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Swiss Polymers Cluster Publié le 27 May 2026 The Swiss Polymers Cluster is Switzerland’s leading network for innovation in polymer materials. With more than 100 members—industrial companies, SMEs and research institutes—it operates from Fribourg as an accelerator for collaborative projects in the fields of high precision, microtechnology and medtech. An active partner in European funding programs, it connects material expertise with concrete industrial needs. The Swiss Polymers Cluster announces its partnership with the EPHJ exhibition – The World of High Precision, which will take place from June 16 to 19, 2026, at Palexpo Geneva. This partnership reinforces its commitment to innovation and to industrial synergies in the fields of high precision, microtechnologies and medtech. The Swiss Polymers Cluster brings together an ecosystem of companies, research institutes and industrial stakeholders around the development of innovative polymer-based solutions, fostering collaboration, innovative projects and knowledge transfer. A strong presence at EPHJ 2026 The Swiss Polymers Cluster will be present at EPHJ 2026 alongside its members, both exhibitors and visitors. This participation will showcase the cluster’s expertise, strengthen exchanges and encourage new collaborations. Polymer materials are now playing an increasingly important role in demanding sectors such as watchmaking, microtechnology and medical technologies. A strategic partnership By partnering with EPHJ, the Swiss Polymers Cluster continues its mission: connecting stakeholders, driving innovation and supporting technological transformation at the heart of a leading trade show dedicated to high-precision industries. List of SPC members present at EPHJ 2026 Admo Plastique SA (stand N16) Fondation Alfaset (stand G76) FISA Group – Ultrasonic Cleaning Solutions (stand K13) Henri Schaller SA (stand K20) Maître frères SA (stand H17) Manuplast SA / MORA Group (stand J77) Mecaplast Swiss (stand H81) Mestel (stand R53) R. Montavon SA (stand K55) STÄUBLI (stand D75) Techno-Synthetic SA (stand N20) We Are Team (stand K114) INCA SA (stand P21)

Discover the six nominees for the 2026 Exhibitors’ Grand Prix Publié le 27 May 2026 Six innovations, one shared ambition: pushing the limits of precision. Intelligent micro-dispensing, nanometric metrology, ultra-pure single crystals, PCD machining, miniature one-way bearings and 3D electroforming: discover the nominees for the EPHJ 2026 Exhibitors’ Grand Prix. Ciposa: When the machine learns the gesture — toward intelligent, repeatable micro-dispensingSmart Dispensing captures expert gestures and converts them into automated precision. In micro-dispensing, where the human hand continuously adjusts trajectory, speed and dosage, the machine can now learn by demonstration. The result: micrometric reproduction that is adaptable and repeatable, even on complex geometries. A key innovation for watchmaking, medtech and microelectronics, transforming rare know-how into a sustainable industrial advantage. Discover it at stand A47. IotaMetrix: Seeing the invisible without ever altering the materialSeeing finer without touching or preparing: IotaMetrix is redefining the limits of optical metrology. Thanks to photon reassignment, the technology achieves nanometric resolution on all materials, including the most demanding such as sapphire or ceramics. Already validated by leading players, it opens new perspectives in watchmaking, medtech and microtechnology, while reducing defects right from quality control. A tangible breakthrough to discover at the heart of the show. Discover it at stand J111.  Magnetic cold crucible: Krystalix opens a new era for single crystalsWith its magnetic cold crucible, Krystalix reaches a new milestone in the growth of ultra-pure single crystals. By mastering convection and thermal gradients, the technology enables contamination-free, more stable and more efficient production. The result: high-quality materials for watchmaking, microtechnology and demanding technological applications. An innovation stemming from research that transforms a scientific challenge into a concrete industrial lever. Discover it at stand L120. Lubricated PCD drills: drilling the undrillable with precisionWith its internally lubricated PCD drills, Louis Bélet SA pushes the limits of machining complex materials. By combining the extreme hardness of polycrystalline diamond with high-pressure cooling delivered right at the cutting edge, the solution significantly improves chip evacuation and thermal stability. The result: clean drilling, increased productivity and extended tool life, even in ceramics and demanding alloys. A practical advancement for high-precision machining. Discover it at stand J16. MPS – SpragWay: the miniature one-way bearing redefining torque in watchmakingWith SpragWay, MPS Micro Precision Systems is redefining miniature one-way bearings. Capable of transmitting high torque with almost zero backlash, this innovation opens new possibilities at the heart of timepieces, particularly near the barrel. Derived from a refined miniaturization of the sprag system, it combines precision, compactness and reliability. A technical advance that expands the creative freedom of watch designers. Discover it at stand E35. NanoVoxel: electroforming enters a true 3D dimensionWith its VERA™ technology, NanoVoxel brings electroforming into a new dimension. By combining two-photon polymerization-based micro 3D printing with high-fidelity metal deposition, the solution enables the production of truly three-dimensional microparts, free from planar constraints. The result: unprecedented design freedom, faster cycles and expanded applications, from watchmaking to microtechnology. An advance that turns geometry into a driver of industrial innovation. Discover it at stand K120.  

