CSEM

What CSEM does

CSEM (Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA) is a public-private, non-profit Swiss technology innovation center founded in 1984, headquartered in Neuchâtel with six sites across Switzerland (Allschwil, Alpnach, Bern, Landquart, Neuchâtel, Zurich) and 640 employees from 46 countries. It develops and transfers advanced technologies in three vertical domains — digital technologies, precision manufacturing, and sustainable energy systems — and serves as the bridge between Swiss academic research and Swiss/European industry. Core capabilities span MEMS and MOEMS, microfluidics, photonics (including LNOI/TFLN), quantum technologies, AI/data analytics, and digital health/bioconvergence, supported by an ISO 9001/14001-certified MEMS foundry with an ESA-accredited characterization lab.

The organization operates three monetized revenue streams: (1) custom collaborative R&D and technology transfer for Swiss and European industry on multi-year contracts; (2) specialized MEMS foundry and prototyping services (150mm and 200mm wafer, ISO 9001 certified), including for biopharma, life sciences, and harsh-environment components; and (3) participation in EU-funded research consortia (e.g., GENESIS, €55M, 58 partners; Energy ECS, €33M). Go-to-market is relationship-driven across Swiss SMEs, large industrial corporations (Novartis, Stadler Rail, Meyer Burger, Swatch Group, Tissot, Patek Philippe, Lufthansa, Hamilton, ESA), and academic/research institutions (EPFL, University of Neuchâtel, Inselspital Bern). The ACCELERATE program and Digital Journey competition catalyze spin-offs (VidaSense, CCRAFT, Limula) and SME digital-transformation projects.

The business model is non-profit and quote-based: pricing is bespoke per project and not publicly disclosed, with billing typically structured as multi-year contracts. Notable recent strategic moves include the recruitment of MIT Professor Tonio Buonassisi as VP of Sustainable Energy (effective January 2026), onboarding into the €55M GENESIS consortium as core Swiss partner (2025), launch of the BatmAM smart battery pack for space with Almatech (July 2026), and co-development of Hamilton's GlucoSense real-time bioreactor sensor (June 2026). CSEM carries EUR-denominated EU project budgets alongside CHF-denominated Swiss federal and industrial funding, creating a relatively diversified revenue base concentrated in Switzerland but with growing European reach via EU consortium work.

Name

CSEM

Legal name

CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA

Website

https://csem.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

CSEM is a public-private, non-profit Swiss technology innovation center founded in 1984 with 640 employees across six Swiss sites. It develops and transfers MEMS, microfluidics, photonics, AI, and sustainable energy technologies to Swiss industry, European partners, and spin-off startups via collaborative R&D, MEMS foundry services, and EU-funded consortia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial R&D and Technology Innovation Services

NAICS

Printed Circuit Assembly (Electronic Assembly) Manufacturing (334418), Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (334419)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)

akta.pro primary industry

Custom/ASIC & Foundry-Adjacent IDM Services (HDAHAAAL)

Keywords

• MEMS foundry services
• Precision manufacturing
• Technology transfer
• Digital microtechnology
• Sustainable energy systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Neuchâtel

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. R&D Services and Technology Transfer: CSEM operates as a public-private, non-profit Swiss technology innovation center providing R&D services, technology development, and transfer of world-class technologies to industrial sector. Revenue comes from collaborative R&D projects, technology licensing, and specialized services including MEMS foundry services.
2. European Research Projects: Participation in EU-funded research programs including Horizon 2020, Chips Joint Undertaking, and other European initiatives. GENESIS project budget of close to €55 million. Energy ECS project of €33 million European consortium.
3. Foundry and Manufacturing Services: ISO9001 certified 150mm wafer MEMS foundry providing prototyping and small to medium volume production services for partners including Hamilton, Nanox, and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CSEM is a public-private, non-profit Swiss technology innovation center that provides R&D services, technology transfer, and specialized MEMS foundry services to industrial partners. The organization develops and transfers world-class technologies in digital technologies, precision manufacturing, and sustainable energy systems, supporting customers from prototyping through to pre-industrial scale-up. It operates an ISO9001-certified 150mm wafer MEMS foundry and collaborates with Swiss SMEs, large corporations, startups, and European research consortiums.

Product overview

CSEM (Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA) is a public-private, non-profit Swiss technology innovation center founded in 1984, operating across Switzerland with 640 employees. Rather than a single unified product, CSEM offers a portfolio of technology development services, specialized manufacturing capabilities, and spin-off companies. Core offerings include: (1) MEMS Foundry Services—an ISO9001-certified 150mm wafer foundry for microsystems, microfluidics, and photonic devices; (2) Digital Technologies encompassing IoT, wearables, edge computing, AI, and Industry 4.0 solutions; (3) Precision Manufacturing for silicon micro-components and watchmaking technologies; (4) Sustainable Energy Systems including integrated photovoltaics and batteries; and (5) Life Sciences Technologies covering tools for life sciences, digital health, and bioconvergence solutions. The ACCELERATE program and Digital Journey competition support startup creation and SME digital transformation. Notable spin-offs include VidaSense (wearable prenatal monitoring), CCRAFT (TFLN photonic foundry), and Limula (cell therapy automation). CSEM participates in major EU research projects including GENESIS (sustainable semiconductors) and collaborates with partners across healthcare, watchmaking, space/aeronautics, and energy sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ACCELERATE: CSEM's start-up program supporting and stimulating entrepreneurial innovation in Switzerland
• Digital Journey
• Back2Business
• YODA

Products and services

• MEMS Foundry Services ISO9001-certified 150mm wafer MEMS foundry providing design, process industrialization, and small to medium volume production for photonics, life sciences, watchmaking, and harsh environments. The foundry features state-of-the-art 150mm and 200mm wafer cleanroom with ESA-accredited characterization and reliability lab.
• Digital Technologies (IoT, AI, Edge Computing, Industry 4.0) Solutions for converting digital concepts into commercial products, including IoT, wearables, edge computing, artificial intelligence, and Industry 4.0 implementations for industrial and enterprise customers.
• Precision Manufacturing Technologies for precision manufacturing including silicon micro-components, microsystems, and advanced materials for watchmaking and other precision industries.
• Sustainable Energy Systems Integrated and lightweight photovoltaics, solar cells and modules, digital energy solutions, and batteries for sustainable energy applications.
• ACCELERATE Start-up Program Program supporting deep-tech startups to transform Swiss research into market-ready technologies. Has produced spin-offs including VidaSense (wearable prenatal monitoring) and CCRAFT (TFLN photonic foundry).
• Digital Journey Competition Competition for Swiss SMEs offering CHF 100,000 of technical support for digital transformation projects. Winners include Digitel, Swiss Sugar/Saltworks, DIXI Polytool, and Varioprint.
• Life Sciences and Bioconvergence Solutions Multidisciplinary approach integrating biotechnology, engineering, and computing to address healthcare and life sciences challenges including diagnostics, materials, pharmaceuticals, wearables, and sustainable agriculture.
• Quantum Technologies and Scientific Instruments Precision technologies including atomic clocks, stabilized lasers, magnetometers, and scientific instruments for space, aeronautics, and time-frequency applications. ESA-accredited characterization and reliability lab.
• Solubility Testing Technology (CSEM × ORYL Photonics) Breakthrough solubility testing technology for drug development that performs tests up to 100x faster at one-tenth previous cost, with 100x reduction in sample material use. Co-developed with ORYL Photonics.
• Hamilton GlucoSense Real-Time Bioreactor Glucose Monitoring Real-time glucose monitoring sensor for bioreactors developed with Hamilton Bonaduz AG, using CSEM expertise in system integration, material combination, and bonding for biopharmaceutical applications.
• Intelligent Battery Management System Intelligent battery management system for enhanced lithium-ion battery performance, enabling smarter, longer, and more sustainable battery operation through advanced BMS technology.
• GREENsPACK Biodegradable Smart Sensing Tag Biodegradable smart sensing tag that signals when shipments of medicines or food have exceeded safe temperature thresholds, providing sustainable cold-chain monitoring.

Quantifiable outcome

• Swiss industry competitiveness strengthened through innovation and technology transfer
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers36 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability10 records

