A group of high-tech companies in East Netherlands and the MESA+ NanoLab of the University of Twente are strengthening their collaboration. This is symbolised by the recently signed facility-sharing agreement, which includes new arrangements. Representatives from LioniX, Bronkhorst, and UNeedle signed the deal on behalf of all companies using the NanoLab.
The new agreement solidifies the foundation for even more intensive collaboration within the regional Chip Tech Twente ecosystem, elevating chip development and production to a higher level.
The core team: In the photo, from left to right: Wouter Sparreboom (Bronkhorst), Ronald Dekker (Lionix), Arne Leinse (Lionix), Ben Slatius (UNeedle), Jeroen Wissink (UNeedle), Timo Meinders (UT), Rob Legtenberg (UT). Not in the photo: Paulien Booijnk (Bronkhorst), Henk Tappel (Bronkhorst), Peter van Roosmalen (UT), Guus Rijnders (UT), and Gerard Roelofs (UT).
Facility Sharing Agreement
The reason for drafting new agreements and contracts is the implementation of new market-based rates for companies using the NanoLab. After several meetings, the Facility Sharing Agreement was established. LioniX, Bronkhorst, and UNeedle represented all companies using the NanoLab Cleanroom in the core team. Arne Leinse from LioniX: "The accessibility of the NanoLab for companies like LioniX makes it possible to bring new innovative applications to the market for our customers, which positively impacts academic partners and suppliers. Therefore, making this collaboration future-proof is essential for the sustainability of the entire ecosystem."
Symbolic moment
The signing of the agreement is primarily a symbolic moment in several respects. Rob Legtenberg, director of NanoLab, explains: "The agreement symbolises the entrepreneurial university. Over time, many scientific ideas have grown from a spin-off company to a scale-up company with dozens of employees. Additionally, it symbolises the efficient and effective use of shared resources. Lastly, it symbolises the collaboration between science and industry and forms the basis for further cooperation. By pooling resources, expertise, and creativity, we can stimulate technological advancement and solve complex problems."