MEET ELCA AT EPHJ 2026 – Precision is Your Business. Making It Work — Securely, Intelligently, Sovereignly — Is Ours. Publié le 27 May 2026 ELCA Group comes to EPHJ with a simple conviction: the companies that will define the next chapter of Swiss high-precision manufacturing are those who can harness AI intelligently The companies that gather at EPHJ each year share something rare: an uncompromising standard. Whether crafting a tourbillon escapement, calibrating a surgical implant, or manufacturing a precision sensor at the micron level, excellence here is not aspirational — it is the baseline. The craft is centuries old. The discipline is absolute. But the environment surrounding that craft has changed dramatically. Regulatory requirements are multiplying. Cyberthreats are targeting operational technology that was never designed to be connected. Customers and auditors demand end-to-end traceability. And the pressure to do more — to produce better, faster, with fewer defects and more insight — is relentless. This is where digital technology either helps — or gets in the way. The difference depends almost entirely on who implements it, and how. ELCA Group comes to EPHJ with a simple conviction: the companies that will define the next chapter of Swiss high-precision manufacturing are those who can harness AI intelligently, protect their operations without slowing them down, and retain full sovereignty over their data and infrastructure. These are not just 3 IT projects. They are three dimensions of the same transformation — and ELCA is built to deliver them. AI, Security, and Sovereignty — three dimensions, one transformation For manufacturing companies, AI is already a competitive reality: predictive maintenance that prevents unplanned downtime, computer vision that catches microscopic defects before assembly, and process optimisation that tightens tolerances at scale. ELCA delivers these as production-grade applications — grounded in your operational data, integrated into your environment, built to last. But intelligence without security is exposure. Your IP — tolerances refined over decades, proprietary processes, production know-how — now lives in connected systems that are actively targeted. Through ELCASecurity, ELCA protects OT/IT environments without disrupting production, and embeds compliance with NIS2 and the EU Cyber Resilience Act from day one. And for many manufacturing companies — in medtech, defence supply chain, or luxury goods — data residency is not a preference, it is a requirement. ELCA architects and operates sovereign infrastructure hosted in Switzerland, governed by Swiss law, managed by Swiss engineers. Modern scalability, without jurisdictional ambiguity. A partner built for Swiss industry Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Pully, ELCA is Switzerland’s leading independent IT services group — over 2,300 specialists, no offshore pressures, no conflicting portfolio interests. Every engagement runs from strategy through delivery through 24/7 operations. No handoffs. No fire-and-forget. The same values that define high-precision manufacturing: sustained commitment, deep specialisation, and a refusal to accept outcomes that do not meet the standard. ELCA is proud to be a sponsor of EPHJ for the fourth consecutive year — a commitment that reflects genuine conviction in this ecosystem and in the companies that drive it forward. Meet our experts at EPHJ on Booth N96 and explore what grounded innovation looks like for a company like yours. www.elca.ch/manufacturing

Composites Bush: a new “signature composite” sparks creative freedom Publié le 27 May 2026 “Here, gold—an eminently universal and reassuring material—becomes a field for controlled experimentation rather than a purely decorative end,” states the official communication. A clear opportunity for watchmaking. “This innovation is stable, durable, and compatible with the most demanding watchmaking constraints,” continues Composites Busch, a renowned spin-off of Germany’s Busch Vacuum, established in Porrentruy (JU) in 1988. “This composite material is part of a continuous innovation approach, driven by long-standing expertise in composites applied to haute horlogerie.” It incorporates gold in the form of thin leaves, combined with a mineral fiber weave, all bonded by a bio-based resin. The quartz fiber-reinforced structure yields a material particularly suited to watchmaking applications. “This technical foundation, perfectly mastered by our teams, offers great creative freedom: variations in gold caratage and tones, plays on depth and light, resin coloration, or the integration of pigments and functional powders depending on aesthetic or technical requirements.” “A new material: a fully-fledged identity element, evolving and exclusive” More than an assembly of noble materials, this composite reflects precise craftsmanship, enriched by the expertise of professionals dedicated to research and trend anticipation. “Each watch model results in a specific interpretation, turning the material into a genuine identity element—evolving and exclusive, tailor-made for the brand.” Joël A. Grandjean / 1876 News Agency https://compositesbusch.chEPHJ, stand N17 Composites Busch, in briefBased in Porrentruy, the company specializes in the design and manufacture of high value-added composite solutions. Combining technical and creative expertise, Composites Busch is renowned for its bespoke material developments, supporting clients from initial concept through industrialization for innovative, high-demand applications.  

