The project TNSI creates a Technological Node focused on cooperation between SMEs and Research Centers in Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, which are part of Key Enabling Technologies (KET). Three key activities are developed :
1) Pre-competitive research : SMEs and Centers collaborate in the study of key technologies, exploring both their technical and economic potential.
2) Fundamental research : Products developed by SMEs are integrated into research projects, to identify improvements that allow new markets to be addressed.
3) Training : A two-way program between SME staff and young researchers improves their training and facilitate academic / business transition.
These actions are reinforced with an intense program of communication and dissemination, which includes several specialized meetings and a summer school.
TNSI is coordinated by BIHURCRYSTAL and is regrouping 5 labs, 3 SME, 1 university and 1 large facility. In Spain, the Institute of Material Sciences of Barcelona (ICMAB, CSIC), the Institute of Material Sciences of Aragon (ICMA, CSIC), the Centre of Material Physics (CFM, CSIC), the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), the University of Zaragoza (UNIZAR), the synchrotron ALBA, BIHURCRYSTAL (SME) et GraPhene NanoTech (GPNT, SME). In France, the CEMES (CNRS) and ISP-SYSTEM (SME).