photonics
Where precision meets light
Canton of Neuchâtel
At the heart of global photonics
Canton of Neuchâtel
For three centuries, Neuchâtel has mastered the infinitely small. This expertise — watchmaking, microtechnology, thin films — has become the foundation of one of the densest photonics ecosystems in Europe, spanning from research to industrial production.
An official contact for your business establishment
A complete value chain
0+years in the art of precision
Ecosystem
« Photonics is transforming the digital and energy transition — transmitting, measuring and processing information using light.
Neuchâtel covers the entire value chain: every link is present, active and accessible. »
Ecosystem
Skills & Positioning
From mastering the infinitely small to mastering light
Precision. Miniaturization. Low energy consumption. These three values have structured Neuchâtel’s industry for three centuries. They are also the fundamental requirements of modern photonics.
What makes Neuchâtel unique in Europe: within a few kilometers, direct access to CSEM and EPFL, world-class expertise in TFLN, QCL, SPAD, and micro-optics, cleanrooms and specialized infrastructure, and a rapid transition from research to industrialization. Cutting-edge research, specialized components, industrial manufacturing, and excellence in training are all gathered in one territory.
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Jobs in the Swiss photonics industry
- CHF 0 billionCHF
Sector turnover in Switzerland
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Photonics companies in the canton
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Researchers in the innovation district
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TFLN Foundry – born in Neuchâtel (CCRAFT)
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of the cantonal GDP from the industrial sector
Ecosystem
Interconnected players, at all stages
CSEM · EPFL · UniNE
more than 100 industry projects between 2018 and 2022CCRAFT · Alpes Lasers · Sercalo Microtechnology · FEMTOPRINT · NovoViz · SPhotonix
LiDAR / mobility · Medical · Datacom · Space & Defense · Metrology · Gas detection
EPFL · HE-Arc · University of Neuchâtel · CPNE-TI
15 startups since 2009Innosuisse · Horizon Europe · invest Neuchâtel · Finergence · Cautionnement Romand
Ecosystem
Value chain
Research & technology transfer
CSEM has been supporting the industry for several decades in the development and transfer of photonic technologies, from prototype to industrialization. EPFL Neuchâtel, located in the heart of Microcity, conducted more than 100 collaborative projects with the industry between 2018 and 2022. The University of Neuchâtel gave birth to Alpes Lasers, the world’s leading manufacturer of quantum cascade lasers.
Components & manufacturing
- CCRAFT — World’s first TFLN photonic chip foundry, spun out of CSEM. Over 40 international industrial partners.
- Alpes Lasers — Global pioneers in QCL since 1998, present in everything from industrial detection to NASA instruments.
- Sercalo Microtechnology — Precision micro-optical and MOEMS components, partner of CSEM.
- FEMTOPRINT — Glass microsystems for photonic and microfluidic applications.
- NovoViz — Single-photon imaging sensors, spun out of EPFL Neuchâtel, selected by ESA BIC Switzerland.
- SPhotonix — Optical data storage, photonic devices, and ultrafast laser processing.
Training & Talents
- 90 minutes – to access a wider pool: Lausanne, Bern, Basel
- EPFL – Master’s and PhD degrees in microtechnology, photonics, applied physics
- UniNE – Material sciences, physics
- HE-Arc – Engineers in microtechnology and embedded systems
- CPNE – TI – Technicians and practitioners in micromechanics, microtechnology, and microelectronics trained locally
- 15 startups – Spun out of EPFL since 2009, including 8 established in the canton
Ecosystem
Concrete results. Companies that have chosen Neuchâtel.
Alpes Lasers
UniNE spin-offGlobal pioneer in quantum cascade lasers (QCL) since 1998
Innovation
Research & Development
Photonic technologies active in the canton
Integrated photonic circuits
TFLN platform developed in the canton: chips up to 8x faster and 10x more energy-efficient, with over 40 global partners.
Advanced laser sources
Pioneering expertise in quantum cascade laser (QCL) since the late 1990s – from industrial detection to space applications.
Micro & nano-optics
Meta-lenses, freeform components, metamaterials – from life sciences to space.
Intelligent & quantum vision
On-chip single-photon sensors and integrated quantum photonics, in collaboration with major international research centers.
Ultrafast storage & processing
Optical data storage, photonic devices, and ultrafast laser processing.
Building
JD7 – Designed for precision, ready to welcome you
JD7
The technological hub of the innovation district
Operational spaces ready upon your arrival – just a few meters from CSEM, EPFL, and your future partners.
- Cleanrooms meeting the strictest standards
- Modular laboratories & scalable infrastructure
- Bright offices – adaptable to your growth
- Collaborative spaces – CSEM & EPFL on your doorstep
- 0 m2
Dedicated to high precision
- CHF 0 millionCHF
investment
- From 0From
available spaces
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students in the innovation district
“In Neuchâtel, three centuries of excellence in precision have given rise to a unique photonic ecosystem, connecting research, innovation, and industrialization.”
Living in Neuchâtel
Neuchâtel: a canton to experience
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 great place to live, work, and reside.
Competitive taxation
Talent pool
Accessibility
Quality of life
FAQ
FAQ
The canton of Neuchâtel brings together one of the densest photonics ecosystems in Europe, from fundamental research to industrial production. CSEM, EPFL, and the University of Neuchâtel develop integrated photonic circuits, advanced laser sources, and micro-optics here. The canton notably hosts the world’s first thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic chip foundry.
Three centuries of watchmaking microtechnology have forged a rare expertise: precision, miniaturization, and low energy consumption — the requirements of modern photonics. Neuchâtel holds the highest density of patents per capita in Switzerland (IPI). The value chain is complete and concentrated within a few kilometers: research, components, manufacturing, and training.
Neuchâtel applies a corporate tax rate of 13.57%, one of the most competitive in Switzerland, within an attractive cost environment compared to the rest of the country — 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. This is complemented by dedicated industrial infrastructure and a readily available network of precision subcontractors.
invest Neuchâtel, supported by the Department of Economy and Social Cohesion, is the sole official 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 discussion.
invest Neuchâtel –
Your official contact
As a state agency, the Economic Development Department of the Canton of Neuchâtel facilitates, coordinates, and accelerates every step of your relocation.
- Search for land and premises
- Networking with the ecosystem
- Access to public funding
- Work permits and authorizations
- Project coaching and support