HealthcarehealthcareLife Sciencelife-scienceMedicalmedicalScientificscientific
28-29 October 2025
EPIC Technology Meeting on Photonics for Bio and Life Science Applications at CSEM
Neuchâtel, Switzerland

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Please note, preferably register only one person per company for best possible networking.

Biophotonics is a branch of science focused on the study of optical processes in biological systems, both those that occur naturally and in bioengineered materials. It has been attracting more and more interest due to the need of understanding more in detail the behavior of living beings, organisms, cells and molecules, their internal structure and their reaction against certain chemical compounds and other external agents. The information obtained is critical to develop new medical procedures and devices, improve the quality of food and beverages, increase the efficiency of the agricultural production or optimize the formulation of pharmaceutical products used to prevent, diagnose, treat or alleviate the symptoms of different diseases.

In this meeting, we will bring together the key companies developing photonics devices and components with researchers and end-users to discuss the current technology trends and emerging applications. We will talk about the different imaging and analytical technologies involved in the visualization and characterization of biological samples, such as spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction or fluorescence microscopy. We will pay attention to the mechanisms involved in the interaction of light with different tissues, both for therapy purposes and for tracking and sensing applications. And, last but not least, we will also talk about the latest developments in fabrication and 3D printing for bio and life sciences, including bioprinting, 2 photon polymerization or additive manufacturing. We will find how those technologies can help to develop new components to support the different techniques of imaging and analysis, but also how their combination with cells and biomaterials allow the fabrication of biomedical organs and tissues.

All participants biographies, pictures and company descriptions are available HERE

Agenda

27 October 2025, Monday

Optional agenda:

12:15 – Meet for the company visits at the recommend Hôtel Alpes et Lac (address: Place de la Gare 2, 2000 Neuchâtel)
12:30 – Bus departure & drive to first visit (~40 minutes)
13:15 – 14:45 Company visit at MPS (address: Chemin du Long-Champ 95, 2504 Biel-Bienne)
15:15 – 16:45 Company visit at Ciposa (address: 61 Rouges-Terres, 2068 Hauterive)
17:00 – 18:00 Company visit at 4K-MEMS and at Novoviz (address: Rue de la Maladiere 71c, 2000 Neuchatel)
18:00 – End of company visits, walk back to recommend hotels (~10 minutes)
19:00 – 22:00 Pre-event networking dinner @ Restaurant La Terrasse (address: Place de la Gare 2, 2000 Neuchâtel)

28 October 2025, Tuesday

12:00 – 13:00 Registration and networking lunch at CSEM Neuchâtel (address: Rue Jaquet-Droz 1, 2002 Neuchâtel, Switzerland)

13:00 – 13:15 Welcoming words: EPIC – Antonio Castelo
13:15 – 13:45 Welcoming words: CSEM – Gilles Weder, Head Research & BD Life Sciences (Switzerland)

13:45 – 15:45 SESSION 1: Imaging Technologies for Bio and Life Sciences

  • KEYNOTE: EPFLLight Microscopy going Spatial – Arne Seitz, Head BioImaging & Optics Platform (Switzerland)
  • Leibniz Institute of Photonic TechnologyNon-linear Multimodal Imaging for Biomedical Diagnosis – Michael Schmitt, Research Associate (Germany)
  • Prospective InstrumentsTowards automated high-content Multimodal 3D label-free Imaging – Lukas Krainer, CEO (Austria)
  • OptosigmaReimagining Microscopy: A Modular Core for Fast Prototyping and Custom Medical Optics – Axel Haunholter, Chief Operating Officer (Germany)
  • imec Computational Microscopy, Toolbox and Roadmap – Joost Dirven, Senior Business Development Manager Health (Belgium)
  • Delta Optical Thin FilmFluorescence Imaging for Bio and Life Science Reimagined – The Power of LEDs and Multi-Bandpass Filters – Oliver Pust, Sales Director (Denmark)
  • IMT MicrotechnologiesHigh Resolution Fluorescent Calibration Targets – Götz Thorwarth, Head Process Evaluation (Germany)

