CSEM opens a polytronics development center in Muttenz

The CSEM polytronics development center develops and industrializes micro- and nanotechnologies for polymer surfaces. It acts as an industry-related bridge between the academic world and industry, thereby supplementing existing activities in the region. This involves CSEM primarily working with established companies, but also supporting the creation of new firms, whether spin-offs or start-ups of existing businesses or of CSEM. CSEM’s decision to locate its polytronics development center in Muttenz marks, according to Urs Wüthrich-Pelloli, member of the governing council and Head of Department for Education, Culture and Sport for the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, an important contribution to reinforcing the region’s reputation as an attractive economic and scientific location.

Polytronics – an area with a bright future

Polytronics, also known as polymer electronics, which involves the use of electrically conducting and semi-conducting plastics and their applications, is currently at an early stage of industrialization after decades of research. Being an interdisciplinary technology, it combines new materials and structures with large-scale production processes involving thin layers. Thanks to these layers, very low-cost, complex products can be manufactured for a wide variety of products, which are thin, light, flexible and environmentally friendly.

Polytronics is a disruptive technology offering huge growth potential. It will create new markets and replace many established products. Some examples of this technology which are already known include OLED displays for cell phones, large displays with organic thin-film transistors or organic cells. The markets for polytronic products are growing very rapidly at the moment, with new areas of application opening up that can benefit from low-cost, green disposable products on thin flexible films. This includes in particular displays, lighting technology, photovoltaic systems, energy saving through the use of batteries, and sensor technology. The new polytronics development center in Muttenz primarily focuses on photovoltaics and the protection of high-value items like pharmaceuticals, medical technology products and the development of new sensor platforms for biotechnology. In addition, with the development’s center close proximity, local industry enjoys improved access to the existing CSEM network operating in the fields of system engineering, micro- and nanotechnology, robotics and nanomedicine in Switzerland.

CSEM – the hallmark for industrial technology transfer

CSEM has been providing industrial companies for more than 20 years with consistent support in the introduction of pioneering technologies. The CSEM model puts innovation at the top of strategic priorities and is aimed at evaluating existing research findings with a view to strengthening the local economy on a long-term basis and at implementing them technically with industrial partners. Based on close cooperation with industry, as well as national and international universities, in particular the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland and the University of Basel, the activities of the polytronics development center in Muttenz will therefore contribute, at a high level, to establishing regional expertise with an international influence in the field of polytronics. Thanks to its national and international networks, the new center will help companies in the Basel region to establish themselves both at home and abroad in this promising area.