Information Event on the launch of a Nanotechnology Research and Innovation Center

The NRIC event informs industry, academia and policy makers on the goals and framework of this initiative and invites industry and research organizations to take advantage and enter into partnerships.

Dear Swiss electronic and photonics chips community,

Semiconductor or photonic chips are an essential part of a technology driven economy like Switzerland. If we could no longer use products with integrated chips, our lives would come to a standstill: Chips are used in almost any product: from machine tools to power plants, from medical products to vehicles, from watches to consumer electronics. The need for high performance chips is even stronger in newer technology fields such as artificial intelligence, data communication (connectivity) or quantum technologies, while advanced semiconductor and photonic technologies are also an integral part of modern defense equipment. Hence, access to such technologies plays an essential role for our society, economy and security.

While Switzerland is not known as the large-scale producer of chips, we have many hidden champions in this field. In addition, Switzerland is well known for its manufacturing technologies that are used to produce chips. It is interesting to follow the history of technology development in recent decades, which has put Switzerland in a prominent position with leading players in industry and science.

However, this position is jeopardized by geopolitical conflicts and increased trade restrictions as well as by large investment programs in the US, EU and other regions that lead to competitive advantages of companies in these countries. In this race, Switzerland needs to have an own strategy and build on its strengths by promoting and supporting technology development and innovation. If we can provide cutting-edge technologies that enable companies to produce better products at lower costs, we can remain a key player in the value chain of semiconductor and photonic products.

Therefore, a consortium between ETH Zurich, Empa and Hitachi Energy and with support of the Swissmem Semiconductor and Photonics industry sector aims to launch the Nanotechnology Research and Innovation Centre (NRIC) at the Innovation Park in Dübendorf. The NRIC will complement the Swiss landscape of clean room facilities, and provide space, facilities and knowledge-base for companies and research organizations to develop cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions in the semiconductor and photonics industry. 

Sign up and benefit from this great opportunity!

Cemal Aydogan, President of the Industry Sector Semiconductors
Adriaan Spierings, Secretary General

13:45 hrs - Arrival of guests

14:00 hrs - Welcome notice

14:05 hrs - Introduction

• Background and Swissmem SEMI industry sector
  Adriaan Spierings - Swissmem

14:10 hrs - Challenges for the Swiss semiconductor ecosystem

• Importance of the semiconductor and photonics sector for Switzerland 
  Martin Hirzel - President Swissmem
• Swiss semiconductor industry – challenges and needs 
  Tobias Keller - Hitachi Energy
• Swiss scientific community – challenges and needs 
  Jürg Leuthold - ETH Zürich

14:55 hrs - Swiss Chip Alliance (SCA)

• The exchange and coordination platform for the Swiss clean room facilities
  Adriaan Spierings - Swissmem

15:05 hrs - Nanotechnology Research and Innovation Center

• The new research and innovation center – what is planned and how could you participate
  Lars Sommerhäuser - Empa

15:25 hrs - Discussion

15:55 hrs - Survey among interested potential users

• Online survey to express industry interest by LoI / LoS
  Adriaan Spierings - Swissmem

16:05 hrs - Apéro & Networking