15:45 – 16:30 Networking coffee break

16:30 – 18:30 SESSION 2: Spectroscopy, Spectral Imaging and Other Analytical Techniques

  • KEYNOTE: ENANTIOSFrom an Optical Bench to Standalone Spectrometer – Technical Pathway to Commercialization of Enantios’ Gen 1 ROA Instrument – Carin Lightner, CEO Co-Founder (Switzerland)
  • Ibsen PhotonicsTiny Boxes, Big Signals: Compact Spectrometers for Bio and Life Science – Tobias Buchmann, International Business Development Manager (Denmark)
  • NireosAutofluorescence Measured in Microscopy with Hyperspectral Cameras – Lorenzo Vinco,Optical Engineer (Italy)
  • inno-specBeyond Measurement: Machine Vision as a Driver of Industrial Decisions in Agri-Food – Oliver Grass, Founder and General Manager (Germany)
  • Oryl Photonics – Orly Tarun, CEO and Co-Founder (Switzerland)
  • CSEM – Yevhen Shynkarenko, Senior Research & Development Engineer (Switzerland)
  • Art Fiber SystemsFiber Photonics Systems for Life Applications – Viacheslav Artyushenko, Founder & CEO (Germany)

18:30 – Departure from the venue to the dinner place
19:00 – 22:00 Networking dinner @ Restaurant de´l Hotel DuPeyrou (address: Avenue DuPeyrou 1, 2000 Neuchâtel)

29 October 2025, Wednesday

08:15 Departure from the recommended hotel – TBA.
08:30 – 09:00 Welcome coffee

09:00 – 10:00 SESSION 3: Bioprinting, 3D Printing and Fabrication Technologies for Bio Applications

  • KEYNOTE: ETH ZurichFilamented Light (FLight) Biofabrication: A Novel Approach for Aligned Tissue Engineering – Hao Liu, Pioneer Fellow (Switzerland)
  • FEMTOPrintSculpting Light for Life: 3D Glass Micromanufacturing for Bio and Life Science Applications – Renato Mutton, Business Developer Medical (Switzerland)
  • 3D AGMicro-Device Manufacturing: A Collaborative Journey – Marek Krehel, CTO (Switzerland)

10:00 – 10:45 Networking coffee break

10:45 – 13:00 SESSION 4: Biosensors and PICs for Medical and Life Sciences

  • KEYNOTE: CSEMA New Era in Healthcare:  Continuous Biomarkers Monitoring with Photoplethysmography – Benjamin Burgat, Senior R&D Engineer (Switzerland)
  • BialoomSilicon Plasmonic Biosensors: A Universal Diagnostic Platform for Bio and Life Science Applications – Thanasis Manolis, Co-Founder and Principal Engineer (Cyprus)
  • Haute Ecole Arc Ingénierie (HES-SO)Soft Optical Fibers for Medical Use: The TPU case – Miguel Llera, Senior Researcher (Switzerland)
  • GlucoSetBenefits of Optical Sensing Technologies for Glucose Sensing – Lukas Scherer, CTO (Norway)
  • Fraunhofer HHI SiN-based Photonic Biosensors – Dominic Schulz, Head of Strategy Photonics (Germany)
  • 4K-MEMS & CIPOSAHigh-Precision Microlens Assembly on NIR/MIR Emitters – Matthias Imboden, Chief Executive Officer & Founder & Yves Pelletier, Business Development Manager (Switzerland)
  • SPIO SystemsMiniaturised Optical Devices for Bio and Life-Science Applications – Henrik Madsen, CEO (Denmark)
  • AMOPlasmo-photonic Interferometers for Ultra-compact Refractive Index Sensing – Omkar Bhalerao, Doctoral Researcher (Germany)

13:00 – 14:00 Networking lunch
14:00 – 15:30 Company visit at CSEM
15:30 End of the technology meeting

Venue

CSEM Neuchâtel (address: Rue Jaquet-Droz 1, 2002 Neuchâtel, Switzerland)

Accommodation

Hôtel des Arts (address: Rue J.-L. Pourtalès 3, 2000 Neuchâtel)

Special EPIC discount: Double room for single use for CHF 150,00 per night including breakfast.

