R&D for biotechnology applications

The 5,500 sq. m nano-biotechnology platform deploys a full range of medical systems development know-how from sample surface preparation, biological analysis and substrate functionalization to packaging, microfluidics, microsystems, biological detection systems and component readers.

The platform’s R&D activities benefit scientific researchers, hospitals, and biomedical companies.

Its X-ray, gamma-ray, fluorescence, visible and lens-less imaging solutions ensure its unmatched performance in studying living organisms, tissues, cells and bacteria.

Its microsystems meet today's new needs for personalized medicine, nanomedicine and remote diagnostics. They can be implemented in vivo, embedded or implanted in medical devices.

The platform is located next to Clinatec and the Bioscience and Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble (BIG) and leverages BIG’s basic research. The platform files around 35 patents per year including for solutions… 25 pieces of major equipment: X-ray measurement chambers, screen-printing machines, stamping and machining equipment, etc.

 
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

The micro energy source platform concentrates at a single location all the resources needed to design power supply systems for smart cards, sensors, laptop computers and much more. The 1,000 sq. m platform is home to 30 items of equipment suitable for scaling up these technologies for industrial manufacturing.

The platform develops micro batteries and micro fuel cells with a sharp focus on enhancing materials to improve performance. It leverages technologies, such as thin-layer deposition for batteries, and investigates ways of improving fuel-cell catalyst and collector performance and lifespans.
The advanced equipment available at the platform includes a five-PVD chamber unit capable of depositing a series of thin layers. The platform can develop processes all the way to industrial scale-up. It operates with two major partners: STMicroelectronics for micro batteries measuring thicknesses of around 100 microns and Intelligent Energy for mobile electronic device fuel cell chargers.
. Staff are involved in all aspects of micro energy source development, from basic materials studies to design of custom sources for specific applications. Feasibility studies, prototyping and small scale production are available for Micro batteries (from a few μWh to 100 mWh) and micro fuel cells (from 5 W to 100 W)
. Yes. service.

Today's technological challenges require implementation of a holistic approach to hardware and software. The embedded systems design platform combines the special competencies of two institutes, specifically Leti's IC design and testing and List's embedded software development. 

The embedded systems design platform possesses unrivaled know-how in hardware-software integration. The platform designs systems that respond to high reliability and security demands for Big Data servers, IoT, transportation, energy, manufacturing and other industries. The R&D conducted at the platform falls into two categories: development of hardware and software solutions for optimizing system design and integration of electronic and computing modules into existing systems. These R&D activities share an objective of enhancing overall system operation and usage through smaller form factors, more memory, better energy efficiency, lower cost, and greater security and reliability. 

The platform’s advanced… CAD tools for hardware and software simulation, Synopsys ZeBu embedded system emulation system, test benches replicating severe environments (high temperature, radiation, etc.). The facility of more than 2000 sq meters is operated by 120 engineers and technicians.
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

The objective of the hydrogen production and storage platform is to develop innovative hydrogen production, conversion, and storage processes so that hydrogen can be effectively used as a source of energy. The platform develops and tests demonstrators of significant size in partnership with manufacturing companies.
The platform’s hydrogen-production research focuses on high-energy yield, high-temperature (700°C to 800°C) water-vapor electrolysis. Other applications for this technology include power-to-gas conversion via water-vapor/carbon-dioxide electrolysis. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are the main area of conversion research at the platform. SOFCs operate at high temperature and can use hydrogen or other gases (such as natural gas and biogas). Cogeneration is currently the priority application for SOFCs. The platform is also working on low-pressure solid-hydrogen storage processes for stationary and transportation applications. In a world first, the platform joined forces with France-based McPhy… 800 sq. m facility, plus a 120 sq. m outdoor testing area, €6 million euros invested, including electrolyzer and tank performance and durability testing capabilities.
. A team of 40 researchers and technicians work with industrial and academic partners on leading edge projects. Services include feasibility studies, prototype development, testing, security analysis, and benchmarking.
. Yes. service.

With €6 million in equipment and a staff of 40 engineers and technicians, the fuel-cell platform takes a truly unique approach to designing and improving fuel cells. It is the only center in the world to cover materials, membrane-electrode assemblies, stacks, testing, modeling, and characterization. Around ten manufacturers from around the world—including Symbio FCell and Areva Energy Storage—conduct R&D at the platform. The mission is to speed the transfer of new fuel-cell technology to transportation and stationary applications and build a strong intellectual property portfolio, adding around 10–20 new patents per year. The platform builds demonstrators for testing in real-world conditions.

For example, the hydrogen-powered Zero CO2 vessel has been sailing since 2010, and the EPICEA and PROSPAC generators are producing 5 kW of useable electricity. 
The fuel-cells produced by the platform are at the international state of the art in terms of performance, lifespan, and form factor, all benefits that… Around 20 test benches for fuel cells from 10 W to 50 kW. The platform also has specific equipment like a roll-to-roll electrode manufacturing machine for membrane-electrode assemblies and a stack-assembling machine. There is also access to new materials development, characterization and testing.
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

Electric and hybrid-electric vehicles are about more than just batteries (or fuel cells). The battery or fuel cell must be integrated into the powertrain and tested in real-world conditions. The test results must then be analyzed so that further improvements can be made. The electric mobility platform does all of these things, developing solutions for automotive applications as well as for all other types of land, air, and sea vehicles and vessels.

