Micro- and nanotechnologies have the potential to create economic growth in every geographical area of Europe and among almost every industry leading to new product innovations, new companies and new jobs. Such innovative ideas based on solutions using micro and nano fabrication technologies require access not only to high end equipment but also the essential highly skilled personnel. It is not possible for SME’s or even most research departments to justify investment in a comprehensive range of technologies and trained personnel, especially when the need is to try out the feasibility of a new idea or develop a one off tool.

EUMINAfab aims to overcome such economic barriers and lack of skills by giving researchers from industry and academia access to 37 installations. It brings together the scientific and technological skills of 9 partners from eight countries to create a pan-European toolbox for micro- and nanotechnologies for structuring and characterising a multitude of functional materials. Accompanying the availability of equipment with an investment value of over 200M€ are 60 technology experts ready to advise from the first concept of a project idea. The free of cost access is enabled by the funding of the project by the European Commission under the FP7 Capacities programme.

EUMINAfab started in March 2009 and immediately began to establish its identity and business processes. Since then approximately 25 users have benefitted from no fee open access. User operation began September 2009 and applications are invited from external users who may gain no fee access and advice to more than 70 state-of-the-art micro nano technologies. Any number and combination of these technologies can be combined to create a specific toolbox tailored to meet individual design requirements. Proposal submission is via an application form available on www.euminafab.eu where quite specific information on the installations offered and the details of leading European experts can also be found.