immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Technologie

  • Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino

    Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino

    Ticino has been part of the national Switzerland Innovation initiative since 2021. In November 2024, the park was officially recognised as the Zurich Park location. With the newly founded Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino SA, the canton, business and universities are joining forces to sustainably strengthen the region’s innovative power.

    Synergies with Europe and the Greater Zurich Area
    The strategic location makes the park a bridge between two European economic centres, Zurich and Milan. As a member of the Greater Zurich Area, Ticino is gaining international visibility and attracting investment and companies from innovative sectors. At the same time, there are close links with the MIND Milano innovation district, which was created on the Expo site in Milan.

    Competence centres for future technologies
    Three competence centres are currently being created in Park Ticino in areas with high potential: drone technologies, life sciences and applications in the leisure and healthcare sector. These centres promote research, development and knowledge exchange, creating an ecosystem that supports innovation from the idea to market maturity.

    Future location New Officine District Bellinzona
    The final headquarters of the park will open after 2032 in the New Officine District in Bellinzona. On 25,000 square metres, a platform for research and entrepreneurship will be created, embedded in a new urban quarter of 120,000 square metres with living space, companies, administration, culture and leisure. The site benefits from its location right next to Bellinzona railway station, as the northern gateway to Ticino after the Gotthard Base Tunnel.

  • Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Main Campus

    Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Main Campus

    The site extends over 115,000 square meters, structured around a central park that acts as a social and creative heartbeat, promoting communication and creating encounters. The striking main buildings, Main Campus HQ, HORTUS, ALL, SCALE, HOPE, Swiss TPH, ALBA Haus, Innovation Garage, Holiday Inn Express and the parking garages, create a visionary structure. Each building is more than just space. HORTUS is a prime example of the circular economy and sustainable urban development, ALL combines flexible working and laboratory landscapes in a new architectural idea, SCALE and HOPE are aimed at growing biotech and medtech industries, while Swiss TPH and ALBA Haus combine expertise in public health and research.

    Sustainability and community
    The cluster offers more than just space. Radically sustainable construction, energy recovery from photovoltaics, green roof landscapes and a self-regenerating campus park set new standards for urban development. With coworking, intellectual exchange zones and gastronomy, innovations are created in everyday life. Up to 8,000 workplaces will be created on the site and supplemented with sports, educational and leisure facilities.

    The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering
    In 2027, the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) will move into a new building on the campus. Endowed with one billion dollars by the Fondation Botnar, BIIE will focus on international immune-based research and therapies, especially for children and adolescents. As an anchor tenant in the ALL building, the institute will attract up to 300 researchers, putting Basel on the global map for cutting-edge research. The decision in favor of Basel was made against major international applicants from the USA, England, Israel and Singapore and underlines the importance of the research cluster in the region.

    Innovation, networking and prospects
    More than 100 companies, universities and international teams from biotech, digital health and medtech are working here on the challenges of tomorrow. Accelerator programs such as BaseLaunch, open community platforms and physical proximity establish a dynamic workspace in which knowledge transfer is lived directly. One third of the usable space is reserved for start-ups and founders and the link between science and entrepreneurial practice is promoted.

    The Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Main Campus brings a new quality of collaboration, spatial concept and scientific excellence. Basel’s vision of becoming a model city for circular innovation and applied research can become a reality here, internationally visible and locally rooted.

  • Capital secured for industrial scaling

    Capital secured for industrial scaling

    FenX has successfully completed a Series A financing round, raising 8.2 million Swiss francs. The round was led by the venture capital companies Supernova Invest from Paris and Move Energy from Amsterdam. Other investors included Çimsa, the Turkish cement producer and strategic partner of FenX, Zürcher Kantonalbank, the two Swiss venture capital firms 4see Ventures from Chêne-Bougeries GE and buildify.earth from Risch ZG and several family offices from Switzerland and France.

    “This investment is an important milestone on our path to decarbonising the construction industry,” said FenX co-founder and CEO Etienne Jeoffroy in a press release issued by his company. “With this funding, we are ready to fully validate our technology.”

    The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, which was founded in 2019, will reportedly use the fresh capital to industrialise its mineral foam technology, accelerate strategic partnerships and launch new product lines on the market. To this end, FenX is pursuing a low-capital model: customers from the building insulation industry acquire a licence for FenX technology and in return receive FenX foam additives tailored to their mineral raw materials. For production, it uses production equipment developed in collaboration with MASA WhiteHub, FenX’s German mechanical engineering partner. The licence holder is responsible for marketing the product.

    Çimsa, FenX’s first customer, is currently building its first industrial production line for mineral insulation boards based on FenX technology in Spain. The plant is scheduled to start operations at the end of 2025. “The low-capital business model gives the company a unique advantage for rapid scaling,” said Investment Director Marine Glon from Supernova Invest.

  • Ticino is one of Europe’s most innovative regions

    Ticino is one of Europe’s most innovative regions

    According to the European Commission’s Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2025, the canton of Ticino is one of the ten most innovative regions in Europe. In Switzerland, it is in second place directly behind Zurich. The high proportion of small and medium-sized companies that introduce process or product innovations is particularly noteworthy. The canton also occupies a top position nationally in terms of trade mark registration.

    University excellence with international networking
    The Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) strengthens the region’s academic innovative power with over 20 specialised research institutes. It specialises in areas such as biomedicine, computational science and finance. Its close integration into national and international funding networks makes the USI a key player in Ticino’s innovation system.

    Practice-orientated research for companies
    The University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) is also a key player in the innovation landscape. It has a high level of expertise in industrial automation, robotics and materials science and is characterised by the highest success rate in accessing European funding of all Swiss universities of applied sciences. Companies benefit from practical co-operation in applied research projects.

    Statutory innovation promotion with a broad impact
    The canton provides targeted support for innovation through the Economic Innovation Act. This offers comprehensive funding opportunities, from support for research programmes and investment projects to participation in trade fairs and internationalisation projects. It is implemented by the Office for Economic Development.

    Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino as a hub
    With the Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino, the canton is promoting the transfer between business and science. The emerging centres of excellence focus on key areas such as life sciences, ICT, drone technologies and the leisure industry. The aim is to develop technical and technological solutions that are highly relevant to the canton’s economy.

    https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/statistics/performance-indicators/european-innovation-scoreboard/eis#/ris?compare_year=2025&year=2025
  • Fribourg.swiss brand strengthens international position

    Fribourg.swiss brand strengthens international position

    The canton of Fribourg is sharpening its profile in global competition. With fribourg.swiss, the economic development agency is focusing on a clearer and internationally recognisable brand. The new platform is aimed specifically at companies, investors and innovation players in Switzerland and abroad. Thanks to the official domain extension “.swiss”, the affiliation to Swiss quality standards is emphasised in a compact, accessible and strong brand.

    Making excellence visible
    “fribourg.swiss is our strategic showcase to the outside world,” says WIF Director Jerry Krattiger. The focus is on companies, educational and research institutions as well as centres of excellence that shape the economy of the canton of Fribourg. Topics such as the bioeconomy, Industry 4.0, life sciences and technology transfer demonstrate the diversity and future viability of the location.

    Multi-channel communication for maximum reach
    The new brand is already active on all external channels, from the website to newsletters and international LinkedIn activities. The content is distributed worldwide via embassies, consulates and specialist networks. At the same time, the new brand identity also strengthens the internal perception of the economic strengths and creates a shared awareness within the canton.

    Visibility and identification
    With fribourg.swiss, the canton of Fribourg is opening a new chapter in location marketing. One that focuses on digital clarity, international reach and regional anchoring. The canton’s economic dynamism is thus becoming more visible and more widely recognised, both within and outside Switzerland.

  • Humans at the centre of the future of AI

    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.

  • A global centre for artificial intelligence

    A global centre for artificial intelligence

    A key component of this initiative is the new Alpine supercomputer, which was put into operation at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre in Lugano in February 2024. With over 10,000 graphics processors, it is one of the most powerful computers in the world and offers Swiss scientists an infrastructure that was previously only available to the largest technology companies.

    AI development with a focus on specialised industries
    Instead of developing general AI models, Switzerland is focussing on industry-specific solutions, particularly in the fields of robotics, medicine, climate science and diagnostics. EPF Lausanne has already published a medical AI model that is specifically tailored to the healthcare sector.

    Open and transparent AI models
    The organisation deliberately focuses on transparency and open source. In contrast to the proprietary models of large corporations, Switzerland’s new large language models should be comprehensible to everyone. This applies to the data used as well as the training methods and results.

    Research for digital sovereignty
    ETH Vice President for Research, Christian Wolfrum, emphasises the importance of Switzerland’s digital independence: “Science must take on a pioneering role so that AI is not left to multinational corporations alone. This is the only way we can guarantee independent research and digital sovereignty.”

    Large computing volume for ambitious goals
    The plan is to utilise ten million GPU hours on the Alpine supercomputer within the next 12 months. This corresponds to an enormous computing power, as the same volume would have to work continuously for 1,100 years with one GPU. Switzerland is thus setting new standards in AI research.

    AI for industry and administration
    The initiative is intended to benefit not only science, but also Swiss companies, start-ups and public administrations. Swisscom CTO Gerd Niehage sees the initiative as an important building block for Switzerland’s digital future: “It accelerates the digital transformation and creates new skills that our country needs to play a leading role in the field of generative AI.”

    International collaboration and networking
    To drive their research forward, ETH Zurich and EPFL are working closely with the Swiss Data Science Centre and around a dozen other Swiss universities and research institutes. The initiative is also part of the European AI Excellence Network, which comprises around 40 leading AI research centres in Europe.

    The initiative is thus sending out a clear signal. Switzerland is positioning itself as a leading global hub for the development of transparent and responsible AI technologies
    AI technologies.

  • Zug as a global centre for blockchain technology

    Zug as a global centre for blockchain technology

    The Canton of Zug is supporting the establishment of the “Blockchain Zug – Joint Research Initiative” with a financial commitment of around CHF 40 million. This innovative cooperation project between the University of Lucerne and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts aims to develop Crypto Valley into an international centre for blockchain research. The Cantonal Council gave the go-ahead for the project in February 2024.

    New research institute at the University of Lucerne
    A central component of the initiative is the establishment of a Zug Institute for Blockchain Research at the University of Lucerne. With nine new chairs, an interdisciplinary research environment will be created to analyse the social, economic and legal aspects of blockchain technology. HSLU is contributing its expertise from the fields of computer science, finance and engineering, thus creating a unique synergy between technological innovation and a humanities perspective.

    Lighthouse project with international appeal
    The aim of the initiative is to establish Zug as a global centre for blockchain research. Finance Director Heinz Tännler emphasises the importance of this project: “Blockchain has the potential to transform many areas of our lives. With this initiative, we are ensuring that we are at the forefront of this development.” This is not only an investment in the technology of the future, but also a strategic measure to strengthen Zug as a business location.

    Technology meets society
    Unlike many purely technological research projects, the “Blockchain Zug – Joint Research Initiative” takes a broad approach. In addition to the technical foundations, the effects on the economy, politics and society are also being analysed. This emphasises the unique character of the project, which not only aims to drive innovation, but also to understand and shape social transformations.

    Long-term perspective and sustainable funding
    The initiative is designed for the long term. After five years of start-up funding from the Canton of Zug, the research network is to be placed on a sustainable financial footing. An external evaluation after three years will determine the way forward.

  • Microsoft promotes Swiss AI innovation

    Microsoft promotes Swiss AI innovation

    Inait’s technology is based on two decades of neuroscientific research and represents a radical break with conventional AI approaches. The centrepiece is a cognitive platform called Digital Brain, which understands cause-and-effect relationships, learns from experience and adapts flexibly to new situations. This brings us closer to the goal of general, human-like intelligence. Beyond the narrow limits of today’s systems.

