Heart diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, which is why heart diseases have become an important focus for the development of new effective treatments [1]. However, the current drug development pipeline is fraught with inefficiencies, ethical concerns, and financial burdens, largely due to the reliance on animal models and static cell cultures that fail to accurately predict human physiological responses [2]. Building on previous work from Dr. Dostanic [3], this master’s thesis advances the development of a novel Engineered Heart Tissue (EHT) platform, which holds promise as a more accurate and ethical research model for studying biological processes, drug discovery, and heart disease mechanisms. The EHTplatform is a small PDMS-based construction and consists of two micropillars surrounded by an elliptic well. It also features co-planar capacitive displacement sensors, specifically designed to measure the contraction force of EHTs. This master thesis work focuses on optimizing sensor sensitivity and enhanc ing platform rigidity to prevent sensor damage during assembly of the platform. Using COMSOL Multiphysics simulations, ideal sensor geometries and substrate configurations were identified, leading to the design and fabrication of multiple sensor prototypes. The sensors were fabricated using microfabrication techniques and electrically characterized under static and dynamic conditions. While static capacitance measurements aligned with simulations, dynamic tests revealed discrep ancies between predicted and observed capacitance changes, indicating the need for further investigation into simulation accuracy and fabrication processes. Despite these challenges, the sensors showed promise by successfully measur ing platform displacement in response to applied forces. However, the platform’s sensitivity must be improved in order to detect EHT contraction. With continued advancements, this platform could contribute to the develop ment of more precise and ethical research models, ultimately accelerating the de velopment of new treatments and providing an alternative for the use of animals in research.