MEMs designs in Scotland

Semefab is set to become the UK’s primary centre for the design and development of micro machines and nano-systems.

Fife-based semiconductor technology company Semefab is set to become the UK’s primary centre for the design and development of micro machines and nano-systems, helping to drive major advances in medicine, drug discovery, communications and manufacturing.

Scottish Enterprise and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are supporting the company in a £15 million project that will enable them to offer companies open access to a fully integrated micro- and nano-technology (MNT) capability, from product design and prototyping to product development, testing and qualification.

Semefab will work with the Institute of System Level Integration (ISLI), in partnership with the University of Strathclyde and Heriot Watt University to enhance its design capabilities, while the purchasing of new MEMs processing equipment will enable the company to offer a comprehensive prototyping service over the next five years.

By offering open access to its design and fabrication facilities, the project aims to break down barriers for SMEs within the sector and help drive the development and exploitation of nanotechnology to build a world-class MNT network in the UK.

The project is expected to contribute an additional £53 million to the Scottish economy.