EPHJ is ready to welcome visitors during the G7 Summit ! Publié le 27 May 2026 On the occasion of the G7 Summit, which will take place in Évian-les-Bains from 15 to 17 June 2026, specific security and mobility measures will be implemented in the Geneva region. In this particular context, EPHJ would like to reassure its entire community: the 2026 edition of the trade fair will take place as planned from 16 to 19 June at Palexpo Geneva, and access to the venue remains possible. The borders between France and Switzerland are not closed. Reinforced checks are planned and some secondary border crossings will be temporarily closed. However, access to Geneva remains ensured through the main border crossings that remain open, as well as through railway stations and Geneva Airport. For visitors travelling from within Switzerland, access to Geneva and Palexpo remains possible. Some specific restrictions are planned on the A1 motorway towards the Bardonnex customs platform, from the Meyrin exit, after Palexpo, between 15 and 17 June. These restrictions do not, however, call into question access to the trade fair. Visitors coming from France, Italy or other neighbouring regions are invited to plan their journey in advance, allow additional time for border crossings and consult the official information before departure. Public transport will also continue to operate, including the Léman Express. Some occasional adjustments may affect certain lines, particularly cross-border services. Visitors are therefore encouraged, whenever possible, to use trains, public transport and collective mobility solutions. EPHJ, which is fully booked, remains fully mobilised to welcome its exhibitors, visitors, partners and media representatives in the best possible conditions. The trade fair will open on 16 June with a first highlight in reference to the G7 Summit in Évian: the Global Watchmaking G7, which will bring together the world’s leading watchmaking nations. To prepare your visit in the best possible way, we recommend that you: plan your journey in advance; allow extra travel time, particularly on 16 and 17 June; use public transport whenever possible; regularly consult the official information updated by the State of Geneva. To stay informed about the measures related to the G7 Summit, the State of Geneva centralises the official Swiss and French communications on the following page:https://www.ge.ch/dossier/sommet-du-g7-evian-2026 A free hotline is also made available by the Geneva authorities at 0800 902 456, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm until 18 June, for any questions related to the measures in place, mobility and their impact on daily life in the canton.

