Highlights and events
spaceCoder takes Inventor Award 2024
CSEM honored its groundbreaking innovation, spaceCoder, with the “Inventor Award 2024”, an internal accolade celebrating creativity and technological excellence within the organization. This recognition reflects CSEM’s commitment to fostering innovation that drives industry advancements and improves lives. Developed by engineers Eric Grenet and Edoardo Franzi, spaceCoder embodies the forward-thinking spirit that CSEM promotes among its teams.
spaceCoder is a revolutionary sensor technology that uses the interaction of light and shadow to achieve nanometric-level precision measurements—a level of accuracy that is one thousandth of a thousandth of a millimeter. The system uses specialized algorithms and an optical sensor to detect light interacting with a custom shadow mask, determining the precise position of light sources based on the shadows cast by objects. This novel approach has set new benchmarks in precision measurement, unlocking transformative possibilities across multiple industries.
The jury highlighted spaceCoder’s transformative potential, particularly in MedTech and precision engineering. For instance, technology can enable surgeons to accurately measure a patient’s knee before an operation, ensuring an ideal fit for artificial joints. In railway maintenance it can achieve precise alignment of railway tracks, enhancing safety and efficiency. With its compact design—comparable to the size of a sugar cube—combined with its affordability and reliability, spaceCoder is poised to revolutionize numerous high-impact fields.
The Inventor Award underscores CSEM’s mission to foster a culture of innovation, empowering its teams to push the boundaries of technology. By recognizing Grenet and Franzi, CSEM reaffirms the value of practical cutting-edge solutions that address real-world challenges while driving societal progress.
A year of bright minds and big wins
The year 2024 was a landmark for CSEM, marked by extraordinary achievements from its talented team. From groundbreaking research to prestigious awards, CSEM solidified its position as a global leader in technological innovation.
At the SiliconPV 2024 Conference in April, Olatz Arriaga Arruti received the Best Poster Award for her study on solar cell degradation mechanisms, which proposed solutions to enhance photovoltaic reliability. Her work represents a critical step towards advancing renewable energy technologies.
Christophe Ballif, Vice President of CSEM’s Sustainable Energy activities, received two major honors in 2024. In June, he received the Global Solar Scientist Award from the Global Solar Council, in recognition of his transformative contributions to solar energy. Later, on December 2, the University of Ljubljana bestowed an honorary doctorate on him for his groundbreaking research in photovoltaics and sustainable energy, further strengthening his impact on the field.
June was particularly notable for CSEM. Roman Blum received the Best Student Poster Award at the EFTF conference for his pioneering work on a rubidium two-photon optical atomic clock. His work, which focuses on improving long-term frequency stability using dual lasers, represents a significant advancement in precision timekeeping. In the same month, Energy Control Engineer, Paul Scharnhorst at CSEM, won the IEEE CSS Swiss Chapter Young Author Best Journal Paper Award. His research on energy control systems highlights his contribution to improving energy efficiency solutions.
In November, Pietro Iurilli was honored with the Battery Young Researcher Award at the Battery Innovation Days for innovative use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to model lithium-ion battery aging, paving the way for advancements in battery management systems.
These accomplishments exemplify CSEM’s culture of innovation and its commitment to tackling critical global challenges—from renewable energy to precision technologies—while inspiring solutions that shape a more sustainable future.
Steering CSEM’s future
In 2024, CSEM implemented key leadership transitions as part of its long-term succession plans, strengthening its organizational structure and in line with its mission of innovation and technological advancement.
Sara Giradi was appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), bringing 18 years of experience in finance. “I am committed to fostering innovation and ensuring our financial strategies support both immediate goals and long-term growth,” Sara shared. Her expertise in finance, paired with her passion for technology, is vital for CSEM’s continued success. As CFO, she leads financial operations and heads the Services Business Unit, overseeing Finance & Controlling, Security, and Infrastructure.
Steve Lecomte assumed the role of Vice President (VP) of Instrumentation. With 15 years of experience, Steve has been key to the growth of CSEM’s team at the Neuchâtel Observatory, a development which has contributed to the strategic restructuring of the ‘Systems Unit’ into two specialized areas: ‘MedTech’ and ‘Instrumentation.’ “My focus is to enhance CSEM’s impact in Instrumentation by ensuring we have the right resources and strategies to deliver exceptional innovation,” Steve explained. Meanwhile, Jens Krauss was appointed VP of the newly created MedTech unit, where he will drive strategic initiatives in digital healthcare technologies at the Insel-Campus in Bern. This restructuring streamlines operations, enhances flexibility, and benefits CSEM’s partners.
Lastly, Vincent Revol stepped into the role of VP of Industry 4.0 and Life Science technologies. “I am excited to help improve the competitiveness of Swiss industry by utilizing my experience in technology transfer and collaboration with SMEs, start-ups and large corporations,” Vincent stated. His vision to strengthen CSEM’s presence in German-speaking regions and boost innovation accessibility for SMEs played a key role in his selection.
As CSEM embraces this new chapter, the company extends its deepest gratitude to Philippe Steiert, outgoing VP of Industry 4.0 and Life Science technologies, and André Laville, outgoing CFO, for their remarkable contributions. Over two decades, Philippe’s leadership has driven growth, strengthened partnerships, and advanced technological innovation, leaving an enduring impact on CSEM’s industry footprint. Likewise, André’s 27 years of dedicated service as CFO have been instrumental in shaping CSEM into a financially robust and internationally recognized center of excellence. Their vision and commitment have been invaluable, and CSEM thanks them both for their lasting legacy.
