The development of microtechnology in Switzerland was a result of the economic crisis in the watch industry. Beside the classical watch micromechanics, new technologies like electronics, optics, computer technology and microsystems were used in watch construction. Today, microtechnology is one of the key technologies of the 21st century and one of the key sectors in Switzerland’s economy.

Research Centers

• Institute of microtechnology IMT in Neuchâtel.
• CSEM, Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology in Neuchâtel.

Universities

• Haute Ecole d’Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud.
• Department of Engineering and Information Technology of the University of Applied Sciences Bern.

Associations and foundations

• The Swiss foundation for research in microtechnolgy fsmr is aiming at promoting microtechnology and its applications. The association provides information, training courses, and consulting in microtechnology.
• Swissmem unites the Swiss engineering, electrical and metal industry and associated technology-oriented sectors.
• Micronarc, is a communication platform created by the governments of the seven cantons that constitute Western Switzerland (Berne, Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Valais and Vaud).

Other associations: here

Partial list of Swiss companies with activities in micro- and nanotechnologies