Feature16 records

Partnerships

51 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• AlmatechcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 July 2026CSEM and Almatech collaborated on the BatmAM project to develop smart battery packs for space applications using additive manufacturing, embedded electrical functions, and space-system validation for next-generation integrated battery packaging.
• ViteosmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 January 2023Five-year partnership between Neuchâtel energy provider Viteos and CSEM to develop innovative technical solutions supporting the energy transition. Partnership exemplifies collaboration between technology center and energy industry player.
• Energy ECS ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 May 2022CSEM coordinates Swiss cluster in €33 million European consortium for e-mobility and green-energy transition. Swiss consortium includes Swiss Airtainer, Fixposition, and ams International.
• VARO Energy and Groupe EmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 January 2022Partnership to build Switzerland's most powerful ground-mounted solar facility in Cressier. CSEM testing new generation of solar panels as part of the project. Facility generates 8.4 GWh/year renewable electricity.
• Gübelin Gem LabcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Partnership to develop high-performance AI authentication solution for gemstone analysis. The 'Gemtelligence' project creates a digital 'super-expert' to assist human experts in interpreting analytical data for gemstone authentication and origin analysis.
• HamiltoncoreTechnology or IntegrationCSEM provided MEMS foundry services to Hamilton for the GlucoSense real-time glucose monitoring sensor for bioreactors. CSEM's industrial-grade cleanroom infrastructure and expertise enabled rapid introduction of this disruptive biopharmaceutical product.
• NanoxcoreTechnology or IntegrationCSEM's MEMS foundry produced fully functional chips for the Nanox.ARC medical imaging system. The MEMS chip consists of millions of homogeneous nano-cones for cold cathode X-ray tubes, representing a breakthrough in digital tomosynthesis.
• HiFiBiO TherapeuticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to develop and manufacture single-cell microfluidics enabling novel immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune disease treatment. Integration of deep biological expertise and data intelligence.
• GENESIS ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU-funded project with 58 partners driving sustainability across the semiconductor value chain. CSEM contributes expertise in sensing, green materials, and PFAS-free processes, leading emission monitoring and sustainable innovation efforts. Budget of €55 million.
• VidaSensecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSEM spin-off developing wearable fetal-maternal monitoring technology using non-invasive fetal ECG. Clinical study ongoing at Inselspital Bern University Hospital. Emerged from CSEM research in dry electrodes and wearable monitoring.
• ACCELERATE ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSEM's start-up program supporting deep-tech ventures to turn Swiss innovation into global impact. Recent cohorts include ventures in Medtech, Digital Health, Sustainable Energy, and Advanced Photonics. CCRAFT photonics spin-off emerged from this program.
• CCRAFTcoreTechnology or IntegrationCSEM spin-off launched as first production-ready foundry for TFLN photonic chips, powering next-generation optical communication, AI, and quantum technologies with ultra-fast, energy-efficient solutions.
• ORYL PhotonicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development of breakthrough solubility testing technology awarded EARTO Innovation Award 2026. Enables drug tests up to 100x faster at 1/10th cost, reducing sample material use by factor of 100.
• European Space Agency (ESA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership including Corner Cube Mechanism for Metop and MTG satellites, LISA mission laser testing, and various space instrumentation projects. CSEM's ESA accreditation for characterization and reliability lab.
• NASAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through LISA mission where NASA developed custom infrared laser for gravitational wave detection. CSEM selected by ESA to provide expert metrology support testing laser stability.
• RUAG AerospacemajorTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration on high-precision space mechanisms integrating flexible structures. RUAG values CSEM's experience and high level of competence in design and simulation.
• OroliamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong partnership developing Chip Scale Rubidium Oscillator to complete Orolia's mRO-50 product line. Leverages CSEM's MEMS expertise and micromachining facilities.
• Thales Alenia SpacecoreTechnology or IntegrationDevelopment of corner cube mechanism for ESA MTG meteorological satellites. Key element of interferometer for new meteorological instrument.
• ClearSpacemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on ClearSpace-1 Service for orbital servicing. Projects in robotics and navigation leveraging CSEM's expertise for space sustainability.
• Swissto12majorTechnology or IntegrationFive-year collaboration with continuous workstream enabling closeness with internal team working on satellite technologies.
• University of NeuchâtelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost of Time-Frequency Laboratory (LTF) exploring time-frequency, optical metrology, and ultrafast science. Key consortium member for quantum technologies and atomic clock development.
• EPFLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on record-efficiency perovskite-silicon triple-junction solar cells achieving 30% efficiency, featured in Nature publication.
• LimulacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupport for automated production of CAR T and cell therapies. CSEM helped move technology from prototyping to pre-industrial stage for personalized cancer treatment.
• ImplicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Impli and Yalosys on CERES implantable biosensor for real-time fertility hormone monitoring. 21-month Innosuisse-backed project to develop state-of-the-art medical device ready for human trials.
• YalosyscoreTechnology or IntegrationSwiss SME providing laser micro-processing solutions for 'IN GLASS' product manufacturing. Partner in CERES project for fertility hormone monitoring implant.
• ClexBiomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment of bioreactor for tissue-engineered cardiovascular implants using human tissue material that integrates into patient's body.
