EPHJ
Six outstanding innovations nominated to embody the very best of high precision
Among the dozens of innovations that will be unveiled at EPHJ and were submitted for consideration, the Jury of the EPHJ Exhibitors’ Grand Prix 2026 has selected six nominees that illustrate the technological richness and diversity of expertise showcased in Geneva.
From micro-dispensing to optical metrology, from ultra-pure single crystals to miniature watch components, from precision machining to 3D electroforming, this selection offers a striking view of the most remarkable achievements in high precision today, with an impressive mastery of the infinitely small.
When the machine learns the expert gesture of micro-dispensing
The first selected entry is CIPOSA, presenting Smart Dispensing, an automation solution for micro-dispensing operations based on learning the human gesture. The technology captures trajectories, speeds, flow rate and process parameters, then reproduces them on a 3-axis Cartesian robot with an accuracy of ±5 µm. It delivers concrete benefits in watch lubrication, technical bonding, micro-assembly and certain photonics applications, while making it possible to preserve operator know-how.
Seeing the invisible without touching the part
With IotaMetrix, the selection highlights a major advance in non-destructive inspection. The startup, a spin-off from the XLIM laboratory (CNRS / University of Limoges), has developed a patented optical metrology technology based on photon reassignment, operating without contact and without sample preparation, and achieving 86 nm lateral resolution on any material, including polished, transparent or highly reflective surfaces. Already tested on samples from CERN and other leading institutions, the technology opens up strong prospects for watchmaking, medtech and microtechnology.
The magnetic cold crucible serving ultra-pure single crystals
The Jury also selected Krystalix, a deeptech company originating from the SIMAP laboratory at the University of Grenoble, for its single-crystal growth technology using a magnetic cold crucible. This patented process makes it possible to exceed 3000°C, reduce contamination and cut energy consumption by 45%. Positioned in luxury watchmaking, defense and microelectronics, Krystalix illustrates the growing importance of materials innovation within the high-precision ecosystem.
A miniature bearing to transmit more torque with almost zero backlash angle
In the field of watch components, MPS Watch stands out with SpragWay, a miniature high performance one-way bearing. Born from the miniaturization of a sprag system integrated into a four-point contact ball bearing, SpragWay transmits more than 10 mNm with a diameter of 4 mm — or 10 times the torque of the OneWay — with an almost zero backlash angle of 0.03°. This innovation is particularly well suited to areas close to the barrel and to complications requiring high torque.
PCD drills with internal lubrication push back the limits of precision drilling
Another selected innovation comes from Louis Bélet SA, which presents PCD drills with internal lubrication for machining ultra-hard or difficult materials. This hybrid architecture combines a tungsten carbide body with a laser-drilled polycrystalline diamond tip. In lead-free brass, a Ø2.28 mm drill was validated at more than 800 mm/min, without pecking and without tangled chips. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for watchmaking and medical applications.
3D electroforming opens a new dimension for metallic microparts
Finally, NanoVoxel is nominated for its VERA™ process, which pushes back the limits of traditional electroforming. By replacing conventional UV lithography with 3D mastering based on two-photon polymerization (2PP), the company enables the production of freeform 3D metallic microparts with micron-level precision, submicron resolution and development cycles reduced to around two weeks. This innovation opens up unprecedented prospects for watchmaking, high-end jewellery, medtech and microtechnologies.
Through these six entries, the EPHJ Exhibitors’ Grand Prix 2026 highlights a shared momentum: innovations capable of providing concrete answers to increasingly demanding industrial challenges, whether in precision, reliability, miniaturization, sustainability, performance or speed of development. The 2026 selection thus confirms EPHJ’s role as a leading showcase for the technologies shaping the professions of high precision.
EPHJ 2026 Exhibition June 16–19, 2026
Palexpo Geneva More information: