Press releasePublished on 12 May 2025

Real-time measurement of pollen load: METAS and MeteoSwiss at World Expo 2025 in Japan

Bern-Wabern, 12.05.2025 — At World Expo 2025 in Osaka (Japan), the Federal Institute of Metrology METAS and the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss will present the latest advances in pollen information in collaboration with Swisens AG. The exhibition stand in the Swiss pavilion will present the latest developments as well as the real-time pollen load measured at the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) in Tsukuba.

METAS guarantees precise and internationally recognised measurements, as well as monitoring measuring instruments in trade, transport, health and the environment. MeteoSwiss operates Switzerland’s national meteorological measurement network and provides the public with wide-ranging information such as weather forecasts, early warnings and climate services.

What is a world exhibition?

Since 1851, world exhibitions have provided a unique platform to showcase groundbreaking innovations and foster international cooperation.

The theme of this year’s World Expo 2025 in Osaka (Japan) is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, and the exhibition is dedicated to global challenges in the fields of science, education, health and sustainability. The Swiss pavilion offers its exhibitors an exclusive stage to showcase outstanding Swiss innovations. As one of only seven Swiss exhibitors within the “Life” section, the Federal Institute of Metrology METAS and the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss will represent our country at World Expo 2025 in Osaka (Japan).

METAS: the place with the most accurate measurements in Switzerland

The Federal Institute of Metrology METAS is Switzerland’s national metrology institute (NMI) and, as such, acts as the federal centre of competence for all issues relating to measurement and for measuring equipment and measuring procedures.

METAS creates the prerequisites for carrying out measurements with the degree of accuracy needed to meet the needs of industry, research and administration in Switzerland. It also guarantees correct and legally compliant measurements to protect people and the environment, as well as ensuring the metrological services required for the Swiss economy, research and administration.

One unique selling point is its role in the physical implementation and international recognition of units of measurement.

Through intensive collaboration with domestic and foreign research institutions, higher education institutions, other NMIs and industry, METAS has earned itself a considerable reputation within the national and international scientific community.

MeteoSwiss: keeping pace with weather and climate

The Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss operates as the national weather and climate service on behalf of the Swiss population. MeteoSwiss collects long-term and comprehensive meteorological data, prepares forecasts and provides meteorological services for the general public, the authorities, civil protection and aviation.

One of its key tasks is to warn the public and the authorities about the dangers of weather.

As well as the future weather, it is just as important to examine the development of the past and future climate. Data collected since 1864 is used by climatologists to analyse climate change and extreme weather events and to develop scenarios for climate change in Switzerland.

On behalf of the federal government, MeteoSwiss also operates critical infrastructure that is available at all times. Predictions and risk analyses for critical infrastructures represent a significant contribution to the security of the Swiss population and the operation of the economy and society.

NMIJ: Japan’s counterpart to METAS

The National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) is part of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), one of the largest public research organizations in Japan. AIST focuses on the creation and practical implementation of technologies that benefit Japanese industry and society.

Like METAS, NMIJ develops, maintains, and disseminates national measurement standards, and conducts research and development in measurement technologies to facilitate innovation and address societal issues.

METAS verifies AI-based real-time pollen measurements

Up to 30 % of the world’s population suffers from pollen allergies, and there is therefore considerable public interest in reliable real-time measurement of pollen levels in the environment. MeteoSwiss has set up one of the world’s first automatic pollen monitoring networks with the SwisensPoleno pollen measuring device. In another world first, this allows pollen loads to be predicted based on real-time data so that allergy sufferers, for example, can organise their day accordingly or take their medication in a more targeted manner.

METAS is working with NMIJ, among others, to develop and validate innovative reference methods for the quality assurance and standardisation of SwisensPoleno and other similar devices.

Developed by the Swiss start-up Swisens, SwisensPoleno is a highly innovative device that analyses pollen in real time and uses AI to automatically determine the pollen count and type of pollen in ambient air. This pollen meter therefore makes a vital contribution to research relating to health and the environment.

This is how the METAS/MeteoSwiss stand presents itself

Produced in collaboration with MeteoSwiss, the stand at World Expo 2025 in Osaka offers more than just a static exhibition. Visitors will also find the following things to see and experience:

  • a live display of measurement data from the SwisensPoleno measuring device installed at NMIJ in Tsukuba
  • a 3D-printed scale model of SwisensPoleno
  • oversized 3D-printed pollen particles
  • a video about how SwisensPoleno works
  • materials illustrating the state of development and research

The special thing is that our stand set-up can be operated autonomously, so there is no need for a supervisor to be on site.

Collaboration with NMIJ and Swissnex

Thanks to the on-site presence of the SwisensPoleno measuring device in Japan, we are intensifying our collaboration with NMIJ based on an existing memorandum of understanding (MoU). This provides a valuable opportunity for joint research projects and scientific publications.

Another key factor is our valuable connection with Swissnex, the network of educational, research, innovation and art centres, with a view to forging deeper links between Switzerland and innovation centres around the world.

Research with a future

In addition to METAS’ collaborative presence with MeteoSwiss at World Expo 2025, the METAS Particles and Aerosols laboratory is planning further joint research activities with NMIJ. And this joint commitment should result in several more scientific publications on real-time pollen measurements.

A select few Swiss exhibitors

Launched in mid-2024, the multi-stage application and selection process to represent our country at World Expo 2025 was a challenging one: out of over 70 domestic applications, the METAS and MeteoSwiss team was ultimately selected as one of only seven Swiss exhibitors within the “Life” (Life Sciences, Education, Health and Nutrition) section of the exhibition. We are very proud to be representing Switzerland and our Swissness together over a period of 63 days (11 June to 12 August 2025) in Japan.

Curious? Further information is available here

Illustration materials

All illustration materials are to be marked as Copyright METAS/MeteoSwiss/Swisens. Any use other than for direct reporting on the content of this press release is only permitted with the permission of the copyright holders.

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