• Alithea GenomicsmajorTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration creating technique handling hundreds of RNA samples in single tube, significantly decreasing reagents and manual effort for RNA sequencing.
• MOMM DiagnosticsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment of cutting-edge point-of-care solution for preeclampsia diagnostics resembling pregnancy test with electronic result analysis.
• CUTISSmajorTechnology or IntegrationSupport for world's first automated machine producing customized skin tissue grafts for regenerative medicine applications.
• Swiss Tropical & Public Health InstitutemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development and validation of diagnostic microarray/sensor device for use in low-resource settings.
• NovartiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment of first automated human skeletal muscle microphysiological lab system for drug compound screening.
• Stadler RailmajorTechnology or IntegrationDeep learning algorithms for rail maintenance digitalization using state-of-the-art and creative solution-oriented approach.
• Meyer BurgercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration understanding that developed processes and technologies must be capable of being mass-produced.
• Lufthansa GroupmajorTechnology or IntegrationVision systems and AI expertise for aviation training during COVID pandemic with complex multi-partner coordination.
• TissotcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership developing T-Touch Connect Solar smartwatch with Swiss digital platform and solar energy autonomy.
• Swatch GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership developing Bluetooth chip with exceptional features for small connected objects and watches.
• Bühler GroupmajorTechnology or IntegrationExpert in intelligent systems and algorithms, pragmatic and flexible approach to data collection and project execution.
• MITcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTonio Buonassisi, MIT professor and solar innovation leader, appointed VP of Sustainable Energy at CSEM from January 2026.
• Space Exploration InstitutemajorTechnology or IntegrationCLUPI camera mechanism design with precision of few micrometers for potential Mars life discovery.
• ELENA ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon 2020 project developing first European LNOI-based platform for photonic integrated circuits. CSEM contributes fabrication capabilities.
• FSRMmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss Foundation for Research in Microtechnology organizing training courses and conferences including EFTF co-organization.
• Oscilloquartz/AdtranmajorTechnology or IntegrationPioneer in time and frequency synchronization. Supporter of EFTF 2024 conference hosted by CSEM.
• Safran Timing TechnologiesmajorTechnology or IntegrationWorld leader in rubidium atomic clocks and ultra-stable oscillators. Supporter of EFTF 2024.
• SFMC BesançonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss Foundation for Research in Microtechnology created EFTF in 1987 with FSRM. Co-organizer of European time and frequency conferences.
• Bern Medtech CollaborationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2023, partnership between Inselspital Gruppe, University of Bern, and CSEM in applied R&D. Extended by three years in 2026 with goal for Bern to become leading medical hub by 2030.
• Digital Journey CompetitioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual competition supporting Swiss SMEs with CHF 100,000 technical support for digital transformation projects. Winners include Digitel, Swiss Sugar, Swiss Saltworks, Varioprint, Contexa, and DIXI Polytool.
• UCLAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Department of Physics & Astronomy on space instrumentation and precision mechanisms. Described as 'best company in 20 years'.
• ITER tokamakmajorTechnology or IntegrationSensor development for fusion reactor environment with unknown materials and unconventional designs.
• CELLULAR HIGHWAYSmajorTechnology or IntegrationMEMS device development requiring right facilities, equipment, and extremely knowledgeable team with microfabrication processes.
• IMT MicrotechnologiesmajorTechnology or IntegrationLife sciences microtechnology collaboration with open, flexible approach and superb results presentation.
• SchurtermajorTechnology or IntegrationLaser cutting and packaging technologies collaboration ongoing successfully for many years.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Fraunhofer Society: Germany's largest applied research organization, operating ~76 institutes covering MEMS, photonics, AI, energy, and life sciences with a similar non-profit, public-funded RTO model and identical EU consortium participation model.
• CEA-Leti: France's leading micro/nanoelectronics RTO with comparable MEMS foundry, photonics, and AI capabilities; directly co-participates with CSEM in EU projects such as GENESIS.
• Imec: Belgium-based semiconductor and nanoelectronics RTO with a 300mm pilot line and broader IP portfolio; competes for the same EU Chips Joint Undertaking funding and global semiconductor customers.
• TNO: Netherlands applied research organization with overlapping capabilities in MEMS, photonics, sustainable energy, and digital health; shares the European RTO funding model and customer segments.
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: Finland's national RTO with comparable MEMS, photonics, and sustainable energy capabilities; a like-for-like peer in EU consortia and industrial technology transfer.
• SINTEF: Norway's largest independent research organization, active in MEMS, materials, and sustainable energy; comparable European RTO positioning and consortium roles.
• Fraunhofer IZM: Fraunhofer's microelectronics and system integration institute; most direct head-to-head competitor for MEMS packaging, wafer-level integration, and ESA-related space electronics work.

Emerging players

• INESC: Portuguese R&D laboratory consortium with growing capabilities in photonics, AI, and biomedical engineering; a smaller European RTO that increasingly co-bids with CSEM on EU programs.

Broad incumbents

• CSIC: Spain's national public research body, Europe's largest public research institution; overlaps with CSEM on materials, MEMS, and life sciences through EU-funded consortia.

Regional players

• IBM Research Zurich: Zurich-based industrial research lab operating in the same Swiss ecosystem; complementary rather than directly competitive but competes for similar Swiss STEM talent and industrial customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/csem
• Xx.com/cseminfo
• Facebookfacebook.com/CSEMSA

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments5 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CSEM