    Strategic alliance with global reach
    With Microsoft on board, inait now wants to scale its technology globally. The partnership focusses on joint product developments, market launch strategies and co-selling initiatives. The Azure cloud serves as the technological basis, while Microsoft’s international network paves the way into new markets. The first step will focus on the financial and robotics sectors.

    Revolution in fintech and robotics
    In the financial sector, inait’s AI is set to set new standards, for example through intelligent trading algorithms, more precise risk assessments and personalised advisory solutions. In industry, AI is creating new opportunities for adaptive robots that can operate in dynamic environments. The aim is for machines to master complex tasks autonomously and continue to develop.

    Switzerland as a business location and source of innovation
    The collaboration emphasises Switzerland’s role as a hotspot for pioneering AI development. For Microsoft Switzerland, the partnership is a strategic step. “inait’s neuroscience-inspired technology is groundbreaking,” says Catrin Hinkel, CEO of Microsoft Switzerland. “We see immediate opportunities for transformation, especially in fintech and robotics.”

    A milestone for cognitive AI
    The partnership not only marks a significant step for inait, but also an innovative impulse for the global AI market. The Digital Brain is a new approach that closes the gap between man and machine a little further and has the potential to change entire industries.

  • Strategic partnership for high-precision surveying technology

    Strategic partnership for high-precision surveying technology

    Pix4D, a company specialising in photogrammetry based in Prilly near Lausanne, has signed a strategic agreement with measurement specialist Topcon Positioning Systems, according to a press release. Topcon, headquartered in Livermore, California, is a developer, manufacturer and distributor of precision measurement and workflow solutions for the global construction, geospatial and agricultural markets.

    Topcon becomes an authorised distributor for the Pix4D photogrammetry software portfolio, which provides greater access to high-precision positioning and 3D mapping technologies. The offering is aimed at professionals in the fields of surveying and mapping, architecture, engineering and construction, energy and utility infrastructure, as well as public safety and forensics, according to the press release.

    The agreement to work closely with Topcon is “an important milestone in Pix4D’s growth strategy”, according to Andrey Kleymenov, CEO of Pix4D. “The combination of Topcon’s precision positioning technology and Pix4D’s advanced photogrammetry and GeoFusion algorithms creates a powerful set of solutions for utility, infrastructure and horizontal construction professionals worldwide.”

    “The integration of Topcon’s precision positioning technology with Pix4D’s photogrammetry expertise is another great example of the kind of collaboration that has always benefited the geospatial industry,” said Murray Lodge, Executive Vice President of Topcon Positioning Systems.

  • Europe needs more capital for start-ups

    Europe needs more capital for start-ups

    Europe’s economic strength depends to a large extent on technological innovation. However, access to capital remains a challenge for many start-ups in the growth phase. The new study “Mapping investors for European innovators”, published by the EPO’s Patent and Technology Observatory, shows that private and public investors play a crucial role in promoting new technologies. Compared to the USA, however, there is a lack of capital in Europe for later financing phases, which hinders the growth of innovative companies.

    Technology Investor Score as a guide
    To make it easier for technology-oriented companies to find investors, the EPO is introducing the Technology Investor Score. This new indicator shows the proportion of companies with patent applications in an investor’s portfolio. The TIS helps start-ups to identify suitable partners and promotes targeted investment in technological innovations.

    The study analysed over 6100 investors in Europe and 8000 investors in the USA and shows that 88% of European investors have companies with patents in their portfolio. However, only 8% of these investors focus primarily on start-ups with patents. A clear sign of restrained capital flows into innovative growth companies.

    Europe needs to invest in scaling
    A key problem in the European innovation ecosystem is insufficient funding in the late stages of development. While public investors such as the European Innovation Council, the European Investment Bank or national innovation agencies strongly support early-stage financing, there is a lack of private investors for scalable start-ups in Europe.

    The analysis shows that 62% of the 100 largest European private investors focus on early-stage financing, while only 22% invest in later stages. In comparison, 98 of the top 100 investors in the US are private investors, of which more than half invest specifically in scaling start-ups. This funding gap in Europe means that promising technology companies are moving abroad to find better conditions for growth.

    Targeted solutions for more access to capital
    To overcome these challenges, the EPO has added a new filter function to its Deep Tech Finder. The free online tool enables start-ups to conduct a targeted search for investors based on criteria such as financing phase, location and technology focus. This enables technology-driven companies to efficiently find investors who specialise in their specific needs.

    In addition, the Observatory for Patents and Technology offers a new information platform that provides detailed insights into financing strategies, investor profiles and the use of patents to raise capital. The aim is to support start-ups and SMEs so that they can realise their full innovation potential.

    Strengthening Europe’s innovative power
    The results of the study underline the need to optimise financing structures in Europe. Public funding alone is not enough to ensure the transition from idea to market maturity. More private capital is needed for later growth phases in order to keep innovative companies in Europe and remain competitive in the long term.

  • The Ypsomed Innovation Award 2025 was presented

    The Ypsomed Innovation Award 2025 was presented

    Yuon Control AG from Oberburg and based in Technopark Zurich has been awarded first place in the Ypsomed Innovation Prize 2025, which is endowed with 50,000 Swiss francs, Ypsomed announced in a press release. The spin-off from Bern University of Applied Sciences develops technologies for building automation and energy management. Yuon Control’s systems enable data from various sources to be used to analyse and optimise energy flows and building functions.

    Two other young companies were each honoured with a second prize of 25,000 Swiss francs. One of these is Santella. The start-up project at the University of Bern aims to reduce the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry. As a first step, Santella is developing vaccines for the poultry industry.

    The other second prize went to Xemperia from Bulle FR. The spin-off from the University of Fribourg aims to improve the early detection and monitoring of cancer. To this end, Xemperia is developing technologies that combine molecular diagnostics with data analysis and pattern recognition based on artificial intelligence.

