01 October 2006
A leading UK project consortium has been awarded a 3-year programme under the MNT initiative for advanced research in MEMS, microfluidics and surface functionalisation. The consortium is led by Point 35 Microstructures and memsstar® Technology, and comprises Epichem, Innos, Qinetiq, Semefab (Scotland) ,the Scottish Microelectronics Centre and the University of Edinburgh. The programme will involve advanced release processing of fluidic channels and associated structures, combined with surface functionalisation using a range of precursors and bio materials. Advanced structures, materials, processes and equipment will be developed in association with inputs from a wide industry led group of potential users.
Mike Leavy, CEO of Point 35/ memsstar® Technology, said: "the majority of currently available MEMS processing equipment is incapable of integration into the advanced semiconductor environments. memsstar® systems, incorporating innovative processing techniques have already demonstrated not only production compatibility but also cost effectiveness in the market. This programme will allow us to provide a full range of production worthy processing equipment to the rapidly expanding integrated MEMS industry".
In July 2003, Science and Innovation Minister Lord Sainsbury announced a cash injection of £90 million over the next six years to help industry harness the commercial opportunities offered by nanotechnology. Within this initiative, the DTI has allocated £50m for an applied research programme that will support collaborative research and development projects and technology transfer initiatives, and £40m for capital projects for a UK Micro and Nanotechnology Network.
About memsstar® Technology
memsstar® Technology is a wholly owned trading division of Point 35 Microstructures (www.pt35.com) and is headquartered in Livingston, UK. Memsstar® Technology is a global technology leader serving the nano-technology markets with a full range of technology based services including fabrication equipment, applications support, system installations, warranty and post-warranty coverage. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.memsstar.com/