WISeKey invests in establishment of a semiconductor center in Jura

A public-private center for post-quantum semiconductor technologies is to be established in the canton of Jura. A corresponding memorandum of understanding has been signed by WISeKey International Holding, a company active in cybersecurity, the semiconductor manufacturer SEALSQ Corp, which is WISeKey's French subsidiary with a Swiss branch in Meyrin in the canton of Geneva, and the Canton of Jura. To this end, the partners plan to invest between 40 and 60 million Swiss francs over a period of six years.

According to a statement from WISeKey, the aim of the initiative is to establish a Swiss center of excellence for the design, personalization, testing and secure provisioning of these semiconductor technologies. The partners intend to build on the Canton of Jura’s long-standing expertise in precision manufacturing, microtechnology and high-quality industrial production. In addition, secure semiconductors and ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) will become increasingly relevant to avionics, secure communications, sensors and other defense systems, and could thereby strengthen Switzerland’s domestic technological and industrial base.

Approximately 40 direct jobs are expected to be created within two years, 150 by year five and more than 250 by year eight. At least 60 percent of these positions are to be filled by residents of the canton. WISeKey, SEALSQ, private investors and industry partners plan to provide the majority of the financing. The canton sees itself as a strategic catalyst and is exploring potential funding opportunities.

The Canton of Jura “strongly welcomes this announcement and is fully committed to supporting the project,” said its Minister of Economy, Stéphane Theurillat. “Together with the relevant authorities and services, we will work closely with the company to facilitate a fast and successful establishment in Jura and create the conditions for its long-term development.”