CSEM SA

Innovation and sustainable progress

CSEM is a private, non-profit Swiss research and technology organization focused on generating value for a sustainable world.

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Expertise & Industries

Here are just a few of our areas of expertise and the industries in which we operate. To see a full list of expertise or industries, click the explore buttons below.

Vision systems

Vision solutions, including high-performance line and image sensors, classification and recognition algorithms, optical encoders, and stand-alone smart vision systems.

Photovoltaic cells and modules

Developing advanced packaging solutions and novel testing methodologies to better simulate field conditions and get quicker feedback on quality.

Industrial automation

Technologies for enhanced manufacturing and process flexibility, making high-quality, small-to-medium-volume products a reality.

Energy systems

Developing innovative building technologies and working to integrate renewable energy sources, especially photovoltaic (PV) systems, into existing distribution infrastructures.

Printed electronics & sensors

Range of competences in materials and devices, using printing and solution process technologies for patterned photodiodes, organic transistors, and sensors.

Medical technologies

Developments range from innovative sensing technology for monitoring human vital signs to bio-signal processing and active medical device technologies. All ISO 13485 certified.

Thin-film and emerging photovoltaics

Developing next-generation solar cells with outstanding performance in terms of conversion efficiency, durability, integration capacity, and cost reduction.

Biosurface engineering

Development of cell-handling, sensors, and sample-handling platforms based on proprietary technologies, particularly using manufacturing processes suitable for upscaling.

Advanced micro-manufacturing

Development of digital microfabrication technology—mainly based on 3D printing and additive manufacturing—specifically for microsystems applications.

Scientific instrumentation

Developing complex, multi-technology systems involving significant physical layers. Topics include macro-MEMS, opto-mechatronics, and time and frequency technologies.

System-on-chip design & technology

Ultra-low-power, highly miniaturized solutions with wireless connectivity and computing with in-house processor cores including DSP and sensor interfaces, and power management.

Wireless & short-range communications

Cutting-edge know-how in low-power radio and standards-based or dedicated proprietary protocols for the next generation of ULP, adaptable, and robust wireless systems.

Microsystems functional packaging

Developing new integration platforms and corresponding technologies for advanced packaging solutions and general MEMS assembly across a vast array of applications.

Nanosurface engineering

Developing solutions focused on material and surface sciences, structuring processes, and engineering, and on understanding physical, chemical, and biological surfaces.

Microsystems & MEMS

Developing reliable MEMS products, from prototypes to small volume production. Focusing on macro-MEMS, soft-MEMS, harsh environment sensing, and MOEMS.

Food & agriculture

Smart technological tools and solutions to ensure the optimal use of resources and support sustainable farming across all the processes of the food supply chain.

Home & industrial automation

Smart, efficient, and reliable technologies and sensors for process and equipment optimization.

Space & astrophysics

Developing highly precise, compliant mechanisms or scientific instrumentation for use in space exploration, satellites, and telescopes.

Watchmaking

From groundbreaking silicon technology for new components to innovative, low-power, flexible, and wearable technologies for smartwatches.

Semiconductor industry

World-class microelectronic design services to fully integrated ASIC, system-on-chip, or semiconductor optoelectronic components.

Environment

Developing innovative sensors, integrated systems, and cutting-edge technologies to support the cleantech industry's drive to monitor and improve the quality of our air, water, and soil.

Biotechnology & life sciences

Miniaturization, integration, and microengineering expertise to develop new devices, tools, and systems for toxicology, pharmacology, and diagnostics and assays.

Healthcare, wellness & sport

Custom-made, innovative, non-invasive, and mobile healthcare solutions for sensors, implants, hearing aids, diagnostic tools, and laboratory instruments.

Energy & building solutions

Extensive experience in combining PV and energy management to offer energy-efficient concepts and develop effective solutions for the building sector.

Information & communication technologies

Hardware, software, and systems integration expertise for the next generation of connected applications—from wearables to aerospace.

Aeronautics & transportation

Technologies that improve the safety, usability, and sustainability of transportation solutions.

Security & surveillance

Technologies and solutions to combat counterfeiting, ensure the safety of food and drugs, and protect both the natural environment and humans from injury, harm, and disaster.

