THE WORLD’S LEADING HUB FOR SCIENCE-DRIVEN R&D

At Site Bluefactory, autonomous driving is the focus of research carried out by a competence centre specialising in functional safety, system reliability, and regulatory compliance. Working closely with companies developing driverless vehicles, the centre contributes to the testing and validation of autonomous mobility solutions.

The Smart Living Lab at Site Bluefactory researches urban infrastructure with a focus on energy-efficient construction, integrated building technology, user behavior and digital planning processes. It combines IoT sensor technology, smart energy systems, building information modeling (BIM) and human-space interaction research. A new test building in the Blue Factory will serve as a living laboratory for scalable, technologically advanced urban solutions from 2025.

The Fribourg Center for Nanomaterials (FriMat) at Site Bluefactory focuses on the development of nanomaterials and their application in various fields. It researches nano(bio)materials, nano-optoelectronics and spintronics for the next generation of electronics. It is also working on nanostructured materials for industrial applications and advanced coating materials for surface treatments.

The ENERGY Institute at Site Bluefactory conducts applied research on smart and sustainable energy management. It focuses in particular on the integration of renewable energy in buildings and districts, energy storage, and the monitoring and optimisation of energy performance. The Smart Living Lab also explores innovative energy storage solutions, such as combining building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) with hydrogen-based systems. This approach aims to achieve carbon neutrality at the building scale.

The Smart Living Lab at Site Bluefactory develops technologies for intelligent, sustainable living spaces. It focuses on energy-efficient buildings, digital transformation in the construction industry and user-centered design. It researches the circular economy in construction and the reuse of materials. Projects such as ConcReTe or RE:CRETE promote sustainable construction methods, particularly through the reuse of concrete.

The Smart Living Lab at Site Bluefactory explores innovative energy storage solutions, such as combining building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) with hydrogen-based systems. This approach aims to achieve carbon neutrality at the building scale.

The Smart Living Lab at Site Bluefactory conducts research on the integration of sensors in buildings to improve user comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Its projects notably focus on monitoring indoor air and optimising ventilation systems.

A unique laboratory in Europe is studying at bluefactory the behaviour of radon in the built environment. This research facility analyses the impact of various factors - such as environmental conditions and innovative construction techniques - on the concentration of this radioactive gas. The aim is to develop building practices that minimise radon exposure, thereby enhancing the safety and comfort of occupants.

The ENERGY institute at Site Bluefactory conducts applied research on smart and sustainable energy management. It focuses in particular on the integration of renewable energy in buildings and districts, energy storage, and the monitoring and optimisation of energy performance.

The Smart Living Lab also explores innovative energy storage solutions, such as combining building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) with hydrogen-based systems. This approach aims to achieve carbon neutrality at the building scale.

As a low-carbon site, bluefactory implements innovative solutions for energy production and management in collaboration with its partner Groupe E - including local energy generation (photovoltaic panels) and thermal storage using geothermal probes and the nearby Pilettes spring.

The Smart Living Lab, located at Site Bluefactory in Fribourg, promotes circular construction methods and sustainable architecture. Its research explores the reuse of building components and the integration of bio-based materials. The lab leverages digital twins, augmented reality and advanced sensor systems to monitor energy performance and indoor environmental quality. It develops energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings and conducts applied research in support of sustainable urban development.

The Smart Living Lab at Site Bluefactory is developing collaborative construction approaches in which robots and humans work together in a complementary way. By leveraging the specific strengths of each, the aim is to improve construction methods to create more durable and efficient structures. Facilities such as the Atelier PopUp enable real-life testing of these robotic technologies, thus supporting innovation in sustainable construction.

The iPrint institute is a leading player in additive manufacturing in Switzerland. A pioneer in 3D inkjet printing, it develops innovative solutions covering the entire digital process - from material formulation to the final product. Its activities span several sectors, including industry (functional parts in metal, ceramics, or technical polymers), life sciences (bioprinting of biological tissues using cell- and hydrogel-based inks), food (3D food printing), and electronics (printing of circuits, sensors, and antennas using functional inks).

The Biofactory Competence Center (BCC) at Site Bluefactory in Fribourg is a leading training and research hub in bioprocess and biopharmaceutical technology. It offers hands-on and theoretical programs for the pharma and biotech industries, supported by state-of-the-art labs, including a gene therapy lab for viral vector production. BCC collaborates with industry partners to advance biotech processes and workforce development.

The iRAP at Site Bluefactory develops sustainable polymers, focusing on plastic recycling and renewable materials - e.g., thermoplastics from chicken feathers. The Polymer Chemistry & Materials group at the Adolphe Merkle Institute studies structure–property relationships and smart materials that respond to light, heat, or force. Among its notable advances is a new class of smart materials that change their properties when exposed to light.

