Technology transfer
The IBM Research laboratories at Rüschlikon have been a partner to MARVEL from the very beginning. Initial interactions revealed that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were not aware of the field of quantum simulations and often didn't understand what to expect. Consequently, MARVEL proactively pivoted its technology transfer focus toward large companies (e.g., Solvay, Microsoft, Bosch, Samsung, Gaznat, BASF, Materials Design) that already possessed internal R&D capabilities. To formalize this engagement, MARVEL created an Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) and launched targeted "Industry Sector Days" to systematically capture the pre-competitive needs of these major players. The topics lay on MARVEL's research areas, which be classified into five industrial application sectors: metallurgy, energy, pharmaceuticals, chemistry/catalysis, new electronics.
Modeling can provide answers to questions linked to:
- the evolution of mechanical properties of crystals with temperature
- the selection of new compositions of alloys to reach targeted mechanical properties
- the prediction of optical or electrical properties of a novel materials,
- the identification of the best spatial configuration of a chemical compound.
Such questions can be solved with theoretical models, allowing you to evaluate a family of materials before investing in full-scale experimental tests.
MARVEL is the central entry point giving you access to:
- leading laboratories in new materials design and discovery,
- informatic infrastructure for high speed calculations that allow us to address complex technical issues,
- experimental facilities at Empa and PSI, among others, to validate the results of modeling
- public funding for collaborative research : Innosuisse projects at Swiss level, European fundings, direct mandates or student internships.