    A total of 34 projects competed for the innovation prize. “We are delighted to be able to spotlight three outstanding projects again this year,” said Simon Michel, President of the Ypsomed Innovation Fund, in the press release from his speech at the award ceremony. They have “the potential to have a lasting impact on our economy and society – provided they find their way into practical application”. The Ypsomed Innovation Award aims to make a contribution to this.

  • Strengthening Europe’s innovation financing

    Strengthening Europe’s innovation financing

    Technology start-ups are crucial for the progress of disruptive innovations. However, financial hurdles are hampering their growth, as a new study by the EPO makes clear. A comparison with the USA shows that there is a lack of private capital in Europe, particularly in the later financing phases. This forces many innovative companies to look outside Europe for investors.

    A new evaluation system
    With the TIS, the EPO has developed a precise indicator to evaluate the specialisation of investors in patented technologies. The TIS is based on over 1000 individual values and indicates the proportion of patent-active companies in an investor’s portfolio. This enables start-ups to search specifically for investors who are particularly innovation-friendly.

    Public investors as a central pillar
    The study shows that public institutions play a key role in promoting innovation. Programmes such as the European Innovation Council, national funding agencies such as Innosuisse or Bpifrance and the European Investment Bank offer essential support in the early financing phases. However, there is a lack of seamless follow-up financing from private investors, which makes it difficult to scale up innovative technologies.

    A comparison of European and US financing models
    While 62% of private investors in Europe focus on early-stage financing, the proportion is significantly higher among the 100 largest US investors with a later-stage financing focus. 98 of the top 100 investors in the US are private, over half of whom specialise in growth financing. These differences illustrate the gap in the European capital structure.

    New digital tools for finding investors
    The EPO is expanding its digital tools to make it easier for start-ups to access capital. A filter has been added to the Deep Tech Finder that allows investors to be found specifically according to financing phase, location and technology field. This enables start-ups to efficiently identify suitable investors and improve their financing opportunities.

    Paths to a stronger innovation ecosystem
    The study emphasises the need for action to improve the networking of public and private innovation financing in Europe. With new digital tools such as the TIS and the Deep Tech Finder, the EPO is providing decisive impetus to close the financing gap and keep start-ups in the European market in the long term.

  • Smart City Strategy Zug

    Smart City Strategy Zug

    The challenges of urban growth, from the climate crisis to transport logistics and urban densification, call for holistic approaches. Zug is focusing on digitalisation as a key strategy. With its strong technological basis and the active involvement of all urban stakeholders, the Smart City Strategy Zug offers innovative answers to the questions of the future.

    Intelligent administration and citizen-centred services
    The city of Zug is striving for an efficient, citizen-centred administration that facilitates access to services and promotes transparency. Digital technologies, such as open data and smart administrative processes, offer citizens access to municipal services regardless of time and place. This customer-friendly approach strengthens the dialogue between the city and the population and makes Zug a pioneer for modern city administration.

    Strengthening social participation and digital skills
    With its smart city strategy, Zug is creating new platforms for the participation of all social groups. Digital channels expand dialogue and promote the right to have a say, especially for younger generations and less mobile people. Educational programmes are designed to improve the digital skills of both the population and the administration and prepare the people of Zug for the opportunities and challenges of the digital transformation.

    Smart mobility for sustainable mobility and quality of life
    Smart mobility is a central pillar of the strategy. Innovative technologies and alternative forms of transport are intended to reduce commuter traffic, cut emissions and improve the quality of life. Zug is focussing on real-time data, intermodal mobility and the expansion of emission-free modes of transport. The goal: clean, safe and sustainable mobility that enriches city life.

    Innovative business location
    With its dynamic start-up scene and innovative sectors such as fintech and blockchain, Zug creates an attractive environment for high-tech companies and qualified specialists. The Smart City strategy strengthens the location’s profile and connects companies that are committed to a sustainable economy and circular processes. In this way, Zug is not only positioned for the future as a place to live, but also as a business location.

    Sustainability and environmental protection through smart technologies
    Promoting energy efficiency and CO2 reduction is a key objective of the strategy. Digital applications such as “smart metering” enable a transparent presentation of energy consumption and promote the conscious use of resources. The city is focussing on the expansion of renewable energies and the intelligent use of existing infrastructure – a clear commitment to climate protection and sustainable urban development.

  • Swiss construction industry 2025

    Swiss construction industry 2025

    By 2025, sustainability will no longer be a trend, but a matter of course. Building certificates such as Minergie or SNBS and circular construction will take centre stage. Companies that reuse building materials and offer innovative solutions will secure decisive competitive advantages.

    Digitalisation enters the next round
    The digital transformation is reaching new dimensions. Technologies such as IoT, AI-based planning software and digital construction site management tools are being used more widely. At the same time, promoting digital skills among employees is essential in order to actively shape digital progress.

    Skills shortage remains a challenge
    The industry continues to be characterised by a shortage of qualified workers. Companies are increasingly investing in training and further education programmes, focusing on international recruitment and pushing ahead with automation. Modern working conditions and attractive corporate values are becoming increasingly important.

    Focus on urban development and densification
    Urbanisation calls for innovative concepts such as car-free zones, mixed-use districts and urban greening. At the same time, affordable housing remains one of the key challenges. Creative solutions are needed to meet the needs of the population.

    Energy and raw material prices
    The energy crisis and the cost of building materials remain a dominant issue. Local and sustainable building materials are gaining in importance, while legal requirements are driving the expansion of renewable energies. Solar installations and innovative heating systems are setting new standards here.

    Collaboration as the key to success
    The increasing complexity of construction projects requires closer cooperation between architects, engineers and technology providers. Companies that focus on partnerships benefit from synergies and can realise projects more efficiently.

  • New indoor golf facility with high-tech training in Hildisrieden

    New indoor golf facility with high-tech training in Hildisrieden

    Golf Sempach has expanded its golfing facilities to include an indoor area. According to a press release, from 17 January 2025 golfers will be able to train indoors in first-class conditions in Hildisrieden. Modern technologies allow for maximum training efficiency. For example, precise target lines for putting can be created on the indoor field by means of projection. The practice facility for pitching and chipping provides effective training for all types of shots.