The Soft Landing & Tech Discovery Program offers international companies & startups a gateway to Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem, providing tailored support, expert guidance, and access to key networks to help them successfully enter and scale in the European & Swiss market

Site Bluefactory in Fribourg offers extensive engineering infrastructure supporting innovation across multiple sectors. The Smart Living Lab enables interdisciplinary research focused on construction technologies, energy systems, and sustainable urban development. Alongside the Biofactory Competence Center, Bluefactory fosters collaboration between academia and industry, advancing technological progress and life sciences innovation in a dynamic ecosystem.

Bluefactory in Fribourg offers comprehensive indoor and outdoor Test and Demonstrate facilities through the Smart Living Lab. Indoor spaces include the award-winning NeighborHub pavilion and an experimental building targeting 2050 energy goals. Outdoor areas support real-world testing of sustainable technologies. These facilities enable collaboration among researchers, startups, and industry to accelerate innovation in sustainable urban development.

Site Bluefactory in Fribourg offers prototyping and MVP development facilities. The Smart Living Lab supports sustainable urban innovation with experimental facilities for real-world testing. It enables rapid prototyping, collaboration, and accelerate innovation from concept to market-ready solutions.

Bluefactory in Fribourg hosts the Smart Living Lab, a multidisciplinary platform focused on sustainable, human-centered urban development. Established in 2014, it collaborates with EPFL, HEIA-FR, and the University of Fribourg to conduct real-world experiments in energy efficiency, construction technologies, and digital transformation. Key facilities include the award-winning NeighborHub pavilion and an experimental building targeting 2050 energy goals. The lab fosters co-creation among researchers, startups, and industry to accelerate sustainable urban innovation.

Bluefactory in Fribourg offers comprehensive indoor and outdoor Test and Demonstrate facilities through the Smart Living Lab. Indoor spaces include the award-winning NeighborHub pavilion and an experimental building targeting 2050 energy goals. Outdoor areas support real-world testing of sustainable technologies. These facilities enable collaboration among researchers, startups, and industry to accelerate innovation in sustainable urban development.

Site Bluefactory in Fribourg serves as an incubator by connecting companies, project leaders, and partners within its innovation campus. It accelerates innovation through collaboration with institutions like EPFL Fribourg, HEIA-FR, and the University of Fribourg. With over 700 jobs, 75 organizations, and 52 companies on site, it offers a dynamic ecosystem for research, development, and entrepreneurship. Fri Up: focus on supporting start-ups, helping people to create their own businesses and promoting entrepreneurship.

Site Bluefactory in Fribourg hosts the Biofactory Competence Center (BCC), a leading biopharmaceutical training and research facility specializing in gene therapy and viral vector production. Equipped with advanced bioreactors and purification systems, BCC offers hands-on training in industrial conditions. Collaborating with Pall Corporation, it serves as a global center of expertise, advancing innovation in gene therapy manufacturing and biopharmaceutical development.

Site Bluefactory in Fribourg hosts the Biofactory Competence Center (BCC), focused on gene therapy and viral vector production, offering hands-on training with advanced bioreactors. Supported by partners like Pall Corporation, BCC drives life sciences innovation. ChemTech, an applied research institute, develops new molecules and supports tech transfer with labs and pilot plants for synthesis, analysis, and scale-up.

Bluefactory in Fribourg provides cleanroom facilities through the Biofactory Competence Center (BCC), specializing in gene therapy and viral vector production. Opened in 2022, the center is equipped with bioreactors and purification systems, offering hands-on training and process support. Partnering with Pall Corporation, BCC enhances Fribourg’s life sciences hub and advances the development of innovative therapies.

Site Bluefactory in Fribourg offers versatile dry lab facilities suited for startups, research institutions, and companies. Key spaces include the Smart Living Lab for sustainable urban development research, adaptable office and workshop units and modular administrative areas. These flexible environments support diverse R&D activities and foster innovation within a dynamic innovation district.

Site Bluefactory in Fribourg offers high-load capable facilities within different buildings. These spaces support heavy equipment and machinery needed for full-scale experiments in construction technologies, energy systems, and advanced R&D. Designed with robust infrastructure and flexible layouts, they cater to companies and research institutions requiring durable, high-performance environments to accelerate innovation and development.

Site Bluefactory in Fribourg offers flexible office and workspace solutions tailored for startups, research institutions, and companies. Facilities include modular office spaces, adaptable timber container offices and fully equipped conference rooms. Additional services include prototyping rooms and business domiciliation with mail handling. These spaces foster collaboration within a dynamic innovation district.

Site Bluefactory in Fribourg offers co-working spaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation among startups, researchers, and companies. These shared work environments provide flexible desks, meeting rooms, and access to networking events within a vibrant innovation community. Co-working at Site Bluefactory supports creativity, knowledge exchange, and business growth in a dynamic, supportive setting.

Site Bluefactory in Fribourg offers versatile conference and event spaces to support collaboration and innovation. Facilities include fully equipped rooms, suitable for meetings, workshops, and conferences. Outdoor areas are also available for events, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. These spaces provide adaptable settings for diverse professional gatherings.