Keeping perfect time
The 37th European Frequency and Time Forum (EFTF), held from June 25 to 27, 2024, in Neuchâtel, brought together the global timekeeping community to exchange insights and foster collaboration. Hosted by CSEM and its local partners, the conference featured plenary talks, presentations by guests and contributors, poster sessions, and a commercial exhibition showcasing advancements in time and frequency technologies.
CSEM presented several contributions, including results from its collaboration with Rolex on atomic clock technology and time scales. This groundbreaking partnership positions Rolex to potentially become the first privately owned Swiss company to contribute to both global Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and its national implementation in Switzerland through the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). The collaboration exemplifies CSEM’s dedication to fostering impactful partnerships and advancing precision timekeeping.
A key session of the conference focused on redefining the second, led by experts Noël C. Dimarcq, Sébastien Bize, and Davide Calonico. This redefinition involves transitioning from cesium atomic clocks to more precise optical frequency standards, which are up to 100 times more accurate. This advancement is crucial for technologies relying on precise timing, including positioning and telecommunications.
CSEM’s involvement reflects decades of leadership in time and frequency technologies, rooted in its legacy with the Neuchâtel Observatory, the Swiss Laboratory for Horological Research (LSRH), the Swiss Foundation for Research in Microtechnology (FSRM), and the Center of Electronic Horology (CEH). From miniature atomic clocks to stabilized lasers, CSEM has consistently driven innovation for space science, metrology, and telecommunications.
By hosting EFTF 2024, CSEM showcased its historical contributions while reaffirming its commitment to advancing time and frequency technologies. The event highlighted CSEM’s pivotal role in shaping the future of precision timekeeping, fostering global collaboration, and inspiring advancements that benefit both science and society.
Diagnosing on the go
Switzerland continues to position itself as a global innovator in point-of-care diagnostics (POCD), revolutionizing healthcare delivery with fast, accurate bedside testing. The country’s unmatched expertise in MedTech, pharmaceuticals, and precision engineering drives groundbreaking advancements, offering solutions to critical challenges in modern medicine.
At the heart of this progress is the annual Swiss Symposium in Point-of-Care Diagnostics, organized by CSEM in collaboration with HES-SO Valais-Wallis and ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences. This influential event brings together researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders to address the sector’s most pressing issues. “The POCDx symposium fosters much-needed collaboration and innovation and strongly supports Switzerland at the forefront of global healthcare transformation,” says Daniel Paris, Associate Professor, MD, PhD, DTMH, and Head of the Department of Medicine at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute.
The 2024 symposium focused on critical topics, including the dual challenges of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis in POCD. Experts such as Prof. Alexandra Brandt Ryborg Jønsson and Prof. John Brandt Brodersen highlighted how overdiagnosis results in unnecessary treatments, consuming up to 40% of healthcare resources, while underserved regions face limited access to diagnostics. These discussions underscored the urgent need for balanced, equitable solutions to these global healthcare disparities.
Participants also engaged in hands-on workshops that provided practical experience on advanced diagnostic tools, bridging the gap between research and real-world applications. This interactive approach strengthens Switzerland’s POCD ecosystem while addressing global healthcare challenges, from combating infectious diseases to improving diagnostic access in remote areas.
The symposium fosters collaboration between large corporations and start-ups, creating a dynamic environment for sharing ideas and showcasing innovative products. These partnerships accelerate progress and innovation within the field, driving solutions that reshape diagnostic care.
By championing initiatives like the Swiss Symposium, CSEM reinforces Switzerland’s leadership in transforming point-of-care diagnostics and advancing global healthcare.
Tecladies promotes careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
The Swiss TecLadies program, launched by the Swiss Academy of Technical Sciences, is a mentoring initiative that inspires young women, particularly those aged 14 to 19, to explore careers in technology and engineering. Participants gain firsthand exposure to technical fields and innovations through interactive workshops, inspiring meetings, and exclusive visits to leading scientific organizations across Switzerland.
In December 2024, CSEM welcomed the Swiss TecLadies participants, including Mariama and Beyza, for an immersive visit at its Neuchâtel site. The young visitors engaged with CSEM mentors and explored groundbreaking projects in aerospace, artificial intelligence, and precision timekeeping. At the historic Neuchâtel Observatory, they were captivated by the history of time-keeping technology, which uses the Earth’s rotation, stars, advanced mathematics, precise mechanical movement, electronics and now CSEM’s state-of-the-art atomic clock to unify Switzerland along a single precise timeline.
Mariama and Beyza also learned about CSEM’s collaboration with NASA, including its use of lasers to detect gravitational waves—ripples in space-time caused by astrophysical events. Mariama and Beyza expressed awe at the global significance of CSEM’s work, and described their visit as “a fantastic day, full of surprises and fun!”
“Mentoring young individuals through initiatives such as Swiss TecLadies is an important part of our mission at CSEM,” says Lauriane Karlen, one of CSEM’s engineers. “It allows us to share our passion for technology and innovation, inspire future generations, and promote a more diverse and inclusive future in STEM.”
The visit also featured hands-on workshops where participants explored artificial intelligence tools, such as emotion recognition games and advanced medical technologies designed to monitor vital signs. These interactive experiences brought technology to life, demonstrating their real-world applications and impact.