    During swing analysis, radar systems provide detailed club and ball data with more than 40 parameters. Data acquisition is supplemented by a moving floor that can simulate variable ground inclinations. In addition, three high-speed cameras record movement and ball contact from every angle for later video analyses.

    In a fitness area, golfers can tackle targeted endurance, stability and strength training on the latest generation of Technogym equipment, thus creating “the perfect basis for a biodynamically optimised and precisely controlled golf swing”.

    As Golf Sempach reports, the Performance Centre sets new standards throughout Europe. “The high-end technology used meets Professional Tour standards and gives ambitious players in Switzerland access to world-class training facilities,” Daniel Weber, Managing Director and owner of Golf Sempach, is quoted as saying.

  • New technology for sustainable building insulation under development

    New technology for sustainable building insulation under development

    Aeroskin Tech is looking for investors. The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH) has developed a technology for insulating buildings based on aerogels. So far, Aeroskin Tech has developed prototypes of spray insulation materials and insulation panels, the ETH announced in a press release. Now the technology is to be introduced to industrial production in a pilot plant.

    “We want to offer sustainable and high-performance insulation for buildings,” says Daniel Sanz Pont, founder of Aeroskin Tech and research associate of Robert Flatt, Professor of Building Materials in Civil Engineering at ETH Zurich, in the press release. The insulation materials based on aerogels are characterised by a two to two-and-a-half times better effect than conventional insulation materials. This is due to the nanoporous structures of aerogels, explains Sanz Pont. In the tiny pores, the air molecules collide more frequently with the pore walls than with each other. “This effect makes aerogels the best thermal insulation materials of all,” says Sanz Pont.

    The young entrepreneur did not found the ETH spin-off with partners, but on his own. “Thanks to my diverse education, I combine many competences in my person,” explains Sanz Pont. “I have also received coaching and expanded my training and experience in the field of business management, and I have been supported by outstanding experts from ETH throughout these years.” For upcoming challenges and the next step, the young entrepreneur also has experienced mentors at his side “from whom I can learn more quickly”.

  • Hybrid small power plant promotes green energy in Graubünden

    Hybrid small power plant promotes green energy in Graubünden

    NewGreenTec AG has installed one of its hybrid wind-solar small power plants on the roof of the Plantahof. In future, it will contribute to the sustainable power supply of the agricultural training centre in the canton of Graubünden and eastern Switzerland. According to the start-up company, it will also enable pupils and teachers to experience the technology first-hand and expand their knowledge of renewable energies.

    “We are delighted to be promoting the sustainable development of agriculture in Graubünden with this project,” said Frido Stutz, Managing Director of NewGreenTec AG, in a company press release. “The combination of wind and solar energy is a pioneering step towards an environmentally friendly and stable power supply throughout the day and year.”

    NewGreenTec also recognises this as a symbol of the potential for a sustainable future: “With the power of wind and sun, the Rhine Valley is set to become another example of successful innovation in green energy supply.” The company’s first small power plant on an industrial building was put into operation in January 2023.

    The hybrid device combines solar panels, a small wind turbine and storage technology in a single unit and was developed in collaboration with Swiss universities of applied sciences. The wind turbines, which rotate around a vertical axis, are independent of the wind direction and virtually noiseless.

  • How to make wood glow

    How to make wood glow

    Empa researchers in St. Gallen have succeeded in endowing wood with new properties. Their latest breakthrough – luminous wood. This material is created by treating wood samples with the Hallimasch fungus, which emits a green light due to the natural substance luciferin.

    From natural phenomenon to laboratory success
    Luminescent wood is not a new phenomenon; Aristotle described the green glow of wood over 2,400 years ago. However, biotechnology has now succeeded for the first time in reproducing this process in the laboratory under controlled conditions. The decomposition of lignin preserves the tensile strength of the wood, while the fungal filaments produce the glow.

    Sustainability and creativity in perfect symbiosis
    This biohybrid material opens up new possibilities. In addition to technical applications, furniture, jewellery or other design elements could also be realised with the luminous wood. At the same time, this innovative use of hardwood contributes to sustainable cascade utilisation and reduces the energy recovery of the wood.

    Optimising the luminosity
    After three months of incubation, the luminous wood develops its maximum brightness. The process, which takes place under humid conditions, currently lasts around ten days. Researchers are working on further improving the luminosity and duration in order to make the material even more versatile in the future.

    A pioneering solution
    The luminous wood shows how natural resources can be transformed into new, sustainable applications using innovative technologies. The symbiosis of wood and fungus is a fascinating example of how research can contribute to solving ecological and economic challenges.

  • Quantum entanglement – the ultra-fast dance of particles

    Quantum entanglement – the ultra-fast dance of particles

    Quantum entanglement occurs when two or more particles remain in a state in which the state of one particle is inextricably linked to that of the other. This connection remains even over large distances, so that a change to one particle has an immediate effect on the other. Albert Einstein described this effect as “spooky action at a distance.” This fundamental property of quantum physics is an important building block for many pioneering applications.

    The role of time in quantum entanglement
    Although quantum entanglement is extremely fast, it is not instantaneous. Using high-precision measurement methods, TU Wien has established that the formation of entanglement takes place over a period of attoseconds. The research shows that although quantum processes have an immediate effect, they can be measured over time. A laser pulse releases an electron from an atom, causing another electron to be put into a higher energy state – these two electrons are then entangled.

    Measuring attoseconds – a glimpse into the unimaginable
    The time span in which quantum entanglement takes place is so short that it is measured in attoseconds – a billionth of a billionth of a second. These measurements were carried out using advanced simulations and ultrashort laser pulses and revealed that the “birth time” of electron entanglement is 232 attoseconds. This advance allows researchers to directly observe the dynamics of these ultrashort processes and recreate them in experiments.

