ISPE D/A/CH CoP Project Management – Innovation on the Move, October & November Event Highlights
The past two months have been a powerful demonstration of how fast our industry is evolving. Across three very different events, one message was clear: innovation in pharma isn’t one-dimensional—it spans digital tools, construction science, automation, and collaboration.
Tech Tuesday @ SKAN – Basel (25 November)
Immersive Technologies for Aseptic Design
We dove into how Virtual Reality is transforming aseptic process engineering—from early design choices to operator training. The interactive VR showroom challenged traditional approaches and showed how immersive tools can reduce design errors, improve ergonomics, and accelerate decision-making.
Key takeaway:
Digital immersion is no longer a “nice to have”—it is becoming as essential as physical equipment for building reliable and efficient pharma operations.
ISPE Meets Sika – Zurich (14 November)
Smart Materials & Sustainable Pharma Facilities
Our first-ever event at Sika’s headquarters highlighted advanced construction and sustainability solutions tailored for pharma environments, including:
- Next-generation cleanroom design and installation
- Hygienic flooring and wall systems
- Solar-ready waterproof roofing
- Circular-economy approaches for long-term sustainability
Key takeaway:
Material science and sustainable construction are reshaping facility design—helping pharma sites cut lifecycle costs while boosting robustness and environmental performance.
Tech Tuesday @ Lonza – Modular Automation
Module Type Package (MTP): A New Blueprint for CAPEX Delivery
Lonza presented the Module Type Package concept, illustrating how modular automation is changing the execution of large-scale projects. The session explored implementation methods, CQV impacts, and how MTP supports faster deployment and global standardization.
Key takeaway:
MTP enables true plug-and-play automation—reducing integration complexity and accelerating commissioning while increasing flexibility across global networks.
Why These Conversations Matter
Across SKAN, Sika, and Lonza, we saw a consistent pattern:
Innovation in pharma happens at the crossroads of digitalization, physical design, and process standardization.
- XR & immersive tools are rewriting how we design, test, and validate processes.
- Advanced materials & sustainable construction strengthen facilities while lowering environmental impact.
- Modular automation & MTP unlock standardization and scalability for global CAPEX programs.
The real accelerator? Collaboration.
Each event connected experts, practitioners, and innovators to exchange insights and move the industry forward—together.
