Partnerships & Collaborations
Smart Nano NI is helping Northern Ireland realise its full potential to boost the local economy through growing capabilities in the critical technologies of photonics and nanotechnology.
Through our shared capability and interest in photonics, there is the potential to grow connections and explore the potential of a regional Cluster to harness a dynamic and emerging sector for NI.
We are actively exploring the development of this regional Cluster, which aims to bring together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and researchers to drive innovation and growth in the region. As we explore this further, more updates and insights will be available on Smart Nano NI website.
-
Smart Nano NI Lab
Based in Queens university you can find the Smrt Nano NI lab
-
Smart Nano NI Business Accelerator
Smart Nano NI consortium has invested in growing skills and knowledge by supporting the business eco-system.
-
5G Testbed Facilities
Enabled the largest 5G testbeds in both a manufacturing and education setting
Smart Nano Lab
Smart Nano NI laboratory facilities at Queens University Belfast offer a bespoke state-of-the-art space with the latest tools and research resources, designed to push the boundaries of innovation for researchers and business.
These facilities are a game-changer for our academic and business community and will foster collaboration and accelerate research and development efforts.
Through the photonics design and prototyping resources at QUB there is capability to build nano and micron scale devices in the new Smart Nano NI lab.
Collaboration for growth is a founding principle of Smart Nano NI, and this facility will accelerate research and development efforts and provide valuable practical learning experiences. The equipment enables micro-scale research and prototyping with resources such as design and simulation capability, vacuum deposition, wire bonding, optical and electrical testing, precision 3D printing, micro robotics and much more.
The Equipment
Vinci Deposition system
3D Printers - resin, filament and micro fabrication
Spin coater / Developer
Mask Aligner
Optical Microscopes
Hyperspectral imaging system
3D Scanner
Dicing tool
Pick and place tooling
And so much more.
For more information please use the Business Resource contact form.
Smart Nano NI business accelerator programmes
Smart Nano NI consortium has invested in growing skills and knowledge by supporting the business eco-system through business development programmes for innovation.
Consortium member, Digital Catapult NI, is our lead partner for connecting industry and academia to build innovative partnerships, helping organisations of all sizes to work smarter by originating and adopting advanced digital technologies.
They can help your organisation by advising on policy and conducting research on emerging technology trends, or helping you benefit from the cutting edge of technology through research and development activities with a focus on technology integration and application in new areas.
Open Programmes – Technology Access Programmes
Applications are open for an initiative designed to accelerate the practical application of deep tech across Northern Ireland’s growing industries.
The three-month Smart Nano NI Technology Access Programme run by Digital Catapult will connect local businesses to state-of-the-art photonics and future network technologies to drive efficient manufacturing processes and explore commercial applications of new solutions.
Participants can choose between two tracks, Photonics or Future Networks, including 5G and Narrowband-IoT, which will be tailored to their business’ specific operational needs and challenges. Photonics involves using light to transmit, process, sense and store information, and Northern Ireland has unique strengths in developing and applying photonic technologies, presenting a significant opportunity for businesses in the region.
Access to resources:
Through the access programmes, business can access a range of technical resources and knowledge to test their ideas, prototypes and research. Resources include:
Specim FX10e with lab scanner
Portable 3D scanner & laser scanner
Thermal Camera
Machine vision
AI vision kit
3D sensors
Optical characterisation equipment
Event Sensor
IoT Sensors
DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral
For more information please use the Business Resource contact form.
5G Testbed facilities
Smart Nano NI partners have enabled the largest 5G testbeds in both a manufacturing and education setting continue to accelerate smart manufacturing through these open access facilities and expert technical support for local business. It’s a future network test bed that supports both 5G and Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT).
Recent collaboration with Digital Catapult, Consortium partners and Techstart Ventures enabled a further £75,000 investment in pioneering solutions for manufacturing challenges.
Together we collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to provide facilities that would not exist without our intervention; from the Virtual Production Test Stage, the first facility in the UK created specifically for research and development of virtual media production techniques.
To access these resources to test, prototype your ideas there are facilities at:
North West Regional College has established a regional Industry 4.0 centre with the aim of increasing training and skills development in Industrial practices through a regional Industry 4.0 centre along with Seagate Technology and the testbed in an industrial setting.
For further information and any questions please complete the Business Resource contact form