July 6, 2007 — Scotland-based semiconductor technology company Semefab is set to become the U.K.’s primary center for the design and development of micro machines and nanosystems, helping to drive 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 it to offer companies open access to a fully integrated MNT capability, from product design and prototyping to product development, testing, and qualification. The company will specialize in the design and production of Micro Electro Mechanical Machines (MEMS).

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 prosperous, world-class MNT network in the U.K.

Over the next five years, 40 companies will be able to access Semefab’s facilities with 50 new products achieving prototyping, and the project is expected to contribute an additional £53 million to the Scottish economy.