Reservation only by mail to info@hoteldesarts.ch, indicating CSEM Meeting, booking number 150643 and a credit card number with expiry date as guarantee. Rooms are blocked till 27th September.

Hôtel Alpes et Lac (address: Place de la Gare 2, 2000 Neuchâtel)

Special EPIC discount starting from CHF 150,00 per night including breakfast.

Reservation only by mail to hotel@alpesetlac.ch, indicating CSEM Meeting, booking number 161549 and a credit card number with expiry date as guarantee. Rooms are blocked till 27th September.

Speakers

Gilles Weder (Head Research & BD) is Head of Research & Business Development at CSEM Life Sciences, where he drives the development and transfer of cutting-edge innovations to the life sciences industry. He defines strategic roadmaps for cell microsystems and biomonitoring, with applications in drug screening, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine. His expertise includes complex 3D in vitro models, single-cell technologies, lab automation, biosensing, contactless sensing, and artificial intelligence. Through Bioconvergence & TechBio — where biotech, engineering, and computing intersect — Gilles Weder accelerates transformation for clients and partners.

Head Research & BD Life Sciences at CSEM

Arne Seitz (Head BioImaging & Optics Platform) leads the BioImaging & Optics Platform (BIOP) at EPFL, where he enables researchers to access, apply, and capitalize on advanced microscopy technologies. Holding a PhD in biophysical chemistry, he has a long-standing commitment to bridging imaging science and biology, supporting both research infrastructure and education in life-science imaging. Beyond platform leadership and teaching, Seitz is deeply engaged in the broader imaging-core facility community as President of the LS2 Intersection Microscopy, where he helps to build, shape, and sustain Switzerland’s national community for light microscopy.

Head BioImaging & Optics Platform at EPFL

Hao Liu (Pioneer Fellow) is currently conducting research at ETH Zurich, developing light-based bioprinting technologies for biomedical applications. He previously worked as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Osaka, Japan. Hao holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and a CAS in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Technology Ventures from ETH Zurich, as well as a Master of Engineering in Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Osaka.

Pioneer Fellow at ETH Zurich

Benjamin Burgat (Senior R&D Engineer) graduated from ETH Zurich with a degree in nanoelectronics and optical techniques and began his career in the Signal Processing group at CSEM. Now a Senior R&D Engineer in Digital Health Solutions, he develops wearable devices for monitoring health parameters such as blood oxygenation and blood pressure. His current work focuses on developping laser-based sensor to extand standard photoplethysmography PPG sensors. His expertise supports researchers in academia as well as clients in private industry.

Senior R&D Engineer at CSEM

Lukas Krainer (Founder & CEO) is the founder and CEO of Prospective Instruments since January 1, 2019. From 2017 to 2018, he was Project Manager post-merger & acquisition at NKT Photonics. From 2005 to 2017, Lukas was the CEO of Onefive & A.L.S GmbH (sold to NKT).

Axel Haunholter (COO) is an accomplished professional with a 2015 Master's degree in Photonics from Munich University of Applied Sciences. He completed his Master's thesis at Laser Components, where he improved the production process for high-reflective mirrors by optimizing substrate and coating coatings. With several years of experience in the optics industry, Axel has improved his skills in optics design consulting, particularly in stray light analysis. In 2016, at Laser 2000, Axel served as a Technical Advisor for the optics and optomechanics divisions, where he demonstrated his expertise in the field. In 2020, at OptoSigma, Axel is responsible for providing Optics and Optomechanics consulting services to clients across Germany and Western Europe. His technical knowledge, coupled with his customer-focused approach, make him an invaluable asset to the company.

