New Impulses for Innovation
“I truly hope this program will be expanded – so that even more SMEs can benefit from this expertise.”
Dr. Tizian Bucher, R&D Manager at DrM
DrM. Dr. Müller AG is known for highly specialized filtration and mixing technologies.
A family-owned business for over 40 years, the company based in Männedorf develops innovative solutions for the life sciences and industrial sectors. Through the Ahead program (formerly KMU and Innovation), DrM not only found new partners but also gained access to concrete funding projects – with remarkable success.
From Idea to Project – With the Right Support
Since its founding in 1982 by Dr. Hans Müller, DrM, Dr. Müller AG has built a global reputation as a specialist in solid-liquid separation and in the development of unique vibrating mixing systems. More than 400 patents are credited to the company’s founder. Today, his grandson Patrick Müller leads the company in its third generation. But even a long-standing SME with its own R&D department can reach its limits at times.
One such case was the development of a single-use cross-flow filter for perfusion. Previous filter designs were only suitable for a single purpose, and internal testing yielded no viable results. It became clear that external expertise was needed. But where to begin?
Ahead Opened the Door to Academic Expertise
This is where the Ahead program came into play. After a detailed analysis, the assigned innovation expert identified Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) as a suitable research partner and facilitated the connection.
“Without that impulse, we wouldn’t have tackled the project – we lacked the network and the strategic know-how to get it off the ground,”
says Dr. Tizian Bucher, R&D Manager at DrM.
In parallel, Ahead also connected the team with a mentor who supported the development of an Innosuisse project and enabled a thorough patent analysis. The result: the project was approved in 2025 with funding of around CHF 750,000.
Further Innovations with Innosuisse Vouchers and AI
And that wasn’t the end of it. Ahead also supported other ideas – such as further developing the drive technology of DrM’s proprietary FUNDAMIX® mixer. What started as a vague concept involving new frequencies and amplitudes became a concrete innovation thanks to collaboration with FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland and their FEMM experts – supported by a successful Innosuisse Innovation Cheque.
Even a project that ultimately wasn’t pursued led to valuable insights. As Dr. Bucher explains:
“Thanks to discussions with another industry expert introduced by Ahead, we were able to define our strategic approach to using machine learning for filter fabric inspection much more clearly.”
Conclusion: A Program That Opens New Paths for SMEs
The collaboration with Ahead was more than just helpful – it was a true catalyst for innovation.
“Working with the innovation experts connected through Ahead didn’t just provide inspiration – it was also highly effective. I truly hope this program will be expanded so that even more SMEs can benefit from this expertise.”
— Dr. Tizian Bucher, R&D Manager at DrM
About Dr. Tizian Bucher
Dr. Tizian Bucher is Head of Research & Development at DrM, Dr. Müller AG, a globally active specialist in filtration and mixing technologies based in Männedorf, Switzerland. He plays a key role in driving the company’s innovation efforts in biotechnology and industrial applications. Dr. Bucher holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University and brings deep expertise in single-use technologies and process optimization. He is a regular speaker at international scientific and industry conferences.
More information: https://drmgroup.com/