Between lake and mountains, Neuchâtel is shaping the industries of the future. By rehabilitating landmark buildings and creating three innovation ecosystems, the canton is betting on close proximity between research, businesses and production. The objective is clear: to turn the region into a place where ideas take shape and to facilitate the transition from the laboratory to the market.
In Switzerland’s innovation landscape, Neuchâtel is moving forward with a clear vision: to provide research and industry with places where they can collaborate in concrete, practical ways.
This strategic choice, rooted in a strong industrial tradition, is built on an economic fabric that has continually evolved since the watchmaking crisis of the 1970s. At that time, the canton had to reinvent itself. From watches to microelectronics, from mechanical engineering to medtech, it learned to diversify its expertise while preserving its hallmark precision and high standards of quality.
Today, this culture of adaptation is embodied in three innovation ecosystems: Human Lean Diagnostics (HLD), Les Métiers du Temps – Times Arts (MTTA) and Jaquet-Droz 7 (JD7). These ecosystems are designed to bring together researchers, start-ups, SMEs and large corporations around shared objectives: innovating, testing and industrialising.
Supported by the cantonal authorities, Microcity and a network of academic and industrial partners, these projects structure a clear and coherent offering for economic stakeholders and inject new momentum into Neuchâtel’s industrial landscape.
A Strategy Built on Opportunity
Behind this momentum lies an ambitious land-use policy led by the State and its partners: repurposing former industrial and administrative buildings into hubs for technological activities.
This opportunity-driven strategy makes it possible to bring together start-ups, SMEs, large companies and research centres on a single site. It relies on active collaboration between the State, municipalities, research institutes and the local industrial fabric.
The Serrières complex, now dedicated to the HLD ecosystem, is the first example of this approach.
Others will follow. Buildings located at Jaquet-Droz 7 in Neuchâtel and Hôtel-de-Ville 7 in Le Locle will host applied research activities in collaboration with the CSEM, Haute École Arc, CPNE and Microcity.
Spaces Designed for Collaboration
Microcity will manage two emblematic sites:
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The future headquarters of the MTTA ecosystem in Le Locle, dedicated to time-related crafts and excellence in craftsmanship
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Les Usines, in the Serrières valley in Neuchâtel
This new ecosystem, inaugurated in June 2025, is the nerve centre of the Human Lean Diagnostics (HLD) programme. The site aims to become a key hub for companies active in diagnostics, particularly in automation.
Alongside this, the JD7 building will be located at the heart of Neuchâtel’s innovation district and will be dedicated to technology transfer, with a pre-industrialisation focus.
As the operational pillar of this dynamic, Microcity acts as a coordinator between ecosystems, companies and institutions. The arrival of a new director next January will open a new chapter for the organisation, which aims to further strengthen synergies between applied research, industry and economic attractiveness.
All these sites share a common philosophy: to welcome, connect and accelerate.
A Territory of Applied Innovation
One of Neuchâtel’s greatest strengths lies in the density of its scientific ecosystem. CSEM, the University of Neuchâtel (UniNE), Haute École Arc (HE-Arc), EPFL, CPNE and FSRM coexist within a limited geographical radius. This proximity encourages exchanges, talent development and technology transfer.
“In Neuchâtel, we have chosen to bring research and industry closer together in spaces designed for collaboration. This is a way to accelerate projects, but also to build a sustainable economy that is open to the world,”
Florence Nater, State Councillor and Head of the Department of Economy and Social Affairs.
This human-scale region offers a rare balance between quality of life and industrial performance. Its identity, built on precision and technical excellence, appeals to Swiss and international investors seeking a stable, connected environment focused on future technologies.
A Canton on the Move
With these three ecosystems under development, repurposed buildings and agile governance, Neuchâtel is already preparing the industry of tomorrow. A collective effort that is both pragmatic and visionary, illustrating the ability of a region to reinvent itself without renouncing its identity.
Here, innovation is built step by step — with method, coherence and ambition.
Available Spaces at the Heart of Innovation
Interested in joining these ecosystems? Spaces are still available. All information and contact details can be found on the dedicated websites.
HLD – Human Lean Diagnostics
7,000 m² of laboratories and offices in Serrières (Usines 56/90)
Launch: June 2025
hld-ne.ch
Les Métiers du Temps – Times Arts (MTTA)
5,000 m² watchmaking centre in Le Locle
Opening planned for 2028
Research infrastructure recognised by the Confederation as being of national importance
mtta.ch
JD7 – Jaquet-Droz 7
Approximately 10,000 m² of modular space for offices, laboratories and clean rooms
Completion in 2027
jd7.ch