Smart System Integration

Specific Challenge: The aims are to develop thenext generations of smart systems technologies and solutions, based on systemic miniaturisation and integration, of heterogeneous technologies, functions and materials, and to establish European competitive ecosystems for the design, R&D, prototyping and testing, manufacturing and industrialisation of smaller, smarter (predictive, reactive and cognitive) and energy autonomous Smart Systems. These ecosystems will provide services for cost efficient access to European manufacturing capabilities and expertise, including training, design and pilot line production and testing, in particular for new users of Smart Systems.

This specific challenge contributes to the strategy of micro and nano electronics KET in the area of More than Moore and complements the activities of topic ICT25. 

Scope: The focus is on:

a.      Research & Innovation Actions for one or both of the following:

         To advance the state of the art of heterogeneous integration of micro and nanotechnologies (nanoelectronics, micro- electro-mechanic, magnetic, photonic, micro-fluidic, electrochemical, acoustic, bio/chemical principles and microwave technologies)into smart systems.

Work will be driven by industrial requirements and specifically target multi-disciplinary R&D in the following areas:

-       Miniaturised systems based on high density 3-dimensional heterogeneous integration.

-       Autonomous deployable smart systems that include efficient energy management (Zero Power technologies) and energy harvesting from their operating environment,

-       Advanced Smart systems with multi-functional properties, including sensing, storing, processing, actuation and ultra-wideband communication.

Actions may address performance, design and testing, but the focus will be on the integration into systems, including manufacturability and packaging.

         Research and development of application specific smart systems. Work will be driven by users-requirements and will target concrete solutions. It will exploit the convergence of key enabling technologies, focusing on the synergies between micro-nanoelectronics and biotechnologies.

Work should develop along the full value chain and include validation of results in realistic environments and business cases. Relevant industrial supplier(s) in the addressed application(s) must be included in the consortium. Actions should include tests, end-of life and recyclability issues.

b.      Innovation Actions target access services for academia, research institutes and SMEs to   accelerate the deployment of smart systems and enable the access to design and manufacturing capabilities for prototyping, early validation and first production. Assessment for technology suppliers in smart systems will target the evaluation of equipment, processes and building blocks with potential customers.

c.       Pre-commercial procurement action will focus on enabling the take-up and deployment of  lab on chip based technology developments for in-vitro diagnosis.

d.      Coordination and Support Actions

         Networking and collaboration among and with clusters in smart system integration in order to promote, create awareness and establish roadmaps.

         Surveying and coordinating the consideration of societal issues and users' requirements across the projects.

         Training activities or organisation of conferences in the area of smart systems integration.

Actions should ensure close synergies with national/regional R&D activities when relevant.

Expected impact:

a.      Research & Innovation  Actions

         Increased integration and combination of new functionalities at micro- and nano scale, with decreased size (x10), decreased costs (x10), increased predictive and cognitive functions and increased autonomy with energy management and scavenging,

         Secured and reinforced European leadership in the microsystem sector,  expanding its share in smart systems for medical, telecom, consumer, safety and security, energy and transport applications,

         Seized new opportunities in addressing societal challenges, e.g. in health, well-being, environment and food/beverage quality and safety.

b.      Innovation Actions

         Wider adoption of miniaturised smart systems in innovative and sustainable products meeting industrial and end-users needs in a broad range of applications and sectors.

         Overcoming the ""valley of death"" in bioelectronics by building the full innovation chain, and best practices in validation, regulation and market exploitation. 

c.       Pre-commercial procurement action

         Increased awareness, access and adoption of innovative solutions by European public procurers in healthcare.

d.      Coordination and Support Actions

         More coordinated R&I activities in smart systems integration in Europe; increase awareness, education and training skills.

Types of action:

a.       Research & Innovation Actions – A mix of proposals requesting Small and Large contributions are expected

b.      Innovation Actions – A mix of proposals requesting Small and Large contributions are expected

c.       Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) Cofund actions  – Proposals requesting a Small contribution are expected

d.      Coordination and Support Actions