E.U.

RESEARCH for SMEs

SMEs CATALOGUE

E.U. RESEARCH for SMEs

Innovation in motion
Paris - Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th September 2008
 Introduction to the catalogue
In the context of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union,
the European Commission, OSEO and the French Ministry for the Economy,
Industry and Employment are jointly organising a two-day debate on practical
ideas on how to consolidate the role of SMEs in the European research,
development and innovation programmes.

The organisers of this event wish to highlight a selection of examples of successful

European SMEs whose innovation projects have had a considerable economic
impact due to Europe-oriented corporate strategies and to the various European
support mechanisms these companies have benefited from. This catalogue is
designed to illustrate this process.

It provides more than 30 company presentations of research and innovation

projects, the European programmes in which they have participated, together with
the financial and technical support mechanisms that they have benefited from,
at regional, national or European level.
We hope these projects will serve as examples for other European SMEs who
are planning their research and development agenda, but who are not familiar
with the various programmes and procedures.

Please note that these examples are illustrative but not exhaustive. The veracity
of the content in this catalogue is the sole responsibility of the authors of the
presentations sent to the conference organisers.

The projects presented in this catalogue illustrate the richness and diversity
of European SMEs and demonstrate that an efficient, well-coordinated research
and development policy is key to European growth and competitiveness.

