The Swiss Technology Innovation Centre (CSEM) is investing in Switzerland’s first dedicated drying room for battery research and development, aiming to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation battery technologies.
The facility, set to open in September 2025 at the CSEM Battery Innovation Hub, will provide optimal conditions for lithium processing, the organization said.
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CSEM described the new drying room as a “key enabler” for proving the industrial viability of battery technologies under development. “CSEM’s dry room isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a key enabler for proving the industrial viability of the technologies developed within our Battery Innovation Hub,” said Andrea Ingenito, Co-Director of the hub. The room will maintain an ultra-low dew point of -50 degrees Celsius, ensuring ideal conditions for lithium-based battery research, where moisture control is critical.
The 37-square-meter facility, though small compared to commercial-scale battery production sites, is designed to support Switzerland’s focus on research and development. It will also include a pilot line for assembling pouch cells with up to five amp-hours (Ah) of capacity, which is expected to accelerate market readiness for new battery innovations.
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CSEM has allocated a 10-square-meter section of the facility for start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), allowing them access to high-tech infrastructure and reducing development risks.
Switzerland is particularly interested in solid-state battery technology, which is considered a key opportunity for Europe’s battery industry. “New materials and manufacturing techniques present a unique opportunity to rebuild Europe’s battery industry,” Ingenito said. “While mass production of solid-state batteries is still a few years away, Switzerland must act now and stay ahead in this strategic market.”
