Nanotechnology meets watchmaking art – completion of the first project phase of “SimplyNano 2”
On Wednesday, the sixth advanced training course at Manufacture des Montres Rolex SA in Biel marked the successful conclusion of the first phase of the “SimplyNano 2” education project in the canton of Bern. 20 teachers were given an insight into the world of nanotechnology and vocational training at the watch manufacturer. Due to its great success, a follow-up project is already being planned for fall 2026.
The final course of the first stage of the project offered 20 teachers from secondary schools and grammar schools the opportunity to carry out the experiments of the “SimplyNano 2” case themselves under expert guidance. The focus was on high-tech materials such as the memory metal Nitinol, which returns to its original shape after being deformed. This principle is used today in medical technology for stents or in orthodontics. The water- and dirt-repellent properties of aerogels, which allow liquids such as honey to simply roll off thanks to their nanostructure, were also investigated.
Rolex as a center of technical excellence
One focus of the day was a tour of the Manufacture des Montres Rolex SA training center in Biel. The company is strongly committed to dual vocational training and offers apprenticeships in 25 different professions throughout Switzerland. The spectrum includes professions in watchmaking, industry and the service sector. The modern training center serves as a hub for the transfer of expertise and combines traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology. Such encounters between teachers and industrial companies are essential for the targeted promotion of the next generation of skilled workers.
Outlook: Continuation in fall 2026
The “SimplyNano 2” project has met with a great response in the canton of Bern. So far, 56 schools have been provided with 700 free experiment kits and further training courses. As demand far exceeds the current supply, the project is being continued. A follow-up project for other schools in the canton of Bern is planned for fall 2026.
The commitment is made possible by a sponsorship of over 30 companies, foundations and associations. The project is supported by the SimplyScience Foundation and realized in collaboration with the Innovation Society in St.Gallen.
Source: Innovation Society
Image: Innovation Society
20.03.2026, Innovation Society