Precision
Micromechanics and systems designed for the most demanding applications.
robotics
Where precision comes to life
Canton of Neuchâtel
Where precision sets things in motion
Canton of Neuchâtel
For over 250 years, the Neuchâtel industrial DNA has been one of mastered movement. From Jaquet-Droz automata to current automated systems, the region cultivates the same skills: micromechanics, motion control, miniaturization, and reliability.
Today, this heritage fuels an ecosystem specialized in precision robotics and industrial automation. Within a compact territory, your project gains access to component manufacturers, machine builders, integrators, R&D partners, and qualified talent.
Support
A single public contact point for your establishment project.
Motion
Direct drives, micromotors, and motion control.
Proximity
Companies, R&D partners, and training centers gathered in one canton.
Ecosystem
“From micromotors to automated systems, everything is here. In robotics and precision automation, performance lies in the details: actuation, motion control, sensors, vision, assembly and integration. Neuchâtel brings these critical skills together within just a few kilometers – your partners are your neighbors.”
Ecosystem
Skills & Positioning
Mastering movement, from component to automated system
Neuchâtel’s specialization lies at the intersection of precision robotics and industrial automation. It is based on historical skills — micromechanics, microelectronics, precision assembly, low-power systems — serving industries where reliability, repeatability, and miniaturization are decisive: medtech, pharma, semiconductors, machine tools, laboratory automation, and watchmaking.
The ecosystem covers the entire chain, from applied research and prototyping to components, special machines, integration, and industrial production.
- 0 years+
years of precision engineering, from automata to robotics
- 0st
patent density in Switzerland, per 100,000 inhabitants (IPI 2021)
- 0nd
Most exporting canton in Switzerland (2024)
- 0+
Researchers at the heart of the innovation district
- 0%
of cantonal GDP from the industrial sector
- < 0 min<
to access a broader talent pool between Lausanne, Bern, and Basel
Ecosystem
Interconnected actors, at every stage
ETEL (Môtiers) · Unimec (La Chaux-de-Fonds)
Direct drives, automation elements, torque motors, linear motors, micromotors and control electronics.Mikron Automation (Boudry) · Rollomatic (Le Landeron) · IMA Automation · CIPOSA
Assembly lines, special machines, ultra-precision machining, flexible feeding and integration.Medtech & surgery · Pharma & assembly · Machine tools · Semiconductors · Lab automation · Watchmaking
Environments where precision, repeatability and reliability are critical.CSEM · EPFL · University of Neuchâtel · HE-Arc
Applied research, technology transfer and training of technical profiles.Innosuisse · Horizon Europe · invest Neuchâtel · Finergence · Cautionnement romand
Identification of relevant programs and networking with the appropriate organizations according to the nature of the project.
Ecosystem
Value chain
Research & technology transfer
The CSEM and EPFL offer cutting-edge resources in micro- and nanotechnology. EPFL Neuchâtel houses a significant part of the Institute of Electrical and Microengineering. A technological safety net for your developments. The Neuchâtel ecosystem brings together components, machines, and integration within a few kilometers — from the micromotor to the integrated robot.
Industrial actors & technologies
- ETEL – Môtiers: 100% dedicated to direct drive (torque motors, linear motors, motion control). Global leader for semiconductors.
- IMA Automation – La Chaux-de-Fonds: integration of automated assembly lines for medtech and the precision industry.
- Mikron Automation – Boudry : 600+ employees on site (50% engineers), medical device assembly lines at over 100 parts/minute.
- Rollomatic – Le Landeron: high-precision CNC machines, micro-tools down to 0.03 mm, 15,000 m² site. Joint innovation cell with EPFL.
- Network of SMEs – precision subcontracting: a dense network of SMEs also participates in the design, at all levels of maturity (TRL).
Training & Talent
- EPFL – Microengineering and embedded systems, on the Microcity campus (EPFL)
- UniNE – AI & autonomous systems: applied research in machine learning
- HE-Arc – Mechatronics: engineering and micro-techniques (HE-Arc Engineering)
- CPNE – TI – Technicians and practitioners in micromechanics, micro-techniques, and microelectronics trained locally
- 90 minutes – to access a wider pool of talent: Lausanne, Bern, Basel
Ecosystem
Concrete results.
