ATomic LAyer NanoprinTer, for rapid micro- and nanoprototyping of complex multi-material 2D/3D structures with high-resolution

Project Information

ATLANT3D

Grant agreement ID: 877469

DOI

10.3030/877469

Project closed

EC signature date 31 July 2019

Start date 1 July 2019

End date 30 September 2019

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

ATLANT 3D NANOSYSTEMS APS
Denmark

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ATLANT3D (ATomic LAyer NanoprinTer, for rapid micro- and nanoprototyping of complex multi-material 2D/3D structures with high-resolution)

Reporting period: 2019-07-01 to 2019-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

ATLANT 3D Nanosystems develops the first 3D nanoscale printer that can print more than 450 different materials for rapid prototyping of micro- and nanodevices. Having an array of applications, we target the fast-growing R&D market of MEMS and sensors, including optical microdevices.
Prototyping of micro-/nanoscale devices with current methods is very expensive, time-consuming, involves many risks and is based on a top-down approach limiting innovative freedom. This is due to the current microfabrication approaches that rely on specialized staff to need in large cleanrooms laboratories with multiple one-function devices. It can take several months until a micro or nanochip prototype is developed with multiple iterations required as only the final device can be tested. The required tools, the staff, and the cleanroom are expensive cost drivers and thus innovation barriers for companies.

Despite having the potential to fabricate any micro-/nanodevice, ATLANT’s initial focus is on the fast-growing market of MEMS & sensors. Several leading microfabrication companies in the field already expressed a strong interest in testing the technology. To bridge the remaining steps towards full-scale commercialization of the technology, ATLANT has to widely demonstrate ATLANT3D’s technological and economical benefits over competing solutions, and in this way ensure public acceptance and enough muscle for production ramp-up.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In this report, we summarized the results achieved within the EIC SME Instruments Phase 1 project. As a result, we define the market size and target group of customers, also a market expansion strategy based on the stage of product development and geographical factors. Second, based on our IPR analysis, we developed an IPR protection strategy and defined the key components and ideas to create future IP value for the company.
As a next step, IP and competition intelligence analyses were conducted. IPA4SME concludes that ATLANT has a strong innovation potential within a new field of technology. IPA4SME also summed up that ATLANT has a clear patent strategy for “next-generation” within the nanoscale technology and recommended to start building up a family of patents.
Third, we prepared an extended business plan describing go to market strategy, pricing strategy based on several business models that we plan to implement, developed a product development roadmap and defined user needs and value proposition. We also identified potential market and technology risks and develop a mitigation plan. As a part of the business plan, we analyzed competitors' landscapes and their products and identified the unique selling points of our product.
To finalize the business plan financial plan with expected financial impact to ATLANT with an expected sales forecast is shown.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The ATLANT3D printer is a game-changer that reinvents the way micro- and nanostructures are produced. Our technology outstands from current methods by its unique features:
-All-in-one solution with higher micro and nanoresolutions in controlled ambient;
-Capable of processing over 450 already commercially available materials;
-Hybrid processing, with a combination of both top-down and bottom-up approaches ;
-Printability of non-conventional and complex 2D/3D geometries;
-9x faster process than conventional methods;
-Up to 97% reduction of prototyping cost;
-Does not require a cleanroom environment, requiring minimal support expertise and installation space;
-Allows in-house printing, enabling IP security by avoiding outsourcing;
-99% higher material efficiency and low waste creation.

ATLANT 3D Nanofabricator concept