Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology

Investment thesis

Empa exists to develop application-oriented materials science and technology solutions for priority problems facing Swiss industry and society, guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals [1].

• Strategic agenda: Focuses on nano-structured materials, the built environment, energy/resources/emissions, and health/performance to drive innovation from lab to market [2][1].
• Innovation bridge: Operates as a core pillar of the ETH Domain, explicitly tasked with translating research into industrial solutions, evidenced by its slogan “The Place where Innovation Starts” [1].
• Funding model: Relies on a mix of direct federal funding (CHF 107m in 2022) and significant third-party funding (CHF 60m+), indicating a strong capacity to attract competitive project grants [1].
• Industry partnership: Prioritizes R&D in close partnership with industrial partners, supporting Swiss competitiveness in high-tech manufacturing and sustainability [1].

Credibility: ETH Domain budget allocation (CHF 117m for Empa in 2024) and the documented rise in third-party funding from CHF 34m (2000) to CHF 60m+ (2022) [1].

Value add

• Network access: Connects applicants to the ETH Domain, Swiss industry partners, and international research networks [1].
• Facilities: Provides access to world-class labs and testing centers [2].
• Credibility: Association with Empa signals high scientific and technical rigor [1].
• Follow-on eligibility: Successful projects can lead to larger flagship initiatives or EU funding [1].

Fit verdict: Ideal for deep-tech startups and SMEs in materials, energy, or health sectors seeking to de-risk technology through federal R&D partnerships.

Founder diligence script:

• Does my technology align with Empa’s strategic areas (energy, health, built environment)?
• Can I form a consortium with Swiss industry partners as required?
• What is the current call cycle for Innosuisse or EU grants Empa is leading?
• What specific facilities or expertise does Empa offer that I cannot access elsewhere?

Portfolio focus

• Hydrogen materials: Research into robust ceramic membranes for efficient green hydrogen processing [2].
• Digital health: AI and sensor-based solutions for diabetes management [2].
• Sustainable energy: Projects on energy supply, demand, and system integration, including battery technologies [2].
• Circular economy: Research on material streams, recycling, and sustainable production [2].
• Biomedical materials: Development of biomimetic membranes, textiles, and nanomaterials for health applications [2].