EPHJ 2026: the international high-precision trade show is sold out in a context of sustained innovation and diversification Publié le 12 mai 2026 One month before opening, EPHJ, the world’s leading event dedicated to high precision in the fields of watchmaking, jewellery, aeronautical and aerospace microtechnologies, and medtech, is already sold out for its 24th edition at Palexpo Geneva. The increase in registered visitors to date is also a very encouraging sign ahead of the show’s opening on June 16. With more than 750 confirmed exhibitors from 18 countries, 77% of them Swiss, and over 20,000 professional visitors expected, EPHJ is more than ever confirming its strategic role as a global showcase for innovation, industrial expertise and new technological convergences across its sectors. At a time when high-precision industries must combine innovation, industrial agility and market diversification, EPHJ 2026 stands out as a reflection of the transformations currently under way. One month before opening, the show had already recorded a 5% increase in registered visitors, a sign of stronger interest in an ecosystem capable of meeting both the expectations of traditional watchmaking and the needs of fast-growing sectors such as medtech, aeronautics and space. True to its DNA, EPHJ remains the trade show where subcontractors, technology providers, process specialists and high-precision industrial companies take centre stage. While watchmaking and jewellery remain the historic pillars of the event, the 2026 edition once again illustrates the rise of cross-disciplinary expertise and related high value-added markets. Industry 4.0, new materials and surface treatments at the heart of current developments The skills highlighted this year reflect a profound evolution of the sector. Industry 4.0 continues to transform production methods through machine connectivity, automation, industrial vision, traceability and data analysis. At the same time, exhibitors are presenting significant advances in surface treatments, new materials and advanced manufacturing processes, all of which have become essential levers to improve performance, sustainability, miniaturisation and the aesthetics of components. The many innovation entries submitted for the Grand Prix des Exposants reflect this vitality at a time when declining watch volumes are forcing the industry to come up with new ideas to win over customers. This momentum is also clearly benefiting watchmaking, which continues to attract new brands from abroad, drawn by the unique concentration of expertise found in Switzerland and by the ability of the EPHJ ecosystem to meet complex specifications. It is also helping to diversify both visitors and exhibitors, thanks to targeted communication efforts aimed at new companies active in medtech, space and aeronautics — three fields that are especially receptive to the high-precision capabilities showcased in Geneva. Roundtables to provide substance to the sector’s transformations Beyond the exhibition itself, EPHJ 2026 will offer several roundtables devoted to the major transformations reshaping high precision. The traditional discussion on watch market trends and outlook will bring together several key players from the sector to discuss developments and challenges in international markets. The show will also address the potential of neurotechnologies, showing how micro-precision contributes to advances in brain medicine, as well as the possibilities of additive manufacturing, highlighted as part of the Innovation Forum. Other debates will focus on the role of precious metals, balancing quality, responsibility and traceability, on new opportunities linked to photonics, on Switzerland’s growing role in the space sector, and finally on the state of the job market in high-precision industries. A trade show more than ever dedicated to business opportunities In an international environment shaped by economic tensions, value chain reorganisation and growing innovation needs, EPHJ intends more than ever to play its role as a business platform, an observatory and a place for meaningful connections. Exhibitors will find a highly qualified audience made up of decision-makers, engineers, purchasing managers, entrepreneurs and project leaders looking for partners capable of making a difference. EPHJ 2026 is therefore shaping up to be a concentrated showcase of industrial excellence, applied innovation and concrete opportunities, serving the professions that shape the high precision of today and tomorrow.

CIPOSA unveils its new high-precision jetting technology Published on 21 April 2026 At the EPHJ exhibition, CIPOSA will unveil its new high-precision dispensing / jetting technology, developed for the most demanding microtechnical applications. At the EPHJ exhibition, CIPOSA will unveil its new high-precision dispensing / jetting technology, developed for the most demanding microtechnical applications. Designed for the watchmaking industry and other precision industries, this solution enables controlled, fast and repeatable dispensing of various technical fluids, including: Lacquer Adhesives Varnish Resins and specialty fluids And much more At this scale, positioning is just as important as volume. Our technology combines micrometric precision, dispensing control and advanced automation to ensure consistent deposit quality, even on the most complex geometries. A solution designed for: High-precision non-contact dispensing Reduced material consumption Improved process repeatability Flexible integration into automated equipment Dispensing becomes faster, more precise and perfectly controlled. Meet our team at Booth A47 to discover this innovation live at the EPHJ exhibition.