The organisers would like to express their gratitude to the European SMEs
who have contributed to this project.
 Summary
6 AnalytiCon Discovery 24 GAT Microencapsulation
GmbH AG
8 Ark Therapeutics 26 Genfit
10 Beti Pletiva d.o.o. 28 Inter-Euro Technology Ltd.
12 Biotie Therapies Corp. 30 Lifa IAQ Ltd.
14 Cellectis S.A. 32 ManOPT Systems Ltd.
16 Conesa 34 Meteodyn
18 Elastopoli Ltd. 36 Mycelia sprl
20 Exalead 38 Nanocyl
22 Fianium Ltd. 40 Net7
42 Nordic Medcom AB 60 VCE
44 Plásticos Dúrex, S.A. 62 Vermon S.A.
46 QWED Sp. z o.o. 64 VIGO System S.A.
48 RWP GmbH
50 Saliwell Ltd.
52 Salumificio F.LLI Spiezia
S.p.A
54 Semicon Sp. z o.o.
56 Sirehna
58 Trialog
<<
AnalytiCon Discovery GmbH
Contact information:
AnalytiCon Discovery GmbH
Hermannswerder Haus 17
14473 Potsdam
Germany
Web site: www.ac-discovery.com
e-mail: j.mueller@ac-discovery.com
EC project acronym: CAPPELLA (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Today’s challenge is to accelerate the time
needed to move from early discovery,
the so called hit-finding process, to proof
of concept (POC) in an animal model.
An important related step is to find suitable
partners with virtually integrated biology
(from assay development to POC).
Support Mechanisms
In order to develop our research projects,
e.g. the Metaphor and Cappella projects,
we have received funding from the
Sixth Framework Programme, as well
as from National and Regional Funds.
6
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Biotechnology
Year of start-up: 2000
Number of employees: 60
Sales: E4,100,000
Profits: Profitable since 2004
Share of sales invested in R&D: 20%
In the future, Analyticon Discovery is
dedicated to becoming an integrated drug
discovery unit, including state-of-the art
biology and chemistry. We aim to deliver
the entire supply chain from starting
or bio-material to the active ingredient,
including scale-up chemistry.
This financial support has been extre-
mely important for our company.
We constantly network (nationally and
internationally) to create new ideas and
business opportunities.
The CAPPELLA Project
Our main European project is the Cappella During the first year of the Cappella project,
project, launched in January 2007. the consortium successfully established
This brings together some of Europe’s functional protein-protein interaction (PPI)
leading biotech SMEs (from Switzerland, assays for three important cancer targets.
Denmark, Austria and Both targets involved
Spain) and several “The inhibition of in a broad range of
highly recognized tumours and targets
academic institutions, protein-protein especially relevant
including the University
of Cambridge (Hutchi-
interactions (PPI) to colon and breast
cancer are being
son/MRC Research is one of the investigated. Primary
Centre), the University screening for anti-
of Geneva Medical most promising cancer compounds
School, the University
of Copenhagen and the
approaches to targeting these PPIs
has begun and a
Institute for Molecular the development number of promising
and Cell Biology in inhibitory small-mole-
the University of of novel cancer cule compounds have
Tartu (Estonia). therapies” been identified in all
three assays.
The objective is to develop a series of
innovative small-ligand tools and libraries To date, our involvement in the Cappella project
that enable new approaches to the inhibition has had no direct economic impact on our
of protein-protein interactions in cancer. company. It has, however, enabled AnalytiCon
The inhibition of protein-protein interactions to develop vital skills that will certainly
(PPI) is one of the most promising approa- generate future sales in advanced products.
ches to the development of novel cancer
therapies. By combining five distinct chemical Furthermore, participation in the project will
approaches and testing them on three dif- strengthen AnalytiCon’s standing in the
ferent targets (all from different partners), domain of drug discovery. By adding biology
a series of innovative small-ligand tools and to AnalytiCon’s long-established chemistry
libraries prompting new approaches to PPI portfolio, the project’s results and co-
inhibition in cancer will be developed. operation will directly enable us to improve
The project offers a unique opportunity our market position. In future, AnalytiCon
to integrate novel in-silico, chemical, genetic will be seen more as a company capable of
and ADME-based approaches to the design, offering key chemistry and biology skills in
synthesis and optimization of libraries integrated drug discovery projects - clearly
and compounds. an improvement for our corporate image.
7
<<
Ark Therapeutics
Contact information:
Ark Therapeutics
79 New Cavendish Street
W1W 6XB London
United Kingdom
Web site: www.arktherapeutics.com
e-mail: john.martin@ucl.ac.uk
EC project acronyms: BIOMED (FP4),
EVGN (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Ark Therapeutics is a specialist healthcare
group, with operations in the United Kingdom
and Finland, focusing on areas of high unmet
clinical need in vascular disease, wound
care and cancer. With four marketed devices
(Kerraboot®, Kerraped®, Flaminal® and
Neuropad®), three further lead pharmaceu-
tical products in late stage clinical
development (Cerepro®, VitorTM, Trinam®),
and a pipeline of follow-on opportunities,
Ark Therapeutics is becoming recognised
Support Mechanisms
Several of our research programmes have
been funded by the European Framework
Programmes. In some cases, regional and
national funds in Finland have helped the
development of research projects. Overall,
this financial support has been extremely
important for the conducting of our research
programmes. From the “BIOMED 2” EC
funded project, two partners formed an
8
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Gene therapy
Year of start-up: 1997
Number of employees: 150
Sales: Non profit making, late stage Biotechnology
Company
Share of sales invested in R&D: 100%
for the strength of its portfolio and its consis-
tent progress in business operations.
Ark focuses on areas of clear unmet clinical
need where effective new products can gain
rapid market acceptance. Our research in
the areas of cardiovascular disease and
cancer is translated into novel specialist
therapeutics which are being developed for
marketing in Europe, North America and
the Far East.
SME which floated on the London stock
exchange today known as Ark therapeu-
tics. Ark’s shares were first listed in March
2004 (AKT.L).
Besides financial support, European research
networks are of great importance in our acti-
vity. The initial patentable discoveries have
arisen from a network of research involving
the UK, Finland, Germany and Italy.
Our Current Development/Research Projects
Cerepro®, VitorTM and Trinam® are three
novel therapeutic agents in late-stage
clinical development.
Cerepro® is a novel adenoviral gene therapy
for malignant glioma. Cerepro ® has
completed two safety and efficacy studies.
These studies have demonstrated a consis-
tently significant magnitude of effect,
almost doubling mean survival time versus
standard treatment, on average by more
than seven months.
Cerepro® has completed
a successful Phase III
“Ark is uniquely
trial, the first trial of positioned to
gene therapy to have a
positive result on its be one of the
primary endpoint.
Cerepro® has Orphan
first companies
Drug status in Europe to introduce
and the USA.
a gene-based
Vitor™ is a small-mole-
cule therapy for the
medicine”
treatment of muscle wasting (cachexia),
a secondary, often fatal, condition
commonly seen in patients with cancer.
VitorTM is currently in Phase III clinical
trials for cachexia in cancer and has been
awarded Fast Track Designation by
the FDA.
Trinam® is a product consisting of a local
delivery device and a gene-based medicine,
being developed to prevent the blocking
of veins and arteries after vascular
surgery. Trinam® is currently in Phase III
trial in the United States. It has Orphan
Drug and Fast Track Designation in the
USA and Orphan Drug status in the EU.
Gene-based medicines are today considered
as one of the most likely approaches to
deliver success in serious and life-threatening
conditions that remain poorly treated,
despite the best efforts of the healthcare
industry. Ark is uniquely
positioned to be one of
the first companies to
introduce a gene-based
medicine and also to
follow on that success
by leveraging the
platforms and techno-
logies to progress the
development of a number
of existing pre-clinical
programmes.
Ark Therapeutics would not have been
founded without initial funding of early
stage research from the European
Commission to the academic founders.
Ark Therapeutics was formed to capitalise
on opportunities arising from research
advances made in previous rounds of
European Framework Programmes,
so its very existence is a testament to
the significant long-term impact of EU
research investment.
9
<<

Beti Pletiva d.o.o.

