A FIFE high-tech electronics company is set to become the UK’s primary centre for the design and development of micro machines, microsensors and nanosystems, helping to drive major advances in medicine, drug discovery, security and defence.

In conjunction with the Institute for System Level Integration (ISLI), semiconductor technology firm Semefab, which is based in Glenrothes, will specialise in the production and qualification of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS)—miniature sensors, machines, pumps and detectors which will be at the heart of microchip technology in the 21st century.

The scale of these systems is tiny, with many devices having complex structures only a quarter of the diameter of a human hair.

As for nanotechnology, the potential is enormous and far-reaching.

Working on a scale of 10,000 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair, nanomaterials have unique properties which can be exploited to develop better built, longer lasting, cleaner, safer, and smarter products.

Increased energy efficiency, a cleaner environment, more effective medical treatment and improved manufacturing are just some of the expected benefits that are driving the global nano-technology sector.

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

This project is being funded under the UK Micro and Nanotechnology Network initiative launched by Lord Sainsbury in 2003.

ISLI, a public sector technology transfer institute, will provide the design expertise required to create these devices and will deliver cutting edge solutions through technology transfer from research groups at Strathclyde and Heriot Watt universities.

MEMS technology is used to route telephone calls across networks, control the deployment of airbags in cars, ABS breaking systems and for the display of pictures across some flat-screen TVs and projectors.

Future applications will include the discovery of new drugs, controlling the stability of cars, detecting toxic agents in the atmosphere and turning mobile phones into navigation tools more effective than GPS.

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

The project will also ensure Scotland has a leading role to play within the DTI’s UK Micro and Nanotechnology Network, which aims to ensure that the UK can capitalise on the growth opportunities within the global nanotechnology market.

Joe Noble, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise Fife, said, “Scotland and Fife have long been at the forefront of the development of new technologies and we now have a real opportunity to become a global leader in the fast growing nano-technology sector.

“This project will not only help Scottish and UK companies to access state-of-the art product design and production facilities, but will also position both Semefab and Scotland at the forefront of the global nanotechnology market.”

Semefab chairman Allan James stated, “We are delighted that Scottish Enterprise and the DTI have decided to place Semefab at the heart of the UK micro and nanotechnology initiative through this major award.”

Tony Harker, chief executive of ISLI, added, “I believe this is an excellent opportunity for the whole of the UK.

“We are looking forward to working very closely with Semefab to deliver the highest possible quality of service.”

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 £53 million to the Scottish economy.