LASEA brings its laser micromachining solutions to the defence sector Published on 21 April 2026 LASEA Group has developed micromachining expertise for the medical, luxury goods and electronics industries. It is now applying that know-how in the aerospace and defence sectors. LASEA develops and manufactures very-high-precision laser micromachining solutions, mainly using ultrashort pulse technology, including nanometric and micrometric surface texturing solutions. This international group has a parent company based in Liège, Belgium, and also includes the firms Laser Cheval and Optec. It is leveraging the expertise it acquired in the medical, luxury goods and electronics sectors to unlock new markets, initially aerospace and, for the past year and a half, defence, with a shift in research budgets towards this industry. “In defence and aerospace, we mainly work in development, with a view to using our technologies and machines for new applications,” explains Pascal Durdu, commercial director at LASEA. We focus on surface functionalisation and thin layer removal. For example, we’re working on hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity, used for de-icing drones and repelling water droplets from camera lenses, as well as on stealth technology, radar and infrared.”  Adhesive-free hermetic joints LASEA is equally at home with polymers, ceramics, metals and PCBs. With electronics playing a key role in military applications, the Group is exploring developments in areas such as new Through Glass Via (TGV) technology, which uses a glass substrate whose superior electrical insulation properties prevent unwanted electrical interference. Another field of expertise is heat transfer. The increase in contact surface area made possible by LASEA’s technologies ensures better heat transfer in heat exchangers and therefore faster dissipation. This means, for example, that equipment will be detectable by an infrared camera for a shorter time. The size of some components, such as the micromotor, can also be reduced. “We also offer microwelding solutions for joining dissimilar materials such as metal/polymers or non-miscible materials such as glass/glass, enabling the creation of adhesive-free hermetic joints that can be used in defence applications,” adds Durdu. Given recent increases in defence funding, the sector’s manufacturers have every interest in turning to innovative SMEs in a field where technologies are evolving very rapidly. “We engage in extensive dialogue and educational work on laser technologies with defence companies that are unfamiliar with these technologies,” explains Durdu. “We conduct workshops before reviewing their applications and identifying areas where lasers can deliver added value.” It is also worth pointing out that lasers consume less energy than traditional machining, use no consumables, provide very high precision, can machine all materials and are athermic in their ultrashort version. What’s more, the flexibility they offer makes them particularly suited to the medium-sized volumes required by the defence industry. Patrice Desmedt Come and see Lasea at EPHJ, stand H88

Krystalix revolutionises single-crystal manufacturing Published on 21 April 2026 The Grenoble-based start-up is one of only two companies in the world, and the only one in Europe, to have mastered cold crucible technology for growing single crystals. It will be used for watchmaking, security and semiconductors. Krystalix, a spin-off from Grenoble INP, was founded in May 2024 by a multidisciplinary team of engineers, doctors, researchers and professors. It has reached the proof-of-concept stage, and a process has been validated on ultra-pure silicon two inches in diameter. The commercial launch is planned for 2028 and the location for a future factory has already been chosen. Currently, single-crystal ingots (sapphire, ruby, silicon, YAG, etc.) are ‘manufactured’ using a hot crucible in which the material is heated to a very high temperature until it reaches melting point. A single seed crystal is then added, which will be captured by the liquid. This heating process has several disadvantages. It uses a lot of energy, and the crucible is expensive because it is made of iridium and also has a short service life. Finally, there is a risk that the crucible will release impurities and thus contaminate the future single crystal. The co-founders of Krystalix, CEO Kader Zaidat and Technical Director Christian Garnier, together with their team, developed the groundbreaking, magnetic cold crucible technology for producing single crystals. This process is much more complex than for metallic polycrystals (titanium, niobium, etc.), for which conventional cold crucibles are already used. “In the cold crucible, the liquid can be heated to 3,000 °C and, thanks to the magnetic system, movements in the liquid are controlled and the liquid doesn’t come into contact with the crucible walls, which don’t exceed 50 °C,” explains Rachid Chetouane, Managing Director of Krystalix. “The cold crucible is made of cooled copper and has an almost unlimited service life. What’s more, the process uses less energy and the crystal has a very high level of purity.” A huge potential market Krystalix currently uses its own hot crucibles to produce single crystals for luxury watch manufacturers, for process control purposes and also to generate turnover. Despite its status as a young, innovative deep-tech company, an i-Lab 2023 award followed by prizes for best start-up in the Innotrophées and Artinov competitions, which earned it funding from Bpifrance and two private banks, the business has only borrowed small sums. “We’ll keep our promises,” says Chetouane nevertheless. The potential market is huge – around €60 billion in 2030, including €6 billion for the high-end market targeted by Krystalix, which forecasts turnover of €6 million by that date, or even more if a major investor comes forward. Krystalix is initially catering for the watchmaking, semiconductor and security industries. In the security sector, being a French player is an advantage. In watchmaking, Krystalix already supplies single crystals in various colours for case middles, crystals and some pivots. Security applications will involve optics for lasers used for guidance and lidars, where purity is essential. Patrice Desmedt Meet Krystalix at EPHJ booth L120