Since the 1980s, CSEM has helped connect Switzerland to Europe’s most innovative industries and research communities. Founded with a vision to give Swiss precision microtechnology a global impact, CSEM understood early on that Switzerland’s leadership in several fields would rely on strong European partnerships. That belief has shaped our journey and still guides our work today.
In 1986, Europe began opening new opportunities for cross-border research. CSEM was among the first Swiss organizations to engage, joining pioneering collaborative projects in areas such as semiconductors and early artificial intelligence. When Switzerland gained formal access to the European Union’s major research programs in 1987, CSEM was prepared. This turning point transformed our European mission from a possibility into a long-term strategy.
During the 1990s, CSEM expanded beyond its origins in watchmaking and microelectronics into fields that would later drive Europe’s priorities, including medical devices, space technologies, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation. These early steps established CSEM as a trusted partner across the continent.
By the early 2000s, CSEM’s role had evolved from participation to leadership. A key milestone came in 2003 when CSEM and CEDES won the European IST Grand Prize for a breakthrough miniaturized real‑time 3D imaging camera—then Europe’s most distinguished award for technological innovation. This recognition highlighted CSEM’s impact on Europe’s technological progress.
Since then, CSEM has coordinated more than 40 major European initiatives under the Horizon 2020 program. Today, our leadership extends into European research governance. CSEM’s CEO, Alexandre Pauchard, serves on the Executive Board of the European Association of Research and Technology Organizations (EARTO), while Dr. Erika Györvary, CSEM’s Lead of EU Affairs, sits on the Board of the European Platform on Smart Systems Integration (EPoSS).
European partnerships bring clear benefits to Switzerland. In 2025, EU-funded research accounted for 13% of CSEM’s revenue. In addition, other competitive funds represented 9%, with several EU projects contributing to this funding stream. More importantly, these partnerships help turn promising ideas more quickly into technologies that companies can use.
For example, CSEM contributed to more efficient perovskite solar cells through the CHEOPS project, to next-generation micro-optical components through PHABULOUS and to quantum sensing through the MacQsimal flagship project. These achievements gave Swiss industry early access to emerging technologies, boosting its international visibility and enhancing its competitiveness.
Our success in EU projects is rooted in the long-standing collaboration with Swiss and European research institutions and industry partners, whose trust and expertise enable us to turn ambitious ideas into impactful innovations.
CSEM’s European engagement also helps train the next generation of innovators. Through multiple doctoral networks, including Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and other EU training programs, we support researchers working in areas such as sustainable electronics, embedded AI, and advanced manufacturing. This exchange of knowledge and skills enriches Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem and builds long-term capacity for both Swiss and European industry.
After several years of uncertainty when Switzerland lost its status as an associated country in European research programs, full association was restored on November 10, 2025, reinstating participation in Horizon Europe, Euratom, and the Digital Europe Program retroactive to 1 January 2025. With this, CSEM’s role as a bridge between Swiss industry and Europe’s scientific community regained full strength. It’s worth noting that thanks to its cooperation with the Heterogeneous Technology Alliance and EPoSS, CSEM never lost touch with European R&D networks throughout this period.
As Europe moves into a new decade focused on sustainability, health innovation, and digital transformation, CSEM is ready to lead. Since 1986, our journey has been one of bridging, building, and leading. CSEM remains committed to its founding mission: transforming Swiss innovation into progress, uniting industry and science, and shaping technologies that deliver lasting value across borders.
Visit CSEM’s European projects section to see how participation in EU-funded programs strengthens your position in global value chains and opens access to new markets. Or contact us through our form to start the conversation.