microtechnology
To perform calculations, quantum computers need qubits to act as elementary building blocks that process and store information. Now, physicists have produced a new type of qubit that can be switched from a stable idle mode to a fast calculation mode. The concept would also allow a large number of qubits to be combined into a powerful quantum computer, as researchers from the University of Basel and TU Eindhoven have reported in the journal -Nature Nanotechnology-.
Researchers at ETH Zurich - in collaboration with colleagues from EPFL in Lausanne and Harvard Medical School - have developed a system that allows them to optically stimulate individual nerve fibres in living mice. Through this process, they have demonstrated that the nervous system has a direct influence on the immune system.
Selected Jobs
Professeure HES associée - Professeur HES associé dans le domaine de Systèmes Asservis et Robotique HES-SO Genève, 1202 Genève

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
· Art of Technology, Zurich
· Colibrys, Neuchâtel · Contraves Space, Zurich · Contrinex, Givisiez · Debiotech, Lausanne · Dyconex, Bassersdorf · Dynatron Concept, Adliswil · EM Microelectronic, Marin · Fisba Optik, St. Gallen · Helbling Gruppe, Zurich · Leica Geosystems, Heerbrugg · Leister Process Technologies, Sarnen · LEM, Plan-les-Ouates |
· Logitech, Romanel sur Morges · Microbonding, Noiraigue · Microcid, Cortaillod · Micro Crystal Div of ETA, Grenchen · Miromico, Zurich · Nanosurf, Liestal · Nanoworld, Neuchâtel · Sensirion, Stäfa · SwissOptic, Heerbrugg · Sylvac, Crissier · Valtronic, Les Charbonnières · Weidmann Plastics Technology, Rapperswil · Zühlke Engineering, Schlieren |