Chief Operating Officer at Optosigma

Thanasis Manolis (Principal Engineer) holds a PhD in photonics from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where he focused on plasmo-photonic components for interconnect and sensing applications. He has been working in the field of silicon photonics for more than eight years, with a strong focus on application-driven R&D. He joined Bialoom in 2020 as Principal Engineer and has been leading the photonic sensor platform development and validation since then.

Co-Founder and Principal Engineer at bialoom

Miguel Llera (Research Associate) holds a Microtechnology engineering diploma from the Ecole d’Ingénieurs du Canton de Neuchâtel. After working for a company of the Alcatel Group in the area of optical fiber alignment systems, he started to work in academic research. His early research interests started with optical communications and then shifted to fiber optic sensing. He has been involved in several EU research and industrial projects. His main research activities are now dedicated to the use of elastomeric optical fibers for medical applications where he was the principal inventor of a new elastomeric cladded optical fiber. He also works on several industrial-related projects using fiber sensing.

Dominic Schulz (Head of Photonics) has almost 15 years of experience in the field of photonics. Fraunhofer HHI offers various services and solutions related to quantum technologies, like QKD systems or components for quantum sensing. Dominic received the M.Eng. degree in communications engineering from the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany, in 2012, and the Ph.D. degree from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany, in 2019. In 2012, he joined the Department of Photonic Networks and Systems at Fraunhofer HHI, where he worked in the field of optical wireless communications. His research interests included the development of high data rate systems for wireless access and research towards short-range outdoor backhaul links for small radio cells and wireless-to-the-home. He led several national as well as international research projects and was developing optical wireless systems together with partners from industry. From 2020 onwards he was responsible for the research and development of the optical wireless communication topic and was deputy head of group at Fraunhofer HHI. After completing his MBA at RWTH Aachen University in 2021, he now heads the Strategy Photonics group at Fraunhofer HHI, where he is responsible for business development, strategy and marketing for all photonic departments.

Head of Strategy Photonics at Fraunhofer HHI

Lukas Scherer (CTO) has over 15 years of experience in medical device development, including senior R&D roles at Radiometer and research leadership at EMPA. He brings deep expertise in optical sensor technology and medical electronics to this groundbreaking solution. Lukas holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Basel, a Postdoctoral degree in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge, and Master’s degrees in Chemistry from both the University of Basel and the University of Birmingham.

Michael Schmitt (Professor) received his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Würzburg in 1998. After postdoctoral research at the Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, he joined the group of Prof. Dr. W. Kiefer at the University of Würzburg, where he completed his habilitation in 2004. He is currently an Adjunct Professor in the group of Prof. Dr. J. Popp at the Institute of Physical Chemistry at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT). His research focuses on biophotonics, non-linear spectroscopy, and multimodal non-linear imaging for biomedical and material science applications. He has authored more than 260 peer-reviewed publications with over 8,000 citations and an h-index of 46. His scientific contributions have been recognized with the Kaiser Friedrich Research Award (2018) and the FSR Chemistry Teaching Award of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (2023).

Oliver Pust (Sales Director) has a background as mechanical engineer and earned his doctoral degree within the field of laser optical flow measurement techniques. He has long-term experience in working together with international OEM customers and partners in B2B sales of high-tech opto-electronics components and modules for a broad range of applications such as medical diagnostics, spectroscopy, microscopy, semiconductor, and gas analysis. He joined Delta Optical Thin Film A/S in 2011.

Yves Pelletier (Business Development Director) leverages his expertise in photonics to drive strategic growth and market expansion for the company's modular photonic assembly systems. His initiatives focus on aligning Ciposa's Photonics cutting-edge technologies with industry needs, significantly enhancing their market presence and operational efficiency.

