School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering

What School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering does

The School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering (SBPE) is an academic institution jointly operated by the University of Bern and Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) in Bern, Switzerland. It delivers Master of Science programs in Precision Engineering and Biomedical Engineering for STEM graduates holding bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering, photonics, materials science, electrical engineering, microtechnology, medical technology, and physics. Programs are structured around small cohorts of 15-20 students and offer both full-time and part-time study tracks, with admissions managed centrally through the University of Bern's online application portal and intake opening annually from January to August.

The academic offering is anchored by the Creative Engineering Lab (CE Lab), where interdisciplinary teams of four students execute industry-sponsored projects from idea to prototype. The lab houses an unusually comprehensive suite of equipment for an academic department: an additive manufacturing suite (Stratasys J55 Prime polyjet, Formlabs Form 4 stereolithography, Bambu Lab X1E FDM), an LS-LabMax laser processing system combining a 190 fs ultra-short pulsed laser with a quasi-CW fiber laser, a patent-pending SC-1 Series ALD/PVD deposition system with a compact modular vertical chamber, a Zeiss EVO 15 SEM with EDX, a Tencor P-7 profilometer with sub-Ångström resolution, FASTCAM NOVA S16 high-speed imaging at up to 1.1M fps, and metrology tools including OFV-5000 Xtra laser vibrometry, ZEISS GOM Scan 1 3D scanning, and helium-neon interferometry with sub-3 nm drift. Active research projects span anti-reflective coatings, nanopositioning stages, freeform optics, fluorescent microscopes, and miniaturized ultrasonic surgical instruments.

SBPE is funded through Swiss cantonal tuition, public research grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation, Innosuisse, and Swissuniversities, plus industry research contracts. Core industry partners (Empa, METAS, CERN, ESA/ESTEC, VDI, MPS Micro Precision Systems, Alemnis AG, 4K-MEMS, Auto-Mate Robotics, Nami Surgical, and Swiss m4m Center) co-supervise PhD theses, deliver advanced-course lectures, host student projects, and sponsor CE Lab work. The Graduate School of Precision Engineering coordinates an annual research symposium, with the next edition themed 'Precision Engineering Across Scales' on 26 June 2026.

Name

School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering

Legal name

School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering (SBPE), University of Bern

Website

https://sbpe.unibe.ch

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering (SBPE) is a joint academic institution of the University of Bern and Bern University of Applied Sciences offering MSc programs in Precision Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, anchored by the project-based Creative Engineering Lab and industry-partner ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education — Engineering (Precision and Biomedical)

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Engineering & Technology Institutes (Comprehensive) (EDAHAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming) (EDAEAGAI), Engineering Design & Project-Based Learning Programs (EDAMADAB)

Keywords

• Precision engineering education
• Biomedical engineering programs
• Master's degree programs
• Engineering research training
• Interdisciplinary engineering studies

Headquarters

HQ city

Bern

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Graduate Education (MSc Programs): The SBPE operates as a joint academic institution between the University of Bern and Bern University of Applied Sciences, offering Master's programs in Precision Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. Revenue is generated through tuition fees, public research funding (Swiss National Science Foundation, Innosuisse, Swissuniversities), and government subsidies for higher education. The institution also receives industry funding through collaborative R&D projects and PhD thesis co-supervision.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The SBPE delivers joint Master of Science programs in Precision Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, run as an academic collaboration between the University of Bern and the Bern University of Applied Sciences. At the heart of the curriculum is the Creative Engineering Lab, where students in interdisciplinary groups develop real products from idea to working prototype using state-of-the-art fabrication and metrology equipment. Specialization tracks in Ultraprecision Engineering and Optical Engineering, plus a part-time study option, round out the offering.

