For a few months, Micronarc has been evolving. The platform for the promotion of micro and nanotechnologies, hosted by the FSRM (Swiss Foundation for Research in Microtechnology), is led by a new secretary general who has the ambition to make it more dynamic. Meeting with Roland Hirschi.
What are your objectives for Micronarc?
The Micronarc platform aims to bring a strong added value to the companies of the sector. It’s a fantastic tool and it needs to be known. This is why the entire Micronarc team will now work to improve our visibility by strengthening our communication, to better explain to companies what we can offer them.
What services do you offer them?
There are several types. We create debate and exchange and offer to understand transversal themes to help companies increase their competitiveness, through the organization of events such as conferences, thematic workshops or collaborative work groups. We also promote the companies by holding grouped stands in various national or international trade shows and events that offer visibility on their capacity for innovation. Through our completely redesigned website, we offer the widest and simplest possible information on the micro and nanotechnology ecosystem in the region. Finally, we are a central element of information and connections, also with other technologies.
In what way?
In particular, by focusing on interactions with other sectoral platforms. For example, those of Ari-SO, the innovation support program of the French-speaking cantons. Alongside Micronarc, there are three other “techno-clusters” governed and supported by the seven cantons of French-speaking Switzerland, namely Bio-alps, Alp-ict and CleantechAlps, which promote biotech, digital and cleantech respectively. This is without forgetting the two coaching programs, Platinn and Alliance. The networking of all the players in the sector, both academic and industrial, is essential.
What is your personal relationship with the micro and nanotechnology sector?
I was made aware of this through my professional career. During the first part of my career, I worked in the biotech world on the development of implantable microsystems based on MEMS (Micro Electro Mecanical Systems) technologies. I then moved on to microtechnology in the broadest sense with my experience in the watchmaking sector worldwide. Today I am also confronted with it as an entrepreneur looking for support to develop my business. Because in addition to my function as Secretary General, I launched a start-up company active in the management of watchmaking after-sales service. I am therefore familiar with the needs of entrepreneurs.
How important are micro and nanotechnologies in Switzerland?
It is little known, but in these professions, there are only a few countries or regions of the world that count. Of which the western part of Switzerland is undeniably part of the top 10! And what sets us apart in particular is our very dense ecosystem, our know-how and our capacity for innovation. And that’s something we need to make known!
Interview by Patrick Di Lenardo (BIZKIT.CH)