Tests, carried out on the open road/water or at closed facilities, provide valuable feedback on cycling, ageing, and other factors while facilitating market penetration for SMEs and larger companies involved with battery, fuel-cell, and traditional and electric vehicle manufacturers.
The platform possesses a complete set of equipment that includes a motor bench, solar charging stations, and instrumentation capabilities. The platform can perform one-off testing (up to 60,000  km for an electric vehicle) and continuous monitoring of fleets of up to 30 vehicles. For the platform’s industrial partners, these testing capabilities provide valuable feedback so that they can improve product quality and reliability and even launch totally new products on a still-emerging market.
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

The cybersecurity platform is staffed by more than 100 experts experienced in protecting integrated circuits, mobile electronic devices (such as smartphones) and embedded systems and their software from threats. The platform is used to identify product vulnerabilities and come up with innovative ways to protect both hardware and software from cyber-attacks.

The techniques employed to ensure hardware and software security are based on innovative technologies like secure communications platforms for sensor networks, secure hardware and software cryptography implementation, crypto calculation for direct application processing of encrypted data, and more.
The platform uses some of the most advanced tools available (source-code analysis software like Frama-C, hardware platform simulators, test benches capable of replicating physical attacks against electronic components, fault generators, and emission spectrum analyzers) to pinpoint vulnerabilities. It is home to one of France’s three official commercial hardware security evaluation centers.
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

The Clinatec biomedical research center is like no other facility in the world. R&D is conducted by the CEA and the Grenoble University Medical Center oversees clinical trials. Clinatec develops new treatments, diagnostics and research methods for applications in oncology, neurodegenerative disease and spinal-cord injury. A multidisciplinary team made up of clinical practitioners, biologists, mathematicians and engineers in microtechnology, nanotechnology and signal processing has been constituted at the platform to drive innovation in micro and nanosystems for healthcare. The platform’s unique approach—bringing together a broad range of know-how at a single location—fosters the emergence of novel solutions and speeds up proof-of-concept testing and transfer of new technologies to manufacturers. The ultimate goal is to offer new solutions to as many patients as possible.

An open project center provides access to Clinatec’s resources. Partners can assign their staff to or house their projects at Clinatec… Clinatec possesses a broad range of equipment and leverages the know-how and advances of the MINATEC campus. Notable equipment includes systems design and integration labs, a preclinical testing center, an operating room with intraoperative MRI, and various medical imaging resources (SPECT-CT, MEG).
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

R and D at the platform focuses on analysis and modelling of physical phenomena; experimentation at the lab and demonstrator scales; process evaluation; and demonstrator development—with the goal of devising economically-viable solutions by 2020. The platform works with around fifteen industrial partners, including GDF Suez and Air Liquide.

The biomass platform is unique in France in terms of the sheer scope of its R&D activities, which cover biomass grinding, torrefaction, pyrolisis and gasification processes from an analytical scale up to 100 kg per hour—with results that can be extrapolated to industrial processes. The platform’s overriding purpose is to produce high-yield energy while eliminating waste and controlling emissions of substances like heavy metals and sulfur. The platform’s equipment includes several reactors, a grinding unit, and torrefaction and gasification furnaces. Beyond the traditional sources of biomass, like wood and farm and forest byproducts, researchers at the platform are… Equipment for biomass grinding, torrefaction (roasting), pyrolysis and gasification processes from an analytical scale up to 100 kg per hour

The platform’s equipment includes several reactors, a grinding unit, and torrefaction and gasification furnaces (an 11-meter-high, 3.5-meter diameter torrefaction furnace; a high-pressure, high-temperature gasification furnace)  in an overall area of 800 sq m.
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

The CEA Battery Infrastructure R&D focuses on lithium-ion battery development and small-run production, from materials synthesis through to integration. The goal is to develop end-to-end production systems for applications ranging from hearing aids to electric-powered buses, with the broader objectives of cutting costs, increasing battery life, and improving reliability.

The battery platform boasts all of the know-how and heavy equipment required to develop and produce small runs of lithium-ion batteries.

R&D at the platform starts with identifying and synthesizing materials to optimize battery performance, and encompasses manufacturing the various components (such as battery electrodes and electrolytes),assembling the battery packs, and integrating them into complete systems. Battery safety is assessed via a range of tests that include total destruction of the battery.

The platform's size and scope make it unique in Europe. With a strong commitment to industrial R&D partnerships, the platform works… The platform has around 20 pieces of heavy equipment, including coating and filling machines and a pre-industrial assembly line. The platform’s work focuses on lithium-ion batteries of all sizes, from tiny hearing-aid batteries weighing in at just a few grams to 300-kg electric-bus batteries.
. Scientific & technological

Study / initial design / Simulation

Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation

Component/ breadboard / process development & testing

Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing

Pilot line / demonstration line / pre-series

Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.