Product overview

The School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering (SBPE) is an academic institution offering specialized master's programs in Precision Engineering and Biomedical Engineering as a collaboration between the University of Bern and Bern University of Applied Sciences. The institution's core product is the Master of Science in Precision Engineering, complemented by the MSc in Biomedical Engineering. Central to the offering is the Creative Engineering Lab - a state-of-the-art laboratory facility where students undertake project-based learning, progressing from concept to product. The academic programs include specialized tracks in Ultraprecision Engineering and Optical Engineering, with hands-on projects utilizing advanced equipment for thin film deposition, laser processing, additive manufacturing, and precision metrology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Creative Engineering Lab: A state-of-the-art learning and teaching laboratory at the heart of the master's program where students work in interdisciplinary groups to develop products from idea to production.

Products and services

• Master of Science in Precision Engineering
• Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering An academic master's program in biomedical engineering offered jointly by the University of Bern and Bern University of Applied Sciences, at the core of the SBPE institution. Targeted at students seeking advanced training in biomedical engineering disciplines.
• Creative Engineering Lab (CE Lab) A hands-on learning and teaching laboratory that anchors the SBPE curriculum, where students work in interdisciplinary teams of four on real industry projects, guided by professional experts, using advanced fabrication and characterization equipment including 3D printers, laser processing machines, electron microscopes, and thin-film deposition systems.
• Ultraprecision Engineering Projects Project-based learning modules covering anti-reflective coatings on 3D optics, automation algorithms, nanopositioning stages, sapphire handling automation, SEM diagnostics, vacuum chamber development, and XRD setup optimization. Delivered within the MSc Precision Engineering curriculum.
• Optical Engineering Projects Project modules including the development of 3D-printed fluorescent lifetime microscopes and freeform optics fabrication using laser ablation combined with ALD/PVD coating technologies. Delivered within the MSc Precision Engineering curriculum.

Quantifiable outcome

• Graduates pursue PhDs and careers at leading institutions including ESA, CERN, UKAEA (fusion energy), and National University of Singapore.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature13 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• User-Centered HealthTechminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2022Collaborative partner in the Wearables and Digital Biomarkers Workshop, alongside University of Bern, Bern University of Applied Sciences, and Innosuisse, bringing together experts from universities, hospitals, and industries.
• Berner Fachhochschule (BFH) — Bern University of Applied SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBFH is the co-founding partner of the School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering alongside the University of Bern. The collaboration enables the joint MSc Precision Engineering program, combining university-level theoretical research with applied sciences practical training. BFH faculty members contribute to teaching across multiple specialization areas including optics, robotics, microfluidics, and machine learning.
• Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmpa collaborates extensively with SBPE through the Creative Engineering Lab, hosting student projects and providing access to advanced facilities including the Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures. Faculty members including Prof. Johann Michler and Prof. Thomas Nelis serve as lecturers. Collaboration includes thin film development (PVD coatings), nanoscale materials research, and in-situ SEM/Raman/AFM mechanical testing methods.
• METAS (Federal Institute of Metrology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMETAS collaborates with SBPE through the Graduate School of Precision Engineering for innovative and exciting PhD theses in metrology. Partnership includes joint development of the new Joule-Kibble balance combining experimental approaches, and the METAS Kibble Balance Laboratory provides practical learning opportunities for MSc students.
• VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVDI, Germany's largest technical and scientific association with approximately 135,000 members, partners with University of Bern and MSc Precision Engineering. Students gain access to VDI's network of technology experts, exclusive member benefits, continued education programs, and career support. VDI representatives including Dr. Harald Ludanek and Dr. Thomas Sahner engage with SBPE students.
• CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCERN provides exclusive student excursions and hosts master's thesis projects for SBPE students. Collaboration facilitated by VDI, with visits to metrology departments, workshops, and particle accelerator facilities. Students learn about CERN's Technical Student Programme, PhD options, and early-career guidance. SBPE student Jamie Rogg conducted master thesis research at ESTEC.
• 4K-MEMSminorStrategic or Co-development Partner4K-MEMS hosted a master's project with SBPE, with the student producing exceptional quality work that advanced their research. CEO Dr. Matthias Imboden provided positive testimonial about the collaboration quality, faculty support, and student dedication.
• Alemnis AGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss company specializing in in-situ material testing by nanoindentation, founded as a spin-off from Empa in 2008. Hosts student excursions and provides practical sessions on small-scale mechanics and materials testing as part of Advanced Course II: Ultraprecision Engineering. Dr. Nicholas Randall serves as lecturer.
• MPS Micro Precision Systems AGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMPS Microsystems hosted student visits as part of Advanced Course I Ultraprecision Engineering. Lecturer Rouben Kerkbechian is a Process Engineer at MPS. Company serves aerospace, medical technology, watchmaking, and robotics/automation sectors.
• Auto-Mate RoboticsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Creative Engineering Lab participating in the University of Bern STAGE UP 2025 competition. Students Lucas Renfer and Christian Wyss from Auto-Mate Robotics collaborate on CE Lab automation projects.
• Swiss m4m Center AGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the AMNIUS project consortium developing a miniaturized, multifunctional ultrasonic surgical instrument for robot-assisted tissue-adaptive cutting using Ni-Ti components. AMNIUS received highly competitive bilateral funding from Innovate UK and Innosuisse.
• Nami SurgicalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the AMNIUS project consortium (University of Bern, University of Glasgow, Empa, Nami Surgical, Swiss m4m Center AG) developing miniaturized ultrasonic surgical instruments.
• University of GlasgowminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in the AMNIUS project consortium, collaborating on miniaturized ultrasonic surgical instrument development with SBPE.
• European Space Agency (ESA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerESA hosts SBPE students for master thesis work at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. Student Jamie Rogg conducts research on fabrication and mechanical testing of single crystal micropillars using Thermo Fisher Helios 5 pFIB. Special guest presentations by ESA experts including Dr. Albert Haldemann (Mars Chief Engineer).