    Simulations at the attosecond level – a breakthrough in quantum research
    By combining simulations and experiments, researchers at TU Wien were able to precisely reproduce the process of quantum entanglement. The results, published in “Physical Review Letters”, are considered a milestone and create new perspectives for applications in quantum cryptography and quantum computers, in which entanglement plays a central role. The possibility of analysing quantum processes in attoseconds opens up new avenues for the further development of quantum technological systems.

    The understanding of time in quantum physics
    Current research shows that the classical understanding of time is not sufficient to describe quantum effects. In the quantum world, states arise and disappear in tiny time spans that are almost incomprehensible to us. “The electron doesn’t just jump out of the atom, it’s a wave that slowly sloshes out of the atom,” explains Prof Iva Březinová from TU Wien.

    Applications of quantum entanglement – a technology for the future
    Quantum entanglement is much more than a fascinating phenomenon; it forms the basis for revolutionary technologies such as quantum cryptography, which enables extremely secure communication systems, and quantum computers, which perform potentially complex calculations faster and more efficiently than classical computers. By deciphering the ultrafast processes of quantum entanglement, researchers gain insights that make it possible to design these technologies securely and efficiently.

    Research into quantum entanglement on the attosecond scale represents a breakthrough in our understanding of quantum physics and offers enormous potential for the technologies of the future. The precise understanding of these processes allows applications such as quantum cryptography and quantum computing to be further developed, fundamentally changing the world of information processing and security.

  • Revolutionary building monitoring

    Revolutionary building monitoring

    Monitoring the statics and stability of structures requires maximum precision. This is precisely where the innovative metamaterial from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) comes in. This metamaterial, with artificially produced structures, exhibits exceptional elongation properties that conventional materials do not offer. Developed by a research team led by Professor Martin Wegener, the material can “communicate” forces and deformations over large distances, which was previously considered unthinkable in structural monitoring.

    Overcoming local limitations
    Metamaterials were previously limited to local interactions. The new material from KIT, however, enables the building blocks to interact with each other over long distances. Dr Yi Chen from KIT compares this property to “direct communication” within the material. A development that could revolutionise materials research and structural monitoring. This new type of structure opens up the possibility of monitoring buildings over a large area and reacting to structural changes at an early stage.

    Unusual elongation properties for greater safety
    One remarkable feature of this metamaterial is its reaction to elongation. It exhibits uneven expansion and compression in different sections. Unlike materials such as rubber, compression even occurs in some areas, which can indicate specific loads. These high sensitivity properties of the material make it ideal for engineering teams to closely monitor critical areas of a structure and react proactively to changes.

    More than construction monitoring
    The high sensitivity of the metamaterial opens up new possibilities not only in the construction industry, but also in biotechnology. The ability to precisely measure forces over large areas could also be used to characterise cell forces or for biological applications. The development therefore not only advances structural monitoring, but also offers new approaches in biological research.

  • The fireproof future of energy storage

    The fireproof future of energy storage

    The salt battery, an integral part of early electromobility, is a safe and durable storage medium that is convincing in various applications. In contrast to lithium-ion batteries, the salt battery uses a solid, ceramic electrolyte that is neither flammable nor explosive. In Switzerland, Empa researchers are working with industrial partners to further improve the performance and efficiency of this technology.

    Advantages over conventional batteries
    The solid-state architecture and high operating temperature of around 300°C make the salt battery particularly suitable for extreme applications such as tunnelling or offshore installations, where safety is a top priority. Due to its temperature resistance and low-maintenance design, it is also used for the emergency power supply of mobile phone antennas, which have to work reliably for decades even under harsh conditions.

    Economic efficiency and challenges
    One disadvantage of the salt battery is its high operating temperature, which requires a basic consumption of energy. Empa researchers such as Meike Heinz and Enea Svaluto-Ferro are therefore working on cell structures that enable the battery to heat itself during use and thus work more efficiently. Despite the additional energy requirement, the salt battery is considered more economical and stable than many alternatives in certain applications.

    Resource-saving raw materials and recycling systems
    Another advantage is the availability of the required raw materials: Sodium and aluminium are inexpensive and plentiful, making battery production cost-effective and sustainable. Empa’s current research focus is on reducing the nickel content in the cells in order to further reduce the ecological footprint. In future projects, zinc could even replace nickel – an option that could further improve access to sustainable energy storage systems.

    Future prospects
    As research progresses, the salt battery could find its way from specialised fields of application to broad, stationary applications. Its use as a long-lasting and safe storage system for residential areas or neighbourhoods is being seriously considered. It thus offers an innovative alternative to lithium-ion batteries and shows how research at Empa can set the course for the future of energy storage.

  • Breakthrough in quantum computing technology

    Breakthrough in quantum computing technology

    Quantum computers could fundamentally change our understanding of problem solving and calculations in the near future. However, the technology still faces a crucial hurdle – the error-proneness of quantum bits, which are the central building blocks of quantum computers. Google has now reached a significant milestone with its latest success in quantum error correction.

    Researchers at Google’s Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab have managed to combine 97 error-prone quantum bits into one logical quantum bit that has a significantly lower error rate. This is an important step on the way to error-tolerant quantum computers that could perform complex calculations in the future.

    Challenges of quantum error correction
    The biggest challenge for quantum computers is the high probability of errors during computing operations. In current systems, the probability of error is between 0.01 and 1 per cent, depending on the operation. As quantum computers potentially require thousands of calculation steps, this means that the possibility of errors increases exponentially. Without effective error correction, the advantages of quantum computers would be almost impossible to utilise in practice.

    The Google researchers developed a method in which quantum information is distributed across several quantum bits. Measurement bits ensure the stability of the states without directly changing the information. This redundant approach, which is also used in classical computers, led to the formation of a more robust logical quantum bit.

    A decisive advance – but not yet the goal
    Google was able to achieve a critical error threshold by reducing the error rate of a 97-qubit quantum bit system to half that of a 49-qubit system. This progress is highly rated by experts and can be compared to the groundbreaking results of 2019, when Google demonstrated for the first time that quantum computers can outperform conventional computers in certain tasks.

