AI algorithms. A hybrid approach that combines precision and adaptability.

New perspectives for robotics and locations with a future
The findings of the EPFL researchers are not only important for research, but also for industrial applications in unstructured environments – such as logistics, care, agriculture or urban service systems. Robots that act flexibly without permanent reprogramming open up new possibilities for automation and relieve the burden on skilled workers in specific areas where conventional systems reach their limits.

The ADAPT hand shows that intelligent robotics is not only created in the code, but also in the material. Investing in adaptive systems opens up new markets, from collaborative manufacturing to human-centred assistance systems. The EPFL project sends a strong signal about the role of research and site development in a world where machines will have to act autonomously and safely in the future.

May 2025
Expansion of the management team for data centre projects

Green Datacenter AG is expanding its management team. Markus Meier joined the company and management team at the beginning of May, the Aargau-based provider of data centres and related services announced in a press release. As Chief Construction Officer (CCO), Meier will be responsible for all of Green Datacenter’s own construction projects and those realised on behalf of customers.

“With Markus Meier, we are strengthening the organisation with an experienced leader in order to continue to implement the ongoing expansion of our high-availability infrastructures with high quality and efficiency,” Green CEO Roger Süess is quoted as saying in the press release. The new CCO is a qualified construction manager and has over 25 years of experience in managing construction projects, according to the press release. Meier’s professional background includes positions as Managing Director of the construction company Erne AG and Head of Master Builder Zurich at Implenia.

Green is currently building a new data centre in Lupfig and two data centres in Dielsdorf. “Our growth follows a clear strategic plan,” explains Süess. “We are setting new standards and strengthening Switzerland as a digital location in the long term.”

May 2025
New tool facilitates coordination between 2D and 3D

Revizto has added a number of new features to its integrated collaboration platform for the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry. As the Lausanne-based company explains in a press release, the new tools and improvements in Revizto 5.16 are designed to optimise workflows and enable smarter collaboration at every stage of a project.

“Every improvement in this version has been designed to enable teams to coordinate more efficiently and make more informed decisions in real time,” CEO and founder Arman Gukasyan is quoted as saying. “All these improvements are the result of extensive discussions with our customers and feedback from our users. This is just another step in our journey to create a new standard for collaboration in the AECO industry.”

New features include the ability for users to view a 2D sheet and a 3D model, including issues and markers, side-by-side, and the ability to instantly jump from a position in 2D to the corresponding position in the 3D model without having to switch between tabs. Further improvements relate to the selection field, object isolation and optimisation of the scheduler. The new “Required objects” collision function automates the coordination process, which can now also be carried out overnight.

May 2025
Modernization ensures fresh water in the spa

Shortly before Easter, the Wellness Hotel Stoos modernized the water technology in its Wellness & Spa. Aqua Innovation GmbH was involved as a partner, as the Rotkreuz-based company specializing in water and air treatment systems explains in a post on LinkedIn. The Aqua Innovation team put in a few extra hours to ensure that the system was back in operation in time for Easter.

Specifically, Aqua Innovation was responsible for the installation of a high-precision programmable logic controller (PLC) and the installation of a chlorine dosing system with integrated pH control. The new control system makes it possible to monitor and control all parameters from temperature, water flow and filter cycles to chemical water treatment centrally via the building management system. “We’ll save a personal test of the system for later,” writes Aqua Innovation with a wink in the article.

May 2025
More efficient cleaning solutions for construction and industry

According to a press release, the Frutiger Company based in Winterthur had a successful week at the Bauma trade fair in Munich with a lot of professional exchange. Many visitors took advantage of the world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment to find out about the newly structured product range.

There was particular interest in the MobyDick On tire washing system produced by Frutiger, a joint development with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, according to the press release. With its flow-optimized geometry and innovative nozzle positions, it sets new standards in terms of efficiency and washing power.

In addition to manufacturing MobyDick tire washing systems, Frutiger specializes in cleaning systems for dust control and rough cleaning of wheeled and tracked vehicles and other construction machinery (demucking).

All three divisions were on display at Bauma, newly divided into the Standard Line and the Tailor Made Line. The new structure of the portfolio allows for the fast and efficient provision of standardized solutions for common requirements and tailor-made systems for individual challenges.

Adaptive MobyDick systems were presented as an innovation in dust control. They have been expanded to include self-sufficient variants and offer improved flexibility on platforms with an integrated generator and water tank or on mobile towers. Frutiger also demonstrated a complete demucking system for cleaning construction and military vehicles. The solution helps to save costs for personnel, downtime and water consumption.

May 2025
Cyber threats require cross-border solutions

Cyber attacks are increasing in their sophistication and reach. The latest BACS semi-annual report shows how perpetrators operate internationally and what methods they use to bypass filters and reach new victims. Over 62,000 reports of cyber incidents were received in 2024. Private individuals are particularly frequently affected, but companies are also increasingly reporting CEO fraud, phishing and fraudulent prize draws.

New technologies, new tricks
Attackers are adapting. Instead of traditional text messages, they use RCS and iMessage to bypass security mechanisms. Deceptively genuine fake calls or the targeted flooding of email accounts with spam are now also part of the repertoire. Criminals do not shy away from misusing well-known brand names for their own purposes and spreading malware.

Digital dependencies as a risk
Global incidents such as the faulty CrowdStrike software update, which affected over 8.5 million systems, show just how fragile the digital infrastructure is. Delays in security standards such as the CVE program also underline the risks of one-sided technological dependency.

Swiss response Mandatory reporting
On April 1, 2025, the statutory reporting obligation for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure came into force in Switzerland. Operators in the energy, transport, administration and healthcare sectors are obliged to report serious attacks to the BACS within 24 hours. The regulation has been closely coordinated with international standards and EU directives and strengthens cross-border cooperation in the event of an emergency.

