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.

Microsystems & MEMS

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

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.

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.

Energy systems

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

Nanosurface engineering

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

Advanced micro-manufacturing

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

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.

Microsystems functional packaging

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

Scientific instrumentation

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

Biosurface engineering

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

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.

Printed electronics & sensors

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

Thin-film and emerging photovoltaics

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

Industrial automation

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

Home & industrial automation

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

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.

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.

Information & communication technologies

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

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.

Biotechnology & life sciences

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

Watchmaking

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

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.

Space & astrophysics

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

Semiconductor industry

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

Aeronautics & transportation

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

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Girard-Perregaux

CSEM's technological contribution complements the technical watchmaking expertise and experience of Girard-Perregaux.

Our company, a brand of the Sowind Group, is developing—together with CSEM—a new escapement device for mechanical watches. Etched out of a single piece of silicon in their clean room, the key component of this tiny device delivers minute increments of energy, driving a timepiece with unparalleled precision. CSEM's technological contribution complements the technical watchmaking expertise and experience of Girard-Perregaux.

Digital Switzerland

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

Tobias Pforr, founder, RedRock and DigitalSwitzerland coach

Poken

CSEM has a unique track record in the field of ultra-low-power systems, is familiar with existing IP portfolios, and has system-on-chip (SoC) expertise. You just cannot find that kind of know-how in large semiconductor manufacturing R&D departments.

CSEM's know-how in ultra-low-power design fits perfectly with our need to extend battery life: CSEM has a unique track record in the field of ultra-low-power systems, is familiar with existing IP portfolios, and has system-on-chip (SoC) expertise. You just cannot find that kind of know-how in large semiconductor manufacturing R&D departments.

Stéphane Doutriaux CEO and founder

BASF

CSEM's R&D activities in the area of surface engineering are currently expanding and complement nicely BASF's existing competences in this field.

The collaboration between CSEM and the former Ciba legacy (now a part of BASF) in the area of nano- and microtechnology and printed organic electronics was important to building up new competences within the company. Such technology platforms are also of great importance to BASF. CSEM's R&D activities in the area of surface engineering are currently expanding and complement nicely BASF's existing competences in this field.

Andreas Hafner, Senior Innovation Manager

EM Microelectronics

Our EM9301, a Bluetooth Smart (Bluetooth Low Energy) controller, is yet another example of the fertile collaboration we have enjoyed with CSEM for decades.

Our EM9301, a Bluetooth Smart (Bluetooth Low Energy) controller, is the result of a combination of CSEM's low-power radio chip technology and EM Microelectronic's innovative low-voltage design. It is yet another example of the fertile collaboration we have enjoyed with CSEM for decades already and which demonstrates that Swiss microelectronics is attractive and remains competitive, even in Asia.

Michel Willemin, CEO

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

Renata

Mit dem CSEM zusammenzuarbeiten bedeutet auf breit abgestützte Kompetenzen und innovative Denkweise zurückzugreifen, um das Ziel der Technologieführerschaft in Reichweite zu bringen.

Daniel Hunziker, Head of Strategic Projects

Swatch Group

The new Bluetooth chip we have developed with our long-standing partner CSEM has exceptional features specially designed for small connected objects and above all, of course, watches.

Nick Hayek, CEO

Sigrist-Photometer

Working with CSEM is incredibly helpful because they are outside your business and yet focused on exactly the same problems.

Alois Amstutz, Managing Director

Semtech

Semtech and CSEM have a relationship that goes back over ten years. We value CSEM's innovative capability and close collaboration and we hope to continue the strong relationship we have with them.

Semtech and CSEM have a relationship that goes back over ten years. This successful partnership has resulted in many co-developments and the transfer of many technologies. CSEM's ability to bring advanced wireless and sensing technologies to Semtech has been instrumental in Semtech's success in these areas. We value CSEM's innovative capability and close collaboration and we hope to continue the strong relationship we have with them.

Alain Dantec, Senior Vice President, Advanced Communications & Sensing