Swiss Engineering and CoBooster@Takeda: AI to Run the Line

TAKEDA in Neuchâtel will open it’s doors on the 04.12.25 for a networking event with the participation of Embiggen Group, HE-Arc, Qodia, CSEM, WeAre Team, IMA Automation

This half-day gathering at Takeda will focus on applied AI for machine efficiency. Together with industry specialists and regional solution providers, we’ll dive into real-world challenges, proven approaches, and what it really takes to move from pilots to production, while keeping quality and compliance front and center.

The afternoon organized by Swissengineering and the CoBooster will feature expert presentations, a roundtable discussion, and a guided visit of Takeda’s workshops, offering a unique opportunity to discover their universe from the inside. The event will conclude with a convivial networking aperitif.

Program

13h00 Welcome coffee

13h15 Opening by Sébastien Bourgeois, Site Head of Takeda Neuchâtel, Damien Gerber, President of Neuchâtel Swissengineering Section and Joëlle Tosetti, Managing Director of the CoBooster

13h40  Presentation from Nicolas Souvlakis, Managing Partner, Embiggen Europe : « Artificial Intelligence at the Service of Performance and Compliance in Pharma Manufacturing »

Embiggen Europe based in Neuchâtel is the European hub of EmbiggenX an international Business AI & Data Transformation company that works with enterprises to develop tailor-made solutions through data science and artificial intelligence. We help businesses realize tangible increases in performance by turning scattered data and tools into one connected, intelligent organization.

14h00 Presentation from Christian Jaques, CEO of Qodia : « Deep learning applied to solve industrial challenges, do you really need it? »

Qodia develops smart software solutions for automation systems, machine retrofitting, and electronic board design, enhanced by our deep learning skills.

14h20 Presentation from Nabil Ouerhani, Deputy Director and Head of R&D and Life Long Learning at HE-Arc : « AI — Opportunities and Challenges for the Jura Arc Industry »

HE-Arc Engineering serves a truly unique industrial ecosystem. We train the engineers this industry needs to stay at the cutting edge of innovation, and we support it through applied research and development. Our strategic positioning is defined around three key application domains that form the DNA of the Jura Arc’s industrial fabric: Watchmaking & Industrial Luxury, Health & BioMedTech, and Machines & Automation.

14h40 Coffee break

15h00 Presentation from Alban Romano Co-CEO of We Are Team « AI in the service of industrial operations — when technology empowers people »

We Are Team helps industrial SMEs structure their operations, track performance, and circulate information efficiently. All this with visual, customized tools—built with your teams—in just a few days.

15h20 Presentation from Thomas Sordel Engineering Director at IMA Automation Switzerland SA « IMA Sentinel, a world of advanced data driven services powered by AI »

IMA Automation Switzerland is the center of excellence within the IMA MED-TECH business unit, specializing in advanced assembly technologies for medical devices. Based in Switzerland and part of the IMA Group, it delivers innovative automation and digital solutions to the medical and pharmaceutical industries. With over 600 experts across six global sites and more than 160 installed lines, IMA MED-TECH provides turnkey, high-performance, and compliant solutions for CMO/CDMO and pharmaceutical compagnies.

15h40 Presentation from Andrea Dunbar CTO of CSEM : « AI for industrial quality control »

CSEM is a Swiss technology innovation center developing advanced technologies with a high societal impact, which it then transfers to industry to strengthen the economy. The non-profit orientated, public-private organization is internationally recognized, and works to support the disruptive activities of companies in Switzerland and abroad. CSEM operates in the domains of precision manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable energy. 

16h00 Presentation from Sébastien Bourgeois, Site Head of Takeda Neuchâtel : « Potential and challenges of the AI for the Biotech Industry »

Takeda exists to create better health for people and a brighter future for the world. The science and technology are constantly evolving. But through our enduring values, our ambition remains steadfast. We strive to deliver truly transformative treatments, contributing significant value to society while creating an exceptional experience for our people. Founded in 1781, worldwide footprint in 80+ countries, 50k employees.

16h20 Visit of Takeda

17h00 Conclusion and apero

Presentation of the speakers

Sébastien Bourgeois, is site Head of Takeda Neuchâtel. Sébastien holds a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and brings 25 years of international experience in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily in Manufacturing, Supply, and Manufacturing Sciences. His driving purpose: create meaningful value for patients while delivering the best possible experience for employees.

Nicolas Souvlakis, Managing Partner, Embiggen Europe . Nicolas spent 35 years in the industry, 28 years at Philip Morris International in 4 different countries and 13 different positions in engineering, production, supply chain and strategic planning. He was Director of factories with 500 to 2000+ employees and VP Operations at Philip Morris HQ in charge of global engineering and manufacturing digital transformation. Now, he is Managing Partner Embiggen Europe SA, European subsidiary Embiggen X, Singapore

Nabil Ouerhani, Deputy Director at the HE-Arc, holds a PhD in Microengineering from the University of Neuchâtel and a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the Technical University of Munich. After eight years in industry, where he held various technical and managerial roles, he joined HE-Arc Engineering in 2013 as a professor. Since 2022, he has served as Deputy Director, responsible for Applied Research & Development (Ra&D) and Continuing Education, overseeing several research groups in Sustainable Product Design, Smart & Precision Manufacturing, Smart Sensing & Microsystems, and Industrial Digitalization & Artificial Intelligence.

Alban Romano Co-CEO of We Are Team. Alban Romano holds a Master’s degree in QHSE Management, and before founding his company he served as Quality Control Manager at Perouse Medical at Perouse Medical and Operational Excellence Manager at Lauener & Cie.

Thomas Sordel Engineering Director at IMA Automation Switzerland SA, holds a Master’s and a PhD in physics, with a background in applied research at the interface of physics and biology. He joined Komax in 2007, which became IMA Automation Switzerland in 2016, where he discovered industrial automation, a field in which multidisciplinarity, agility, teamwork, and innovation are key, and for which he quickly developed a strong passion.
He successively held roles as Validation Engineer, Head of Vision, and Head of Process. In 2018, he took on the role of Innovation & Engineering Director for IMA Automation’s Swiss sites, and in 2024 he expanded his remit to include Operations.

Andrea Dunbar CTO of CSEM Andrea holds a PhD in Physics and an eMBA from EPFL. She joined CSEM in 2007 as a physicist and research scientist and has since led successful innovations, particularly in data and AI. In 2017, she was appointed to lead what is now Edge AI & Vision, a multidisciplinary group spanning data science, optics, image sensors, software, systems architecture, and data processing. As of January 2025, she has served as CSEM’s Chief Technology Officer.

Logistical informations

Date

Thursday

4th December 2025

13h00

Location

Takeda

Parking

Some parkplaces are available on site.

Conditions of entry

This event is limited to 30 people. Registrations will be processed in the order in which they are received and is possible until 01.12.2025.

The event will be in English (depending on who is attending), with visits in English and French.

Registration