Early warning through international networking
In order to better manage global risks, Switzerland is intensifying bilateral exchanges with partner countries and organizations. The aim is to achieve an efficient, internationally coordinated flow of information on current threat situations and robust protection for critical infrastructures, both nationally and internationally.

May 2025
Digitally visible, locally present

In the digital world, two aspects remain as relevant as they are challenging: visibility and proximity. Their successful implementation is the key to success, especially for real estate professionals. This is because both sellers and buyers, as well as estate agents, often have regional roots.

At the same time, this presents an opportunity that SMG Real Estate’s Visibility can put into practice in the best possible way. The innovative solution places real estate agencies exactly where potential sellers are particularly present – in combination with a focus on the desired region. For as little as CHF 99, Visibility helps agencies to present themselves in the best possible light on ImmoScout24 and Homegate. This makes them visible where current and potential sellers are looking for reliable partners. This not only increases their reach in the relevant region, but also strengthens the professionalism of their presence – which leads to more sales mandates. In addition, visibility is maintained permanently, even if no advertisements are placed temporarily.

Banner placement with reference objects

Banner placement

Agency directory

Real estate price atlas

Agencies with a larger geographical focus also have the option of individually compiling additional districts.

In addition to placement in the search results lists, Visibility offers a whole range of other attractive benefits to strengthen and position the company’s presence in the desired district: Agencies can use their digital business card to convey a higher level of professionalism.

It is now also possible to display reference properties and highlight listed agents even more prominently.

The business card is also automatically ranked on Google, which further multiplies its visibility. Agencies are also displayed in the company directory and in the real estate price atlas as a regional expert in an optimal position, allowing them to increase their visibility by a further 400 percent overall.

Find out more:

swissmarketplace.group

May 2025
New AI agents to increase efficiency in real estate consulting

PriceHubble AG wants to set new standards for the finance and real estate industry. To this end, the Zurich-based company specializing in digital solutions for the finance and real estate industry has launched three specialized AI agents. “They combine high-quality real estate data with automation and generative AI”, PriceHubble explains in a press release.

The AI agent PriceHubble Companion provides advice and personalized insights into real estate. The PriceHubble Copilot supports work processes from valuing a property to answering complex customer inquiries. The PriceHubble Analyst is trained to recognize and interpret trends and developments. Each of the three agents can be customized and integrated into existing internal processes.

With the three new agents, PriceHubble aims to support banks, asset managers, property managers, portfolio managers and real estate agents in overcoming specific challenges. “AI agents are the logical next step – for us and for the market,” said Stefan Heitmann, CEO and founder of PriceHubble, in the press release. “Accurate, transparent data combined with sophisticated, customizable solutions are the key to excellent customer experiences, more efficient advice and real ROI in finance and real estate.”

May 2025
New technologies for sustainable building tested in practice

Swiss Prime Site (SPS) has identified promising start-ups in the fields of cleantech, PropTech, EnterpriseTech and other sectors relevant to the real estate industry together with the Schlieren-based start-up promoter Venturelab. According to a statement from Venturelab, the real estate company headquartered in Zug has completed the 25th edition of its Start-up Accelerator program. In collaboration with Venturelab, SPS’s initiative aims to connect with start-ups developing solutions that can be integrated into the company, focusing on areas such as smart buildings, healthy architecture, smart materials and circular economy, it added.

Ten start-ups were selected from the 70 applicants to present their solutions in a virtual pitch session at the end of March. From this group, four were invited to take part in the acceleration program to present their business models to the SPS Board of Directors. The “innovative approach to sustainability and alignment with the environmental priorities of SPS” was highlighted for three start-ups. These are ecoLocked, based in Berlin, which focuses on solutions for building with climate-neutral concrete, Vunanexus in Küsnacht ZH, which specializes in water purification, and Quanthome in Lausanne, which offers data-driven intelligence for investment decisions. They will hold further talks with SPS for upcoming projects and tests of the solution, the press release states.

“It’s rare to find a pitch competition where the organizers go out of their way to make it easy and advise you throughout the process,” Ruth Beniermann from ecoLocked is quoted as saying about the selection process.

May 2025
Flying robots as construction machines of the future

While heavy, ground-based robotic systems have long since found their way onto construction sites, they quickly reach their limits in rough terrain or at great heights. An international research team led by Empa and EPFL is now investigating how flying robots can close these gaps. Their vision is of mobile, flexible and autonomous construction drones that transport materials, erect structures and supplement conventional machines in a targeted manner. For example, for repairs to high-rise facades or in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Flexibility and precision from the air
Current research is focusing on the development of so-called “aerial additive manufacturing” technologies. Three concepts are being pursued: construction with modular components, the tensioning of tensile structures and the layer-by-layer application of building materials. Initial tests at Empa’s “DroneHub” show how swarms of drones could take on construction tasks together. There are a number of advantages, such as no fixed construction site, shorter transportation routes, reduced material losses and increased safety on the construction site.

Interplay between robotics, materials and design
Several disciplines need to work together for the use of construction drones to become a reality. Robust and lightweight construction materials are just as crucial as intelligent construction designs that are adapted to the limited precision of drones. At the same time, the technology requires advances in flight autonomy. The spectrum of future capabilities ranges from programmed route flight to autonomous analysis and adaptation during the construction process.

Supplementing rather than replacing
Despite all the advances, drones remain a supplement to existing robotic systems. Their limited flight time and payload currently still restrict their use. The researchers therefore see hybrid concepts as the key. Conventional systems erect the lower areas of a structure, while drones take over from certain heights. This could allow structures to be built flexibly and efficiently in the future. Even in places where conventional construction is not possible today.

April 2025