From pioneering watchmaking collaborations and cybersecurity expansions to innovative cancer treatments and groundbreaking renewable energy solutions, discover Western Switzerland’s top stories from May 2024.
Le Locle will be home to the new MTTA watchmaking center of excellence by 2028
MTTA, a watchmaking center in Le Locle, will open by 2028 to promote innovation and collaboration in the industry. Developed by the Haute Ecole Arc Ingénierie and Microcity, the center aims to revolutionize the watch industry by fostering dialogue between large and small players. It will house 30 start-ups and SMEs and offer workspaces, transforming the industry from secrecy to collaboration.
Trufflepig Forensics expands to Fribourg to strengthen cybersecurity in the DACH region
Trufflepig Forensics, an ethical hacking firm, has opened an office in Fribourg to strengthen cybersecurity in the DACH region. Led by Aaron Hartel, the new office leverages Fribourg’s IT security expertise and bilingual culture. The company is working with ROSAS at HEIA-FR, strengthening Fribourg’s role in protecting digital infrastructures.
Nanobacterie secures strategic investment from EP Equity to advance prostate cancer treatment
EP Equity Investment has acquired a 24.99% stake in Nanobacterie to support the development of innovative prostate cancer treatments. Nanobacterie, founded by Dr. Edouard Alphandéry, uses magnetic nanoparticles for non-invasive cancer treatment. This investment will advance clinical trials and regulatory approvals, potentially extend the technology to other medical conditions, and is a testament to the existing Franco-Swiss collaboration.
machineMD and gaitQ awarded grant for Parkinson’s research in the UK and Switzerland
Bern-based medical device company machineMD and Oxford-based gaitQ have been awarded a million-dollar grant from InnovateUK and Innosuisse to improve the monitoring and early detection of Parkinson’s disease. The research, conducted at the University of Exeter and University Hospital Zurich, will analyze mobility and eye movement data to improve diagnosis and patient management, and is supported by the Bernese startup ecosystem and the Sitem Startup Club.
ORamaVR receives Scale-up Award from Innosuisse to accelerate growth
Geneva-based ORamaVR, which specializes in VR solutions for medical training, has won the Innosuisse Scale-up Award. This support will accelerate its growth through the Scale-up Coaching Program. ORamaVR’s MAGES platform provides immersive, cost-effective medical training modules. The award validates ORamaVR’s innovative approach and helps expand its market reach in Switzerland and internationally.
EPFL uses machine learning to discover new solar-cell materials
A team of EPFL researchers, led by Haiyuan Wang and Alfredo Pasquarello, have developed a machine learning method to discover 14 new materials for solar cells. These perovskite materials promise higher efficiency and lower cost than silicon. This breakthrough could revolutionize solar panel technology, accelerate the adoption of solar energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Western Switzerland’s RIS-SO network: driving innovation across multiple sectors
The Western Switzerland Regional Innovation System (RIS-SO) supports SMEs, start-ups and higher education institutions through innovation and collaboration. It includes platforms such as BioAlps, Alp ICT, Micronarc and CleantechAlps, which promote excellence in life sciences, digital technologies, micro-nanotechnologies and clean technologies. RIS-SO fosters synergies between regional, national and international actors, enhancing innovation and economic growth in Western Switzerland.
