Platform for light-harvesting and light-emitting technologies (PLLT)

Background: Since 2015, Swiss Research in Photovoltaics (SRPV) cluster has served as a platform for the Swiss PV community, fostering numerous networking events and R&D collaborations that have kept Switzerland at the forefront of Photovoltaic (PV) innovation. The materials, thin-film processes, and semiconductor physics driving the next generation of solar cells are the very same foundations powering the future of sensors, LEDs, and wearable devices. Consequently, SRPV is strategically expanding its scope to include Optoelectronics[nh1.1], creating a unified platform for light-harvesting and light-emitting technologies.

Mission: Switzerland remains a global leader in academic research, with institutions such as EPFL, Empa, CSEM, and ZHAW consistently setting world records in device efficiency. Its universities of applied science and technology excel in advanced analysis and testing, systems integration and modeling, and applied technology innovation. In parallel, a strong industrial sector—spanning materials, precision manufacturing, coatings, electronics, and software—powers the photovoltaic and light-emitting value chain.

Transitioning a high-efficiency laboratory device into a market-ready, packaged, and reliable optoelectronic product requires a multidisciplinary approach that is often missing. To this end, we are committed to bring together the entire value chain:

Academic researchers developing next-generation materials
Equipment manufacturers providing the tools for scalability
Testing institutes like SUPSI to ensure long-term reliability
Companies & startups, who develop and manufacture the optoelectronic devices
End-users, who integrate these technologies into consumer electronics that demand both aesthetic elegance and functionality

Bridge the Gap: We will facilitate a direct, transparent dialogue between academic researchers and industrial partners to identify the technical hurdles of tech-transfer and open opportunities for new applications.

Organization of workshops: We organize one-day events is designed to be a venue for exchange, inspiration and collaboration.

Resource Synergy: We aim to facilitate access to world-class infrastructure by leveraging the infrastructures and resources of reach partners.

Project collaboration: We aim to promote new joint ventures. Our goal is to identify common challenges that can be addressed through Innosuisse projects or European consortia, ensuring Swiss leadership in the PV-Opto ecosystem.

Contact addresses:
Dr. Fan Fu, Empa Dübendorf: E-Mail: fan.fu@empa.ch, Phone: +41 58 765 4777
Prof. Frank A. Nüesch, Empa Dübendorf: frank.nueesch@empa.ch, Phone: +41 58 765 4740

Contact Swissphotonics
Dr. Christian Bosshard
Managing Director Swissphotoncis
+41 79 405 1826

11 February 2026, Christian Bosshard