To ensure that Neuchâtel remains a strong and attractive innovation destination, the canton has announced the next phase in the construction of the Microcity innovation district.
The building, which has been projected since 2010, will provide additional space, notably for the CSEM and the EPFL. It will also house the R&D centers and departments of partner companies and start-ups in the innovation cluster. The building is scheduled to be completed in 2025-2026.
Over the past few decades, and particularly in recent years, the canton of Neuchâtel has made a name for itself as the cradle of innovation thanks to a clear strategy and significant investments. After inaugurating its third site of operations in 2019, the next step for Microcity and the canton is to launch this new building project.
A window into the innovation ecosystem of the canton of Neuchâtel
The projected building, temporarily named JD7, will offer even more space for research and development with the ambition of being a showcase for the local innovation ecosystem and a place for meetings and inspiring exchanges. The canton of Neuchâtel will thus be able to fulfil its mission even better within the Switzerland Innovation cluster, of which it is an integral part.
More than 107,640 square feet of new floor space will be created. The building will house offices, laboratories, grey and/or clean rooms, technical rooms, as well as common areas for meetings, collaborations/celebrations, and restaurants and cafeterias.
Future tenants will mainly be the CSEM and the EPFL, but also R&D centers and departments of companies, start-ups and other stakeholders in the innovation cluster. Thanks to the new building, CSEM's activities, which are currently spread out over several small sites outside the campus, will be able to be grouped together within this strategic innovation district.
The new building will be erected in strict compliance with the neighborhood plan and will preserve the image of the existing neighborhood, with flat, planted roofs, open, shared outdoor spaces, and generous vegetation and trees.