    Despite this promising development, quantum research still faces huge challenges. The next step is to perform basic computing operations with the stabilised logical quantum bits. In the long term, these stable bits will be used to enable complex and fault-tolerant calculations.

    Fault-tolerant quantum computers and their application
    Although the progress made so far is impressive, there is still a long way to go before quantum computers are able to solve really complicated problems. It is estimated that around 1457 physical quantum bits are needed to achieve an error rate of 1 in 1,000,000 – a minimum requirement for solving simple problems.

    For complex challenges such as breaking modern encryption methods, even thousands of logical quantum bits are required. Therefore, further progress in quantum error correction and more efficient algorithms are urgently needed to reduce the required number of physical quantum bits.

    A clear path ahead
    The current results from Google and other research groups form a solid basis for the development of the quantum computers of the future. While many technical hurdles remain, recent advances are making the goal of a powerful, fault-tolerant quantum computer more tangible. Whether and how the technology will become established in practice remains to be seen, but the outlook is now clearer than ever before.

  • Fresh capital for the decarbonisation of real estate

    Fresh capital for the decarbonisation of real estate

    The software service provider Optiml has secured fresh capital totalling USD 4 million in a pre-seed financing round. According to a press release published on LinkedIn, the company intends to continue supporting the property market with software as it takes steps towards decarbonisation in the sector. As a service provider (Software-as-a-Service/SaaS), Optiml wants to develop programmes that facilitate data management and provide tools for asset and portfolio decisions. In doing so, the company takes into account constantly changing regulations and market conditions, according to the press release. With software supported by artificial intelligence, property companies and owners can plan their refurbishment and renovation work in line with the market and incorporate decarbonisation targets for their properties.

    The refurbishment and decarbonisation software from the spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technologyin Zurich(ETH), which was founded in 2022, is based on years of research in the ETH Sustainability and Technology Group (SusTec). It uses science-based optimisation algorithms.

  • Digital next gen and AI usher in a new era

    Digital next gen and AI usher in a new era

    Like many other sectors, the construction and property industry is facing major challenges. Digitalisation is progressing inexorably, revolutionary technologies are emerging and sustainability requirements are constantly increasing. There is also a shortage of specialists with digital skills. “Our response to these challenges is the establishment of the ‘Digital Next Gen’ Expert Group,” says Genova. “Our aim is to bring together digital talent from across the industry and work together on innovative solutions for a sustainable and digitalised future.”

    Genova brings extensive expertise from his professional career and his studies. A trip to China was particularly formative, where he gained valuable insights into digital transformation. The Digital Next Gen initiative offers him a platform to use his skills and drive forward the digital transformation in the construction and property industry.

    Objectives of the “Digital Next Gen” Expert Group
    Establishing a centre of excellence for digital technologies and trends to effectively tackle the digital challenges facing the construction industry.

    Identify and promote innovative digital solutions and business models in Switzerland

    Creating bridges between research, business and practice in order to put innovative ideas and technologies into practice more quickly.

    “We aim to play a leading role in shaping the digital transformation in the construction industry,” emphasises Genova.

    Opportunities and challenges of the digital evolution
    Digitalisation offers significant opportunities for the construction industry, such as efficiency gains, cost reductions, more environmentally friendly construction practices and the development of new business models. However, there are also challenges such as high investment costs, data protection issues and a shortage of skilled labour. “We must tackle these challenges with determination in order to fully exploit the opportunities of digitalisation,” says Genova. “The future belongs to the brave and the pioneers, and we are ready to take on this role.”

    Upcoming digital technologies and trends
    The construction industry is at the beginning of a new era, characterised by groundbreaking digital technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT) as well as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are some of the key technologies that will revolutionise the industry. “We are ready to pave the way for this digital revolution and face the challenges that lie ahead,” explains Genova.

    Talent sought for the Expert Group
    The Expert Group is looking for talented individuals with extensive expertise in digital technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, AR/VR and 3D printing. In addition to technological skills, an innovative spirit, experience in the construction industry, the ability to work in a team and an understanding of sustainable construction practices are important. “We are counting on a new generation of talent who are ready to take the lead in this technological revolution,” concludes Genova.

    Digitalisation is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity to fundamentally transform the construction and real estate industry. The “Digital Next Gen” Expert Group is ready to actively shape this transformation and create a sustainable, digitalised future.

  • New wooden apartment blocks with innovative TS3 technology

    New wooden apartment blocks with innovative TS3 technology

    It only takes a few minutes’ drive to separate Zurich city centre from Zollikerberg, a part of the village of Zollikon. Having just stood on Sechseläutenplatz in front of the opera house, wide meadows and self-picking fields open up shortly afterwards. Just a stone’s throw away from Forchstrasse, which directly links the town and the countryside, two wooden apartment blocks were completed last year – on the site of a farm that is still inhabited and farmed.

    Harmony between tradition and modernity
    Sheep used to graze regularly on the estate’s large meadow. Today, two four-storey buildings with a total of 22 rental flats tower above the grass. The two apartment blocks form a harmonious ensemble, which could possibly be supplemented by a third building at a later date, should densification be required. At the start of planning, it was not yet clear whether the buildings would be timber or solid construction. The clients had not made any specific specifications when they announced a private competition in 2018. However, chance favoured timber construction: the Zurich-based firm Merkli Degen Architekten, which was invited to take part in the competition and won, was working with Timbatec AG at the time. Together with the University of Applied Sciences Biel and ETH Zurich, the well-known Swiss engineering firm was developing a new connection technology to bridge larger spans with cross-laminated timber panels – without beams or additional intermediate supports.

    The future of construction
    In future, it should therefore be possible to achieve with wood what was previously only possible with reinforced concrete. TS3 connection technology was still in its infancy in 2018, but is now well established. Solid timber panels that can form entire floor slabs open up completely new possibilities for timber construction.
    “It was purely by chance that we became aware of TS3,” explains Ueli Degen, one of the founders of Merkli Degen Architekten. “We were originally talking to the engineers at Timbatec about another timber construction project.”