Business Development Manager at CIPOSA

Matthias Imboden (CEO & Founder) studied physics at Bern University and holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Boston University (2012) in the field of low temperature nanomechanical systems. From 2016 to 2018, he was a Marie Skłodowska-Curie post-doctoral fellow at EPFL, Switzerland. From 2018 to 2021, he was a project manager at Swatch Group Research and Development. He is an expert in non-linear mechanics and thermo-mechanical micro-systems and has published extensively in the fields of optical MEMS mirrors, RF-Filters, chip-size Fabry–Pérot interferometers, MEMS actuators and sensors, soft-actuators, and biomechanics.

Chief Executive Officer & Founder at 4K MEMS

Henrik Madsen (CEO) founded SPIO Systems in 2020, dedicated to com-mercialising the new manufacturing technology SPIO, which enables applications previously impossible with traditional optical engine designs. Henrik Madsen holds a master’s degree in optics and mechanical engineering from Aalborg University and has worked for more than 30 years in the optical industry, covering both classical optics and, for the past 15 years, micro-optics at the wafer level. He spent eight years at Ibsen Photonics working in R&D on diffractive optics and another ten years at Kaleido Technology in product development and management, specialising in ultraprecision optics and wafer-level glass moulding. Henrik also co-founded Millpond Optics, where he served as CTO, a company that produces custom optics and tooling.

Oliver Grass (Managing Director) has been pivotal in advancing hyperspectral imaging applications since the early 2000s. With deep expertise in optical technology and systems development, he has established inno-spec as a leader in machine vision, enhancing operational efficiency and material analysis accuracy. Actively involved in industry associations, Oliver's commitment to innovation and collaboration drives the evolution of image technology across various industries.

Founder and General Manager at inno-spec

Yevhen Shynkarenko (Senior R&D Engineer) holds a Master’s from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (2011), Ukraine with a specialization in optics and laser physics and Ph.D. in Physics, from National Institute of Physics of National Academy of Science of Ukraine (2016) focused on ultrafast laser spectroscopy. At CSEM, he leads multidisciplinary R&D projects that integrate photonics, spectroscopy for life sciences and industrial applications. Prior to joining CSEM, Yevhen was a postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich and Empa, contributing to pioneering work on quantum dot and perovskite nanocrystals for photonic and sensing technologies.

Senior Research & Development Engineer at CSEM

Tobias Buchmann (International Business Development Manager) has a solid scientific background, including a PhD and PostDoc from the Technical University of Denmark in advanced optics, photonics, and materials science, Tobias is a seasoned expert in the field. His research experience in ultrafast optics, fiber optics, and THz photonics, with practical applications in industry-ready technologies, is complemented by over two years of hands-on device development with Hamamatsu Photonics.

International Business Development Manager at Ibsen Photonics

Orly Tarun (Founder) leads Oryl Photonics, which he co-founded in 2021, focusing on advancing innovative photonic sensing technologies. His work centers on developing non-invasive optical methods for biomedical applications. Orly holds a PhD in Photonics from EPFL (2019) and a Master of Science in Physics (Magnetic Recording) from the University of the Philippines (2013).

CEO and Co-Founder at Oryl Photonics

Joost Dirven (Senior Business Development Manager Health) obtained his MSc (Biotechnology - Bioprocess engineering) from Wageningen University & Research (WUR). Afterwards he held technical sales and business development positions at contract manufacturers in the macro- and micro-fluidics and developed a growing interest for MEMS and integration of components. He joined imec in 2022 to strengthen the Business Development team focusing on Health applications.

Senior Business Development Manager Health at imec

Lorenzo Vinco (Optical Engineer) obtained his Master degree in 2022 in Engineering Physics at Politecnico di Milano with a stage in NIREOS, a spin-off company of the Physics Department at Politecnico di Milano. His thesis activity revolved around the development of a push-broom hyperspectral camera. He is currently carrying out a PhD in Physics at the Physics Department at Politecnico di Milano in collaboration with NIREOS. His research focuses on hyperspectral microscopy for a variety of applications, such as biomedical imaging and material science.