Contact information: Business Profile:
Beti Pletiva d.o.o. Field of activity: Textiles
Tovarniska 2
8330 Metlika Year of start-up: 1956
Slovenia Number of employees: 97
Web site: www.beti.si Turnover: E6,010,505
e-mail: romana.petrovic@beti.si Profits: E109,545
EC project acronym: Share of turnover invested in R&D: E595,133/year
WASHCONTROL (FP6)

Research and Innovation Strategy

Our innovation strategy is aimed
at reducing energy consumption,
increasing reproducibility, lowering
costs and manufacturing smart textiles.
We constantly try to improve the quality
of our products. We also attach great
importance to preserving the environ-
ment, and ensure that immediate
environs of the company remain green
and clean.

Support Mechanisms
We have received funding from the Sixth
Framework Programme for the Wash-
Control project. This financial support
was essential, as it gave us the chance
to implement our project, and obtain very
good results. The consulting offered has
also been very important for developing
the project.

10
The WashControl Project
We are one of the participants in the
WashControl project, together with SMEs
from Germany, Sweden, Denmark and
Italy. Operationally speaking, the project
involves the following companies and
organisations: The Institute for Textile
Chemistry and Man-Made
Fibers (coordinator),
The Institute for Textile
“we have
Chemistry, The Institute
for Product Development,
increased our
Thies Textilmaschinen, productivity
Beti Textile industry,
FOV Fabrics, Laundry
by more
Lucija, Punto Bianco S.R.L.
and MDS Prozesstech-
than 28%.”
nik GmbH.
The aim of this project is to develop an
online, sensor-based WashControl and
water recycling system for use in textile
dyeing houses and laundries.
Washing and rinsing processes are very
important, cost-intensive procedures for
dyeing houses and laundries. Rinsing and
washing is mostly performed under weak
process conditions without any control,
due to the lack of suitable sensors.
In order to deliver high-quality pro-
ducts with excellent fastness properties,
fabrics are usually washed too long and
too intensely.
This type of uncontrolled washing process
is very time-consuming and requires large
volumes of water and energy. In this
project, a highly innovative online, sensor-
based WashControl system will be
developed to achieve at least 30% in water
savings and a more than 20% reduction
in energy consumption. At the same time,
water for rinsing, washing
and dyeing will be recycled
using closed water loops
that will result in far
less pollution.
Due to the benefits of
water savings and reduced
energy consumption,
we have increased our
productivity by more than 28%. Today we
consume far less energy - the largest
spend factor in the textile industry. This
definitely makes us more competitive. In
addition, we can produce knitted fabrics
more quickly, and with a higher quality.
This enables us to respond more quickly
to market demand.
By participating in the project, we have
also made new contacts and set up new
partnerships, which has opened up new
markets for us.
Overall, the outcome of this project will be
to ensure clean, effective production in a
green, savings-focused production
environment that will add new impetus to
the competitiveness of the European SME
textile industry, which is suffering from
cheaper production in low-cost countries.
11
<<
Biotie Therapies Corp.
Contact information:
Biotie Therapies Corp.
Tykistökatu 6
20520 Turku
Finland
Web site: www.biotie.com
e-mail: paivi.vuorio@biotie.com
EC project acronym: LEVITATES (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
As an SME in the field of drug development,
our research and innovation strategy
is based on developing products
(i.e. candidate drugs) up to proof-of-
concept phase and then licensing them
Support Mechanisms
We have received funding from the
European Commission via Framework
Programmes 4, 5 and 6 for five different
innovation projects in which we have
participated over the years.
EU funding in the early phases of the drug
development process has been vitally
important to us, as the company would not
have been able to establish and maintain
research networks without it. International
12
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Drug development
Year of start-up: 1996
Number of employees: 36
Sales: E7,895,000
Profits: E-1,769,000
Share of sales invested in R&D: 80%
to global pharmaceutical companies for
further development. A focus on state-of-
the-art technologies, cross-border colla-
boration, and networking are all vital for
our success in this business sector.
research collaboration is an absolute
necessity for a successful drug develo-
pment programme and must start early
on in the research phase.
In addition to European support and
networks, the assistance offered by
the Finnish Funding Agency for Techno-
logy and Innovation (Tekes) has been of
great assistance in the planning phase
of our projects.
Our European Projects
All our projects concentrate on early drug And we have coordinated two European
development, either in discovering new projects:
drug candidates, studying the therapeutic ÜÚK`]Ú98E>Úhjgb][l‘Ú9agdg_a[YddqÚY[lan]Úfgn]dÚ
effects of new compounds in different glycosaminoglycans. Countries involved: Fin-
models or in studying land, Sweden, Italy and
the disease mechanisms “programmes the United Kingdom.
in which our drug tar- ÜÚ K`]Ú C<M@K8K<JÚ
gets may be involved. have been project: Targeting

