Originally Published EMDM January/February 2003
INDUSTRY NEWS
Single-Source Microsystems Development Service Is LaunchedWith an international reputation for successfully commercializing emerging science and technologies, The Generics Group (Harston, Cambs, UK) has launched yet another project. The company has formed alliances with three major microsystems technology (MST) companies—Lionix B.V. (Enschede, Netherlands), Epigem Ltd. (Redcar, Cleveland, UK), and Coventor S.A.R.L. (Paris)—to create a one-of-a-kind microsystems development service called MST-charged.
Integrating the individual efforts of companies is not new; similar clusters have been formed in the past, such as those promoted by Europractice. But MST-charged is the first consortium with only industrial partners, says Henk Leeuwis, executive vice president of marketing and sales for Lionix.
The recent partnership combines four essential disciplines needed for MST-based product development: silicon technology–based MST (Lionix), plastic technology–based MST (Epigem), system development (Generics), and MST simulation and modelling (Coventor). While Generics acts as the current "nerve centre" for the group, the leader will vary from project to project, the company explains.
The network provides a one-stop shop for firms seeking a complete MST solution for their products, without having to have specialized in-house knowledge. "It offers more than each partner could provide separately," says Hans van den Vlekkert, president and CEO of Lionix.
Lionix's experience and proficiency make it an excellent partner for the group, according to Leeuwis. "Our key people are experienced in the field, and our company has a variety of microtechnology processes at its disposal," he says. "In addition, we have a strong background in potential MST applications, thanks to our link with the world-renowned MESA+ Institute of the University of Twente [in the Netherlands]." The company, which specializes in integrated optics and microfluidics, also offers important competencies in the most promising application areas of MST: lab-on-a-chip applications in the life sciences and industrial process control, and in telecom devices, according to Leeuwis.
MST-charged creates the vital link between novel microelectromechanical systems technologies and mainstream product developers looking to enhance their existing product portfolios and to develop new ones, according to van den Vlekkert. "The alliance presents a formidable means to bring MST-enabled products to market," he says. "By incorporating microsystems into everyday products, opportunities for the rapid growth of MST-enabled devices in both industrial and consumer markets can be realized."
For more information, contact The Generics Group, Harston Mill, Harston, Cambs CB2 5GG, UK; phone: +44 1223 875200; e-mail: mst_charged@genericsgroup.com.
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