Semiconductors in Switzerland: leader or follower?

The COVID-era semiconductor shortages thrust the significance of microchips into the public spotlight. This near-$100 billion market underpins almost every product and industry, from smartphones to cars and washing machines; the arrival of AI will only accelerate this trend. Massive investments in the semiconductor industry in the US, EU and China, as well as the new Swisschips initiative, bear witness to the strategic importance of microchips in the global economy.

The goal of this CSEM Tech-Talk is to assess the current status of the microchip industry in Switzerland. Switzerland is widely recognized as a global innovation leader, but to what extent does that apply to microchips?

• Who are the innovators in Switzerland? Which companies are market leaders? Who are the most exciting start-ups? What is the role of universities and institutes?
• What opportunities are there, and what are the challenges?
• How should the Swiss chip industry position itself in the next decade?
• What do chip providers consider as the main advantages – and drawbacks – of being in Switzerland?
• What impact will the Swisschips initiative make?