Address: Rue Jaquet-Droz 1, 2002 Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Microtechnology, Nanotechnology, Systems Engineering, Photonics
CSEM, short for Centre Suisse d’Electronique et de Microtechnique and also called the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, was created in 1984 by merging three Neuchâtel bodies: the Swiss laboratory for watchmaking research, the centre of electronic horology and the Swiss foundation for research in microtechnology. It is a public-private research and technology organisation, not a university, and its headquarters are in Neuchâtel.
Over the years CSEM has added locations elsewhere in Switzerland. Alpnach opened in 2001, Landquart in 2007, and Bern in 2022, while the Muttenz site moved to Allschwil in 2022. In 1997 the organisation also took over the former micro-optical laboratories of the Paul Scherrer Institut in Zurich, where it is now based at the Technopark.
The work addresses industrial needs in areas such as digital technologies, precision manufacturing and sustainable energy. Its stated mission is to strengthen Swiss industry by transferring research into products and processes, and it also helps entrepreneurs start new companies.
Domains taught:
AI and Machine Learning, Automation, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Computer Vision, Data Analytics, Electrical and Electronics, Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, Manufacturing, Materials, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Metrology, Nanotechnologies, Optics, Physics, Process Control, Project Management, Quality, Robotics, Signal Processing, Statistics, Telecommunications, Thermodynamics
Diplomas*:
Doctor, Master
Status:
Private
Partnerships:
Numerous partnerships with Swiss and international companies for contract research, technology transfer, and creation of start-ups. Collaborates with universities (e.g., EPFL, UniNE) for PhD programs and research.
Research:
Applied research and development in areas like wearable medical devices, IoT systems, precision manufacturing, photovoltaic technologies, quantum technologies, and advanced robotics.
Famous Alumnis:
N/A
International recognition**:
Number of staff***:
550
Current students***:
50
Foreign students***:
20%
Cumulative former students***:
200
Pros
Leading RTO for applied micro and nanotechnologies, with a strong focus on industrial innovation and technology transfer. Excellent for industry-oriented PhD research.
Cons
Primarily an R&D organization. Degrees through partner universities.
Best For
PhD students and researchers interested in applied research and technology development in microtechnology, nanotechnology, and related systems engineering, often with a view to industrial application.
Empa - Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt is a public research institute with materials science, nanotechnology and the sustainable built environment.
Paul Scherrer Institut in Villigen is a public research institute working on materials science and energy research.
Idiap Research Institute in Martigny is private and focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Tampere University in Finland is public, with signal processing, photonics and automation.
Aalto University, also Finnish, is public and covers engineering with information and computer science.
Universiteit Twente in the Netherlands is public and known for nanotechnology and biomedical engineering.
Germany's Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena is public and noted for optics, photonics and materials science.
*our own picks (our criteria: a mix between domains, diploma delivered, reputation and size), but obviously too many criteria for an apple-to-apple ranking.
FAQ
What is CSEM?
It is a Swiss research and technology organisation with both public and private backing. Its role is to carry technology from the laboratory to industrial use.
When and how was it formed?
It dates from 1984, when it was formed by merging three institutions in Neuchâtel. They were concerned with watchmaking research, electronic horology and microtechnology.
Where is CSEM based?
The headquarters are in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Further sites include Alpnach, Landquart, Bern, Allschwil and Zurich.
When did the other sites open?
Alpnach opened in 2001 and Landquart in 2007. Bern opened in 2022, the year the Muttenz site moved to Allschwil.
Which industries does CSEM serve?
Fields named by the organisation include digital technologies, precision manufacturing and sustainable energy. Companies approach it for development and technology transfer.
Does CSEM give degrees?
No, it is not a university.
How can a company or researcher get in touch?
CSEM presents its technology areas and contacts on its official website. Interested parties should use the contact details given there.
Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Biomedical Sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), Photovoltaic, Robotics, Wearable Technology
*: without any judgment of the quality, readers are strongly encouraged to check the official status of the exact diploma envisioned as many universities have a mix of recognized diplomas, not recognized, “co-delivered,” “equivalent to”, “some pathways” (…), can change over time, and can be named differently from one country to another.
**: international reputation: is based on some criteria that do not mean much in some domains or specialties (number of researchers, of scientific publications, on budget ….). Our approximate 1-4 scale:
known locally
known locally and internationally
is listed in some of the world university’s classifications
is listed among the 20 firsts in some of world university’s classifications
***: estimated numbers, based on online sources and/or feedbacks. The numbers can vary greatly depending on school organisation (ex.: school is part of a group, it employs internal staff or external consultants or has public staff without employing them …). Refer to all the links provided to have accurate and updated numbers.
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