Empa
Research institute developing advanced materials and technologies for additive manufacturing across metals, polymers, and ceramics
- CEO / Founder
- Tanja Zimmermann
- Team Size
- 201-500
- Stage
- Active
Technology & Products
Key Products
Metal AM materials and processes; Polymer AM materials; Ceramic AM materials; AM process optimization; Materials characterization and testing
Technological Advantage
Proprietary materials development capabilities including novel alloys, binder systems, and process parameters optimized for AM; extensive testing and characterization infrastructure
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Provides cutting-edge materials science research and technology transfer to enable industrial AM applications with improved performance and sustainability
How They Differentiate
Government-funded research institute with strong industry ties; comprehensive materials science expertise across multiple AM technologies; focus on practical industrial applications
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Industrial manufacturers, aerospace, automotive, medical device companies
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Automotive; Medical Devices; Energy; Electronics
Competitors
Fraunhofer IFAM; TNO; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Sandia National Laboratories
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Over 800 scientific papers published annually; multiple successful spin-offs including BTRY AG and Perovskia Solar; technology transfer to numerous industrial partners
Major Milestones
Founded in 1880 as material testing institute; Transformed into interdisciplinary research institute in late 1980s; Established glatec business incubator in Dübendorf; Launched Empa Entrepreneur Fellowship program
Notable Customers
Multiple industrial partners in aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors (specific names not publicly disclosed)