    They told us about the development of their latest connection system and presented us with an example. This ground-breaking technology has stayed with us ever since. At some point, we came up with the idea of using TS3 for the construction project in Zollikerberg. Before deciding whether to use timber or solid construction, thorough investigations and comparisons were carried out. In the end, the timber design prevailed, which was later realised by the company Holzbau Oberholzer GmbH. By using a timber building, it was possible to create a harmonious connection to the existing farmhouse, which is also made of wood.

    The combination of a timber construction with TS3 technology also promised to be an economically attractive solution that would also significantly shorten the construction time. Nevertheless, it took a while before the clients decided in favour of timber construction. Five years ago, when the buildings were planned, a lot of persuasion was still needed to push through a timber construction of this size.

  • Innovation and networking in the Swiss electrical industry

    Innovation and networking in the Swiss electrical industry

    The newly launched ineltec 2024 offers a platform for over 140 exhibitors to showcase their latest products and services in the fields of electrical engineering, building automation, e-mobility and more across 11,000 square metres of exhibition space. The trade fair not only attracts a large number of experts, but also decision-makers from the entire industry who are looking for innovative solutions and sustainable technologies. The topics of e-mobility and smart building technologies are a particular focus, as these areas are expected to undergo decisive developments in the coming years.

    Interactive platforms for professional dialogue
    In addition to the traditional trade fair experience, ineltec reloaded also offers digital access via its content platform ineltec.ch, where exhibitors and visitors can network and gather information in advance. In addition, the two marketplaces with bistros and an interaction zone ensure a lively exchange and offer space for daily events such as innovation pitches and moderated discussions. These formats are designed to provide participants with new ideas and practical knowledge for their day-to-day work.

    Focus on young talent and networking
    Another focus of ineltec 2024 is the promotion of young talent and networking among industry participants. The events, such as the start-up pitches and after-work events, not only provide a platform for new ideas, but also offer valuable networking opportunities. The aim is to build a bridge between established companies and innovative start-ups and at the same time actively involve young talent in the industry.

    Future-oriented discussions and further training
    ineltec 2024 also places a strong focus on further training and discussions on key industry topics such as the integration of AI in building automation and the impact of ESG directives on electrical engineering. By participating in these round tables and presentations, trade visitors will gain valuable insights into the future development of the electrical industry and can thus prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.

    Ineltec 2024 promises to be an unmissable event for all electrical industry professionals, providing not only a showcase for technological innovations, but also a central platform for professional exchange and training.

  • High-temperature solar power plants for continuous energy supply

    High-temperature solar power plants for continuous energy supply

    The centrepiece of 247Solar’s technology is a high-temperature heat exchanger developed by David Gordon Wilson, Professor Emeritus at MIT. By integrating this heat exchanger into a conventional turbine similar to a jet engine, efficient and emission-free energy generation becomes possible. The turbine utilises hot air, which is heated to around 1,000 degrees Celsius by solar energy, to produce both electricity and heat.

    Solar power plant with integrated energy storage
    An innovative component of this system is combined heat and power generation, supplemented by thermal energy storage. These store heat in solid materials, which can then drive the turbine when solar radiation is not available. This enables a continuous energy supply, regardless of the time of day and weather conditions. The generation capacity of the model presented is 400 kilowatts of electricity and 600 kilowatts of heat.

    The modular design of the system offers a wide range of possible applications, especially for remote or self-sufficient communities. This technology is ideal for combining with other renewable energy sources such as wind power to provide a holistic and sustainable energy supply.

    Bruce Anderson, Managing Director of 247Solar, emphasises that the main aim of developing this system was to overcome the intermittency issues of conventional renewables. The ability to provide uninterrupted energy represents a significant advance in the utilisation of renewable energy sources and could play a key role in the global energy future.

  • Installation work for smart meters

    Installation work for smart meters

    Cablex, the Gümligen-based specialist for network infrastructure, has been selected as BKW ‘s contractual partner in a tender. According to a press release, Cablex will be responsible for the so-called smart meter rollout for BKW. This involves the replacement of 400,000 electricity meters with modern smart meters. Cablex, a wholly owned subsidiary of Swisscom, will install 500 new Kamstrup OMNIPOWER smart meters every day. The campaign is intended to contribute to the Energy Strategy 2050.

    Cablex was selected by BKW because the company has expertise in the implementation of nationwide ICT and smart infrastructure projects, including relevant experience with smart meter solutions. According to the press release, the changeover should be less disruptive for customers: the electricity will be switched off for around 15 minutes to replace the meters and the entire installation will take around one hour.

  • Opening of the new innovation park near the Paul Scherrer Institute

    Opening of the new innovation park near the Paul Scherrer Institute

    The Innovaare park was opened on 25 April in the presence of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and State Governor Dieter Egli. According to a press release, the innovation park comprises 23,000 square metres of clean rooms, laboratories, precision workshops, offices and meeting rooms. “To date, we have attracted 21 companies, including a total of 15 spin-offs from the PSI, ETH or FHNW, two technology transfer centres and large international companies”, CEO Robert Rudolph is quoted as saying in the press release. “The overall occupancy rate is around 80 per cent and we are very confident that we will be able to increase this even further in the coming months.”

    The new innovation park is located in the immediate neighbourhood of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). This is a strategic partner and the largest tenant in Park Innovaare. The Innovaare Park focuses on photonics, quantum technologies, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and semiconductor technologies as well as energy and sustainability.

    “New findings, methods and specialists from research are to be made accessible to the economy. This will further strengthen Switzerland’s high level of competitiveness”, Christian Rüegg, Director of the PSI, is quoted as saying in the press release.

    Park Innovare is Switzerland Innovation‘s sixth location. “Switzerland has been one of the most innovative countries in the world for years. In order for marketable products and services to emerge from our excellent education and research, our universities must be linked to the economy in the best possible way”, Andreas Rickenbacher, President of Switzerland Innovation, is quoted as saying. Park Innovaare is the best example of how cutting-edge research can be optimally linked with the economy.