St.Gallen freight station site underestimated development area
Rear station neighbourhoods are often regarded as unused spaces with unclear development potential. Yet they harbour valuable opportunities for urban transformation. In an interdisciplinary collaboration between ETH Zurich and the University of St.Gallen, students developed visionary concepts for
Record figures and creative impetus for the property sector
The Swiss property fair for investors, IMMO25, set a new attendance record in 2025 with over 5,167 visitors and 154 exhibitors. Under the motto "Growth through creativity", the trade fair served as a central platform for innovation, expertise and exchange in the property
Revolution in materials technology
A South Korean research team has developed a high-performance one-component epoxy resin that sets new standards in terms of heat resistance, flame retardancy and mechanical stability. Thanks to an innovative latent hardener and the nanomaterial MXene, the new development offers outstanding storage
New measurement technology detects corrosion in reinforced concrete without intervention
Many reinforced concrete structures in Switzerland date from the 1960s to 1980s and are increasingly threatened by corrosion. The ETH start-up Talpa has developed an innovative method to identify damage in hard-to-reach areas at an early stage - without having to break open the concrete. The new
Meyer Burger divests measurement technology subsidiary Pasan
The solar cell manufacturer Meyer Burger is selling its subsidiary Pasan as part of its ongoing restructuring programme. The parties have agreed not to disclose the buyer or the financial details of the transaction. Pasan is recognised as a leader in high-precision measurement technology for the
AI accelerates perovskite solar cells for the mass market
Perovskite solar cells could revolutionise photovoltaics. Their high efficiency and flexible application possibilities make them very promising. However, production hurdles are slowing market maturity. A new study by KIT shows how artificial intelligence optimises processes through machine learning
Empathy as a leadership competence
Empathy is not just a social skill, but an essential competence for modern managers. In autumn 2025, the FHNW School of Business is offering the practical seminar "Leading with Empathy", led by Prof. Peter Gruber. In this seminar, managers learn practical techniques for successful, people-centred
Strengthening Europe’s innovation financing
The latest study by the European Patent Office (EPO) highlights structural challenges in innovation financing and introduces the Technology Investor Score (TIS), a new indicator for identifying suitable investors. Supplemented by an expanded Deep Tech Finder, the EPO wants to provide European
Canton of Zug strengthens its property portfolio
The Canton of Zug pursues a sustainable strategy for managing its property portfolio. The strategy emphasises maintenance, legal requirements and the careful use of resources. Future investments and strategic guidelines ensure the quality and stable value of the canton's property
Affordable living in Zug
There has been an acute shortage of housing in the canton of Zug for years. At 0.2%, the vacancy rate is the lowest in the country, which intensifies competition for rental flats and drives up rents. In view of the increasing unaffordability for the middle class, the question arises as to how
Facility management company passes into new hands
The Hälg Group is taking over Löwen Bau- und Betriebs AG from Lucerne. With this merger, the St.Gallen-based company intends to further expand its market position in Central Switzerland. From the middle of the year, the Lucerne-based company will operate under the name
Sustainable wall elements dehumidify interiors
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) have developed a moisture-retaining and climate-friendly covering for walls and ceilings. This could replace indoor air conditioning systems in the future. The construction elements are made from reusable
Findings from the Canton of Zurich’s “Fokus Standort” programme
Around 150 stakeholders from business, science and administration discussed the future of the business location at the Canton of Zurich's "Fokus Standort" event. The focus was on skilled labour, technology, regulation and mobility - with concrete solutions for sustainable
More clarity for building lines in the canton of Zurich
The Government Council of the Canton of Zurich is proposing amendments to the Planning and Building Act in order to eliminate ambiguities regarding building lines. The amendments affect balconies, bay windows and small buildings, among other things. The aim is to increase legal and planning
Cost rent and rising land prices
The cost rent is calculated from the total investment costs of a property. However, rising land prices and construction costs are causing the difference to the market rent to shrink. An analysis based on the example of Zurich Altstetten shows which factors influence affordability and how subsidies
Preparations begin for harbour railway relocation in Basel
At the end of January, Basel-Stadt will begin preparatory work for the relocation of the harbour railway in order to create space for the urban development of the Klybeck and Kleinhüningen districts. The construction work will last until 2026 and is part of a comprehensive urban development
Concrete as CO₂ storage
The "Mining the Atmosphere" research initiative shows that excess CO₂ from the atmosphere can be permanently stored in building materials such as concrete. With a storage capacity of up to ten billion tonnes of carbon per year, this approach could help to reduce CO₂ levels to a climate-friendly
New management team for American construction business presented
Holcim has appointed its Chairman of the Board of Directors Jan Jenisch as President and CEO designate of the planned company in the USA. The head of Danfoss, Kim Fausing, will be proposed in his place as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Innovative wind turbine enters test phase
VentoStream is about to start trial operation of its compact, efficient and quiet wind turbines. They combine modern aerodynamics with flow and turbine technology. The beta version of the prototype will be tested in 2025 in the Basel region and at a high alpine