The final round of applications for free scientific analysis at 4 advanced European research facilities is now over and can be summarized as an unsurpassed success.
33% of all applications for this EU funded project came from Sweden and just over 20% from Poland, the rest came from the Baltic countries, Denmark and Germany. The successful applicants will now receive free experiments and research time to enhance their product development.
Broad range of industries and companies
Many of the companies that applied for beam time are within manufacturing, nanotechnology and Life Sciences. Companies range from major corporations such as Alfa Laval and Volkswagen to small companies such as Graphensic, Sol Voltaics, NanoGeo Finland Oy and Mexeo – all innovation-intensive companies.
“The quality and number of applications exceed the expectations by far, especially the applications from the Swedish companies. Approved companies now get the opportunity to sharpen their competitiveness with the help of some of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world.” says María Fernanda Bocángel, Communications Manager for Science Link at Invest in Skåne.
Testing of materials for implants, trace elements in food and new alloys for aero structures and engine products are some examples of materials that can be analysed with advanced methods at research facilities.
“It is about product innovation, development and growth.” says Marco Kirm, Responsible for the calls within the project, "This is a critical step in establishing this region as an international centre of innovation and materials development. By increasing industry's use of research facilities, we are also helping regional development."
The companies accepted have been referred to the facility best suited to their specific needs. The Max IV laboratory, in Lund, Sweden, will be assisting 33% of the successful applicants. Today, the industrial users, at Max IV laboratory, account for approximately four percent of annual capacity, a figure that is set to increase.
For the results broken down per country, facility and industry field, see the graphs in the PDF.
