Conference on May 13: “Sustainable supply of critical raw materials and components for the future of Switzerland as a technology hub”

Location: Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne, Aarbergerstrasse 46, 2503 Biel/Bienne
Organised by: ESM Foundation, Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW, Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne (SIPBB), Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)
Supported by: Bern Economic Development Agency

Securing a safe and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and components is essential for Switzerland as a hub for technology. Geopolitical tensions, supply chain risks, and rising demand present major challenges for industry, policymakers, and research, but also create opportunities for innovation and the circular economy.

To discuss these opportunities and risks, the ESM Foundation has joined forces with the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW, Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne (SIPBB), and the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) to host a conference on May 13, 2026. The event will bring together perspectives from industry, associations, and research. The goal is to pool cross-sector knowledge, highlight risks, and develop concrete recommendations for business and policymakers.

In the morning (by invitation), interactive expert workshops will focus on sector-specific issues. In the afternoon (open to the public), the workshop results will be reviewed and placed in a broader context.

Public Program

From 1:30 PM: Coffee, arrival of the public
2:00 PM: Welcome by the project team
2:15 PM: Welcome by National Councillor Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter
2:25 PM: Welcome by Virve Resta, Specialist for Circular Economy and Innovation, Business Development Agency of the Canton of Bern
2:30 PM: Welcome by Oliver Nievergelt, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs
2:35 PM: Introduction: ESM / SIPBB / SATW / Empa; initial findings from the workshops
2:50 PM: Diversification strategies at Ypsomed – National Councilor Simon Michel, CEO of Ypsomed
3:05 PM: Sovereign systems: Paths to digital resilience – National Councilor Gerhard Andrey
3:20 PM: Criticality assessment and EU raw materials strategies – Luis Tercero, Fraunhofer ISI, Germany
3:35 PM: Sustainable raw material supply for Switzerland: Strengthening accountability in global supply chains – Robert Bachmann (Public Eye)
3:50 PM: Industry Input: Jan Backmann (Roche), Sabine Krattiger (Immark), Michael Baumgartner (Maxon)
4:05 PM: Panel discussion: How can resilience and the circular economy for critical raw materials be strengthened in Switzerland? – With National Councillor Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter, National Councillor Gerhard Andrey, Jan Backmann (Roche), Sabine Krattiger (Immark), Michael Baumgartner (Maxon)
5:00 PM: Closing remarks and reception
5:30 PM: Optional tour of the SIPBB

The results of the conference (status quo, recommendations for action, requests to policymakers) will subsequently be published as a guide for policymakers and the public.

Are you interested in participating in the expert workshops in the morning?
Please contact the organizing team: alessandra.hool@esmfoundation.org.