These global leaders were born in Neuchâtel.
Innovation
Research & Development
R&D from prototype to product
State-of-the-art direct drive
Motors that deliver at least 20% more torque for the same size, with up to 30% fewer losses. World-class expertise.
Embedded micro-actuation and motorization
Motors and control electronics reduced to the minimum, optimized for torque, footprint, and consumption. At the heart of the most compact medical and robotic devices.
Precision machining & Industry 4.0
Laser cutting of ultra-hard materials, micro-tools down to 0.03 mm, and customized automated loading. Joint innovation cell with EPFL.
Compact loading robotics
Camera-driven assembly and flexible component feeding for production lines.
Academic foundation
EPFL and CSEM: flexible mechanisms, microrobotics, and space robotics with the CSEM PULSAR demonstrator.
Establishment
Microcity – The Neuchâtel innovation district, spanning 1 km²
Microcity
The Innovation Hub
Setting up here means joining the largest microtechnology competence center in Europe – and the national innovation network.
Switzerland Innovation Park West EPFL – Neuchâtel is part of it via Microcity SA,
- EPFL · CSEM · HE-Arc · UniNE · CPNE gathered on-site, with the economic promotion agency.
- MicroLean Lab – demonstrator for the industry of the future: collaborative robotics, industrial vision, AI, and flexible production.
- JD7 – the new flagship building of the district, dedicated to high-precision companies and their R&D cells.
- 0 km2
of district dedicated to innovation
- 0
education and research institutions
- 0+
researchers
- 0
students
“From Jaquet-Droz automata to the smart factory, Neuchâtel transforms the mastery of movement into high-precision automated systems.”
Ecosystem
They chose Neuchâtel!
IMA Automation
Two sites: La Chaux-de-Fonds & BoudryAutomated assembly solutions for the medical and precision industry.
The Swiss subsidiary of the IMA group relies on the Neuchâtel microtechnical fabric and its qualified talent.
Aranow international SA
Located in Neuchâtel - Headquarters in BarcelonaInnovation center for pharmaceutical packaging machines (stick-packs).
Chose Neuchâtel for its applied innovation ecosystem (CSEM, Microcity, EPFL).
Living in Neuchâtel
Neuchâtel, a canton to live in
Bordered by a lake and surrounded by mountains, the region offers a perfect balance between nature and urban life. This privileged setting allows researchers and professionals to enjoy an environment conducive to creativity, inspiration, and well-being.
Neuchâtel is not only a place of innovation, but also a place where it is good to live, work, and reside.
Competitive taxation
Pool of talent
Accessibility
Quality of life
F.A.Q
F.A.Q
The canton of Neuchâtel masters the entire robotics value chain, from micromotors to integrated systems. It brings together world leaders in direct drive and automated assembly, a dense network of precision subcontracting SMEs, as well as EPFL and CSEM for flexible mechanisms and microrobotics.
Robotics specifically leverages the disciplines that Neuchâtel has been cultivating for generations: micromechanics, microelectronics, precision assembly, and reliability. Neuchâtel is the second largest exporting canton in Switzerland and boasts the highest density of patents per capita. A local specialty: SMEs participate in the design phase, not just production.
Neuchâtel applies a corporate tax rate of 13.57%, one of the most competitive in Switzerland, within a cost-effective environment compared to the rest of Switzerland – business real estate, land, and operating expenses. The canton is at the heart of Europe: Lausanne, Bern, and Basel are accessible in less than 90 minutes, and the international airports of Geneva, Zurich, and Basel are within direct reach. Furthermore, it offers dedicated industrial infrastructure and a precision subcontracting network that is immediately mobilizable.
invest Neuchâtel, supported by the Department of Economy and Social Cohesion, is the official single point of contact for any establishment. Its support is confidential: search for premises and land, networking with the ecosystem, access to public funding, work permits and authorizations, project coaching. Contact invest Neuchâtel for an initial no-obligation meeting.
invest Neuchâtel –
Your official contact
As a state entity, the Economic Development Office of the Canton of Neuchâtel facilitates, coordinates, and accelerates every stage of your establishment.
- Search for land and premises
- Networking within the ecosystem
- Access to public funding
- Work permits and authorizations
- Project coaching and support