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• National University of Singapore (NUS): Singapore's flagship university with strong Biomedical Engineering and Precision Engineering programs, and an existing SBPE partnership that hosts SBPE students for master theses. Directly comparable in curriculum depth and international placement.
• Cranfield University: UK-based postgraduate university known for precision engineering, manufacturing technology, and applied industrial research. Its Centre for Precision Technologies offers an MSc Precision Engineering and is one of the closest international comparables in terms of niche focus.
• Technical University of Munich (TUM): Germany's leading technical university offering MSc programs in Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics, and Precision Engineering. Comparable in its German-speaking industry-integration model and graduate placement into high-tech industries.
• University of Stuttgart: German technical university with the Institut für Technische Optik (ITO) and strong programs in optical engineering, ultra-precision machining, and mechatronics. Comparable in its combination of optical engineering and precision manufacturing.
• Imperial College London: UK university with a top-ranked MSc in Biomedical Engineering and significant precision-mechanical-engineering research. Comparable in biomedical-engineering education depth and high-graduate-outcome profile.
• ETH Zurich: Switzerland's flagship federal technical university offering MSc programs in Micro- and Nanosystems, Biomedical Engineering, and Materials Science. ETH is the most direct competitor for Swiss and international STEM talent and competes for the same SNSF/Innosuisse funding pool.
• University of Huddersfield: Home to the Centre for Precision Technologies (CPT), one of Europe's leading precision-engineering research and education hubs. Offers MSc in Precision Engineering with strong industrial partnerships, directly comparable to SBPE's industry-integrated model.
• EPFL: Switzerland's second federal technical university, with strong MSc programs in Microengineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Photonics. EPFL is a sister Swiss public technical university directly comparable in mission and curriculum overlap.
• Leibniz University Hannover: German university hosting the Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools (IFW), with strong precision engineering and ultraprecision machining research. Comparable in precision-manufacturing focus and German-speaking academic ecosystem.
• TU Delft: Netherlands' leading technical university offering MSc programs in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering. Comparable in its combination of precision engineering research, biomedical engineering, and industry partnerships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sbpe-bern
• Instagraminstagram.com/sbpe.bern

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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