Proteins are found in every cell and often make up more than half of its dry weight. They serve as molecular «tools» and perform different functions depending on their structure. Accordingly, there are countless different proteins, and researching them is an extremely time-consuming process.
In 2024, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to American chemist and AI expert John Jumper, British AI researcher Demis Hassabis, founder of DeepMind Technologies, now part of Google — and American biochemist David Baker, a professor at the University of Washington for their groundbreaking advancements in protein science. Particularly the development of the AI tool AlphaFold, which predicts protein structures, has significantly advanced the study of new proteins and paved the way for discoveries in medicine and pharmaceutical research.
Foundations from Dättwil
Behind the researchers’ success is a lesser-known story that began in Switzerland: AlphaFold’s breakthrough would not have been possible without advanced detector technology from Dectris, a company based in Dättwil. Founded in 2006 as a spin-off from the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen by Christian Brönnimann and his colleagues Eric Eikenberry, Markus Näf, and Petr Salficky, Dectris developed innovative detector technology that has become essential in protein structure analysis. «At PSI, we initially developed this new type of detector technology over nine years for the Swiss Light Source (SLS), aiming to determine protein structures more quickly and accurately,» recalls Brönnimann. The SLS is a particle accelerator that provides highly intense X-ray light. «At some point, I realized that our new detection technology worked and likely had good market potential.»
This proved true, as Dectris’s highly precise detectors now play a central role in expanding the Protein Data Bank (PDB), the world’s leading archive for protein structures, which provided the essential data foundation for training AlphaFold. Currently, the PDB contains over 225,000 protein structures discovered and described by researchers worldwide. Although Dectris has only been providing its technology since 2008, 28% of all PDB protein structures have been determined using it. In 2023, over 80% of newly added macromolecular structures came from experiments conducted with Dectris technology. Without this innovation, AlphaFold, which has revolutionized protein science and earned this year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry, would not have been possible in its current form.
Noise-free and fast
The technology developed by Brönnimann and his team involves novel X-ray detectors that have revolutionized analysis with X-ray radiation. The PSI, one of Switzerland’s leading research institutions, provided the perfect environment to develop these new technologies and establish initial contacts within the scientific community. This connection remains a core aspect of Dectris’s corporate culture, as their products continue to be primarily used in cutting-edge research. «The truly groundbreaking feature of our technology is that our detectors instantly convert incoming X-ray signals into electrical impulses,» explains Roman Gredig, a research and development scientist at Dectris. As a result, the detectors from Dättwil are completely noise-free and deliver clearer images than previous detectors. Another advantage is that they can provide more images per unit of time than earlier technologies, allowing for faster measurements.
What began as a small company in Villigen has, through the superiority of its technology, become a world-leading provider of hybrid pixel detectors for X-ray and electron microscopy. Dectris’s detectors enable unprecedented precision in analyzing structures at the molecular level. The company develops and produces all its technology in Baden-Dättwil, relying on close collaboration with the scientific community. «Our success is based on understanding the needs of our customers and our passion for developing innovative solutions that enable real scientific progress,» says Brönnimann, who led the company until 2022 and now serves as chairman of the board. The role of CEO has been held for the past two years by Matthias Schneebeli, formerly Dectris’s Chief Technology Officer.
Dectris has made a name for itself worldwide by combining performance, reliability, and ease of use. Over the past 15 years, these qualities have enabled breakthroughs in key areas such as pharmaceutical, energy materials, and catalysts. The latest detector developments for electron microscopy open the door to similar advances in semiconductors and quantum materials.
Local roots, global impact
Dectris is the perfect example of how a local company with visionary thinking and technical expertise can achieve global success. Today, the company employs around 170 people and remains firmly rooted in the region. It maintains close relationships with local universities and research institutions, invests in young talent, and fosters innovations that go beyond detector technology. The company also places great emphasis on apprentice training.
The PDB and its significance for AlphaFold’s work are just one example of how Dectris technology is utilized by scientists in their research, leading to important advancements. By providing detectors that seamlessly integrate into research processes, Dectris enables scientists worldwide to achieve faster results. These discoveries can lead to a deeper understanding of the studied matter and translate into real-world solutions in fields like life sciences, materials science, and sustainability — potentially revolutionizing medical therapies, developing more efficient materials, and offering innovative solutions to global challenges such as climate change.
Development in Medicine
One example is Dectris’s contribution to combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Their highly precise detectors played a crucial role in developing medications against SARS-CoV, optimized using X-ray structure analysis. In environmental research, Dectris has also enabled groundbreaking progress: their detectors were used to analyze an enzyme capable of breaking down plastics. This research led to targeted modifications and efficiency improvements of the enzyme — a significant step toward more efficient PET recycling and a sustainable reduction of plastic waste.
«Our close collaboration with the scientific community is at the heart of our corporate culture, allowing us to drive innovations that meet both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s needs. Our small but significant contribution to Nobel Prize-winning research demonstrates how our high-performance detectors support cutting-edge science. As scientists ourselves, we truly understand the needs of our customers and work closely with the community to address them. Without our technology, many of the protein analyses advancing modern research would not be possible,» emphasizes Brönnimann.
Exploring Opportunities
While Dectris already plays a key role in global X-ray research, the company is far from reaching the end of its journey. The focus is on entering new markets and further developing existing technologies. The company sees significant potential, particularly in medical diagnostics and electron microscopy, as well as in data processing, where efficient, cloud-based solutions are in high demand. Additionally, Dectris is investing in sustainable practices and technological advancements to ensure it maintains its leadership role in the industry in the future. «It’s important to us not only to be innovative but also to act responsibly—both toward the environment and the society that benefits from our technologies,» says Brönnimann.
Anyone who thinks that the detectors developed by the Dättwil-based company have laid the foundation for making this technology obsolete due to new AI applications is mistaken. While the AI tool AlphaFold is groundbreaking in predicting static protein structures, experimental verification of these structures through cryo-electron microscopy or protein crystallography remains crucial in modern pharmaceutical research. These methods enable the precise analysis of how drug candidates bind to proteins — a challenge that even the most advanced AI has yet to overcome.
As a result, the dynamic behavior of proteins is becoming a key focus of research. For this purpose, high-precision, ultra-fast detectors are indispensable. That is why the Dättwil detectors will continue to be essential, says Christian Brönnimann with conviction: «AI predictions of protein structures can be highly reliable. However, when it comes to their actual application in research, their structure will still need to be experimentally verified in the future.» Dectris will therefore continue to make valuable contributions to research projects around the world.