MNT (MICRO AND NANO TECHNOLOGY) PROJECT AWARDED FOR ADVANCED MEMS APPLICATIONS

31.08.2006

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) and the Scottish Microelectronics Centre. 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 www.memsstar.com