Optical Engineer at Nireos

Renato Mutton (Business Developer Med-Tech), a seasoned marketing and business development expert, has spent over a decade driving growth in the pharmaceutical industry. At FEMTOprint SA, he currently serves as Business Developer Med-Tech, leveraging his expertise to drive product launches and event management. Prior to this, Mutton held key roles at 99 Technologies and the European Society for Medical Oncology, where he developed and executed marketing strategies and managed business development initiatives. Throughout his career, Mutton has honed his skills in oncology, pharmaceutical industry expertise, and marketing management. His experience spans multiple industries, including event management and trade shows. With a strong educational foundation, Mutton has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive results in fast-paced environments. Mutton's expertise in marketing communications, business development, and product launch has earned him a reputation as a strategic leader in the pharmaceutical industry. His proficiency in multiple languages and certifications in marketing management make him a valuable asset to any organization.

Business Developer Medical at FEMTOPrint

Carin Lightner (CEO & Co-Founder), with a background in optical spectroscopy and analytical chemistry, has spent her career translating cutting-edge science into real-world tools that address industrial challenges. At Enantios, Carin leads the strategic vision, product roadmap, and commercial partnerships—driving the company’s mission to bring ROA out of the lab and into pharma R&D and quality control workflows.

CEO Co-Founder at ENANTIOS

Marek Krehel (CTO) is currently the CTO at 3D AG, a position he has held since 2017. He earned his doctoral degree from ETH Zurich in 2014 for his research on optical fibers for biomedical sensing while working at Empa. After completing his doctoral studies, Marek gained professional experience in various organizations. From October 2014 to November 2017, he served as a Senior Research Associate at Hochschule Luzern, where he further developed his analytical and intercultural skills. Marek also worked at Philips Research in the Netherlands and Umeå University in Sweden, adding more valuable experiences to his journey.

Omkar Bhalerao (Doctoral Researcher) holds an M.Sc. in Micro and Nano Systems from TU Chemnitz, Germany, and is currently a doctoral researcher in the Nanophotonics group at AMO. His research focuses on nanophotonics, plasmonics, and optical biosensing.f

Doctoral Researcher at AMO

Götz Thorwarth (Head Process Evaluation) received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Augsburg in 2005. He specialized in plasma-based ion implantation of diamond-like carbon. He then helped implement this process at a startup company. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Empa from 2008 to 2010, he worked at Synthes (now part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies), where he evaluated and developed new implant technologies. In 2014, Götz transitioned to the field of photonics, developing and implementing new technologies on glass for IMT, a Heidenhain Group subsidiary. He has a strong interest in innovative techniques for production and analytics.

Head Process Evaluation at IMT

Viacheslav Artyushenko (CEO & President) was born in Russia. His PhD in physics was done at General Physics Institute, Moscow in 1981 - focused on his pioneering development of polycrystalline fibers for Mid IR-range: 3-18µm. His multiple publications and patents were devoted to fiber optic technologies and applications in laser medicine, process-spectroscopy, optical sensing and diagnostic. In 1998, he founded art photonics GmbH in Berlin – one of worldwide leaders now in the production of specialty fiber products for a broad spectra 0.2-16µm. Dr. V. Artyushenko and art photonics are members of EPIC, CPACT, IBioIC, SPIE, OSA, SAS, SPECTARIS, Optec-BB, Photonics-BB, GDCh-DECHEMA & CLIRSPEC.

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Attendees
Supported By
Technology Manager
Technology scope and agenda
Antonio Castelo, PhD
Antonio Castelo, PhD
Technology Expert for Bio-Medical and Lasers
Programme Manager
Coordination
Lídia Briquets
Lídia Briquets
Programme Manager
Event Manager
Logistics, venue, accommodation, and transportation
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