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RUAG Aerospace

RUAG Aerospace has come to fully appreciate CSEM's experience and high level of competence in the design and simulation of high-precision space mechanisms integrating flexible structures.

Ruag Aerospace has been successfully cooperating with CSEM's Mechatronics group on the development and manufacture of a corner cube mechanism for the IASI (infrared atmospheric sounding interferometer) on the METOP satellite. In the framework of this project, RUAG Aerospace has come to fully appreciate CSEM's experience and high level of competence in the design and simulation of high-precision space mechanisms integrating flexible structures.

Marie-Thérèse Ivorra, Site General Manager, Nyon

Saia-Burgess Controls

Saia-Burgess Controls has teamed with CSEM in several successful innovation projects. This collaboration has been very stimulating, engaging, and fruitful.

Saia-Burgess Controls has teamed with CSEM in several successful innovation projects, ranging from component-based architectures—with their high flexibility, robustness, and reliability—to the interconnection of sensor networks for building automation. We were thus able to address additional markets and redefine product architecture to introduce new features. The collaboration with CSEM has been very stimulating, engaging, and fruitful.

Konstantinos Kafandaris, Manager of the Controller & Interfaces business unit

Mie Fujitsu Semiconductors

By working with CSEM we will be able to develop an ecosystem that makes the benefits of our best-in-class low-voltage technology widely available to our partners.

It would have been highly unrealistic for us to achieve our 'bet' without CSEM's core technology.

Masahiro Chijiiwa, Executive Vice President

Melexis

We leveraged the excellent collaboration with CSEM, including enabling the transfer of know-how that will allow us to use this project as a technology platform for future circuit developments.

Melexis worked with CSEM on the development of a unique product concept, MLX73290, combining an energy effective RF-CMOS transceiver with a highly sensitive LF transponder targeting active tag applications and passive, keyless, automotive entry systems. We leveraged the excellent collaboration with CSEM, including enabling the transfer of know-how that will allow us to use this project as a technology platform for future circuit developments.

Damien Macq, Business Unit Manager—Wireless

U-NICA Micronics AG

By measuring fluorescence lifetime, U-NICA is able to offer its customers an additional verification parameter, which is unique for each fluorescent dye. This leads to a much higher security and opens new possibilities for unique customer codes.

Jonas Reinhardt, Director of U-NICA Micronics AG

UCLA University of California Los Angeles

CSEM is by far the best company we have worked with in the past 20 years. We not only recommend them without reservation.

CSEM is by far the best company we have worked with in the past 20 years. We not only recommend them without reservation but also hope for a future project when we can once again benefit from their exceptional expertise and unique skills.

Ian McLean, Distinguished Professor/Director, Department of Physics & Astronomy

Optics Balzers

The key factors to success on the development of a biosensor for water analysis were our close relationship with CSEM as a powerful research partner and a strong conviction with regards to the center's practicality in the market.

Optics Balzers, the manufacturer of optically coated components and assemblies, is collaborating with CSEM on the development of a biosensor for water analysis. The sensor is also intended to be used later to measure hormone residues in sea water. The factors that were instrumental in the Liechtenstein-based company launching the project were its close relationship with CSEM as a powerful research partner and a strong conviction with regards to the center's practicality in the market. The declared long-term goal is to develop a complete biochip that will be produced in large quantities in Optics Balzers' clean rooms.

Alex Vogt, CEO

Urgo Medical

The MEDILIGHT partners have shown the potential of blue light in patient care – and the story is just beginning.

Julien Steinbrunn, Advanced Research Project Manager

InSphero

Innovative thinking and efficient technology transfer make CSEM an ideal partner for us.

Over several successful past projects, CSEM has proven to be a reliable and innovative project partner for cell handling on the micro-scale. Innovative thinking and efficient technology transfer make CSEM an ideal partner for us. We have just started a new multi-year project with the center and can recommend CSEM to all those seeking competent partners in this field.

Jan Lichtenberg, CEO

Meggitt Sensing Systems

This excellent collaboration with CSEM has led to an enabling sensing technology platform with potential in a viation and beyond.

It would have been highly unrealistic for us to achieve our 'bet' without CSEM's core technology.

Bertrand Pichon, Research & Technology Manager