aerospace
From watch movements to orbit: Neuchâtel precision
Canton of Neuchâtel
From watch movements to orbit: Neuchâtel precision
Canton of Neuchâtel
For three centuries, Neuchâtel has mastered time and the infinitely small. This watchmaking expertise has become that of atomic clocks, sensors, miniaturized instruments, and onboard electronics that equip today’s most demanding space missions—from navigating and observing to operating in orbit.
An official contact for your establishment
From watchmaking microtechnology to space instruments
0+years in the art of the infinitely small
Ecosystem
“New Space, satellite constellations, and decarbonized aviation demand systems that are increasingly precise, compact, and energy-efficient. The Neuchâtel ecosystem addresses these needs across the entire value chain, from space to aeronautics — with a local specificity: SMEs are also involved in design at all levels of technological maturity (TRL).”
Ecosystem
Interconnected actors, at every stage
CSEM · Time-Frequency Laboratory UniNE · HE-Arc · EPFL
partners of ESAOptical sensors · Atomic clocks · Miniaturized mechanisms · Ultra-light photovoltaics · Antennas & RF · Hermetic packaging
Nanosatellites · Scientific instruments · GNSS / navigation · Earth observation · Space exploration · Telecommunications · Aeronautics (solar flight, onboard energy)
EPFL · HE-Arc · University of Neuchâtel · CPNE-TI
Innosuisse · Horizon Europe · invest Neuchâtel · Finergence · Cautionnement Romand
Ecosystem
Value chain
Research & technology transfer
CSEM has been supporting the industry for decades in the development and transfer of aerospace technologies, from prototype to industrialization. HE-Arc, EPFL, and UniNE conduct research and provide training in time-frequency technologies, optics, and micro-engineering. All three are partners of ESA. The watchmaking heritage fuels cutting-edge micro-engineering, the foundation of space components.
Industrial players & technologies
- Micro Cameras & Space Exploration — onboard imaging instruments for ESA missions (Rosetta, BepiColombo, JUICE, ISS).
- SpacePNT — GNSS receivers for New Space, decimeter-level positioning, ESA project around the Moon.
- Safran Timing Technologies — global leader in atomic clocks and oscillators for space missions.
- Rolex Quantum — optical atomic clocks (established 2025, CSEM partnership).
- SolarStratos — solar-powered aircraft for stratospheric flight, ultra-light CSEM panels.
- CSEM — space micro-cameras, atomic clocks, LIDAR: R&D engine of the Neuchâtel aerospace sector.
Education & Talent
- 90 minutes – Extended basin: Lausanne, Bern, Basel within 90 minutes
- CSEM – Optical & photonic sensors, vision & imaging, advanced packaging
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HE-Arc – Bachelor and Master in embedded systems, electronics, IoT & sensors
- UniNE– Time metrology, high-precision oscillators (Time-Frequency Laboratory)
- EPFL – Master and Doctoral degrees in micro-engineering, photonics, and materials science
- CPNE-TI – Technicians and practitioners in micro-mechanics, micro-engineering, and micro-electronics trained locally
Ecosystem
Concrete results.
Companies that have chosen Neuchâtel.
Micro Cameras & Space Exploration
Neuchâtel · 20+ yearsOnboard imaging for Rosetta, BepiColombo, JUICE and ISS missions
SpacePNT
New Space · Canton of NEHigh-precision GNSS receivers, including an ESA project around the Moon
Rolex Quantum
Established 2025, NeuchâtelOptical atomic clocks, in partnership with CSEM
Safran Timing Technologies
Neuchâtel · global leaderAtomic clocks and oscillators for precision space missions
Innovation
Research & Development
Active research areas in the canton
Atomic clocks & time metrology
Frequency standards for satellite geolocation (Galileo-type), offering temporal stability superior to GPS signals. Expertise recognized up to the ESA Scientific Advisory Committee.
Optical sensors & imaging
Micro-cameras on ESA missions, flash imaging LIDAR, single-photon detectors for space observation and exploration.
Photovoltaics & onboard energy
Ultra-light solar cells for aeronautics — including stratospheric solar flight — and global specialty in ultra-low power electronics and energy harvesting.
Mechanisms & advanced packaging
Complex mechanisms through additive manufacturing, hermetic encapsulation, glass/metal/ceramic assembly for extreme environments.
Quantum & navigation
Optical atomic clocks and GNSS receivers for New Space, resistant to navigation vulnerabilities.
establishment
Microcity – The Neuchâtel innovation district, across 1 km²
Microcity
The Innovation Hub
Setting up here means joining the largest center of expertise in microtechnology in Europe – and the national innovation network.
Switzerland Innovation Park West EPFL – Neuchâtel is part of it via Microcity SA,
- 0 km2
innovation district
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education and research institutions
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researchers
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students
“Neuchâtel. From time to space.”
Living in Neuchâtel
Neuchâtel, a canton to live in
In addition to its unique professional setting, the Canton of Neuchâtel offers an exceptional quality of life.
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
13.57% corporate tax rate
Talent pool
Accessibility
Quality of life
F.A.Q
F.A.Q
The Canton of Neuchâtel has around 90 organizations active in aeronautics and aerospace. CSEM, HE-Arc, and the Time-Frequency Laboratory of the University of Neuchâtel are partners of the European Space Agency (ESA). The canton provides atomic clocks, onboard micro-cameras, optical sensors, and GNSS receivers for international space missions.
The Neuchâtel watchmaking heritage—manufacturing very small components with extreme tolerances—translates directly into critical components for space. The canton excels in hermetic packaging, resistance to thermal and vibrational cycles, and ultra-low-power electronics. Its distinctive strength: industrializing laboratory instruments at all levels of technological maturity.
Neuchâtel applies a corporate tax rate of 13.57%, one of the most competitive in Switzerland, within an attractive cost environment compared to the Swiss average—commercial 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. In addition, there are dedicated industrial infrastructures and a precision subcontracting network that is immediately available.
invest Neuchâtel, supported by the Department of Economy and Social Cohesion, is the official single point of contact for any company setup. Our support is confidential: site and land search, networking within the ecosystem, access to public funding, work permits and authorizations, and project coaching. Contact invest Neuchâtel for an initial no-obligation meeting.
invest Neuchâtel –
Your official contact
As a state agency, the Economic Development Office of the Canton of Neuchâtel facilitates, coordinates, and accelerates every step of your establishment.
- Search for land and premises
- Networking with the ecosystem
- Access to public funding
- Work permits and authorizations
- Coaching and project support