Drug development, espe-

licensed to larger VAP-1 to treat chro-
nic inflammatory liver
cially in its early phase, pharmaceutical disease. Countries
is a high-risk business involved: Finland and
as most compounds fail companies for the United Kingdom.
to meet the extremely
high demands of a good
over `10 million” These EU projects
drug candidate. The process from the have played an important role in the
development of a drug candidate to its company’s later programmes. Some of
commercialisation on the market is very these programmes have now been licensed
long, about 10-15 years. There are critical to larger pharmaceutical companies, as a
challenges even in the later stages of result of which Biotie has received signing
the project and these require signifi- and initiation fees worth over E10 million.
cant investments. Participating in European projects has
opened up new opportunities for our com-
We have participated in the following pany and has played an important role in
European projects: two of our development programmes (biohe-
ÜÚK`]Ú9I@>?JÚhjgb][l‘Ú9agl][`fgdg_a[YdÚ parin and VAP-1) which led to agreements
routes in generating heparin-related with major pharmaceutical corporations.
saccharides. Countries involved: Sweden,
Italy, the United Kingdom and Finland. The company has devoted a considerable
ÜÚ K`]Ú KLE<LGÚ hjgb][l‘Ú K`]jYh]mla[Ú effort to increasing its international visibility
utilization of novel enzyme with unique and, where possible, highlighted the funding
adhesion properties. Countries involved: opportunities offered by the EU.
Finland, the United Kingdom, France
and Spain. The success of our approach can be
ÜÚK`]Ú?<G8I8E8J<Úhjgb][l‘Ú?]hYjYfYk]Ú seen today: Biotie is the only publicly-listed
inhibitors in antiangiogenic and antime- biotechnology SME on the Helsinki stock
tastatic cancer. Countries involved: Italy, exchange and we are expanding our
Israel, Finland, Sweden and Slovakia. international shareholder base.
13
<<
Cellectis S.A.
Contact information:
Cellectis S.A.
Parc Biocides
102, avenue Gaston Rousses
93235 Romainville cedex
France
Web site: www.cellectis.com
e-mail: sourdive@cellectis.com
EC project acronym: MEGATOOLS (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
The main thrust of Cellectis’ innovation
strategy is to perfect genome engineering
technologies, and ensuring that these
are implemented efficiently in the best
possible application environments.
The company has the capacity to produce
far more products than it can develop
Support Mechanisms
Cellectis’ main European projects have
benefited from the following support
mechanisms:
ÜÚ<mj]cYÚ§[gddYZgjYlagfÚoal`Úl`]Ú:F@E”Ú
a Spanish research institution). The Eureka
programmes were managed by INVAR,
which provided support for the R&D effort.
ÜÚ Japl`Ú =jYe]ogjcÚ Gjg_jYee]Ú §E<KÚ
SENSOR, MENU). Cellectis participated
as partner in both programmes.
ÜÚJapl`ÚYf\ÚJ]n]fl`Ú=jYe]ogjcÚGjg_jYee]Ú
(MEGA TOOLS). Cellectis was the coordinator
for Mega Tools; Cellectis was also supported
by Oseo in developing the project.
14
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Biotechnology
Year of start-up: 2000
Number of employees: 54
Sales: E460,537
itself, making partnerships a vital part
of Cellectis’ business strategy. Cellectis is
involved in several European level projects
for research purposes (i.e. perfecting
genome engineering technologies) and
for developing and commercialising
its products.
Financial support has been essential for
conducting research projects. Cellectis
believes that EU and French government
support for cross-border projects is a very
important resource for helping SMEs
achieve a more global positioning and
business strategy. Cellectis’ experience is
very positive in this respect. Networking
has proved to be very important, especially
via scientific networks of partners with
experience in cross-border consortiums.
In nearly all cases, the collaboration initiated
during these projects has extended far
beyond the original project.
The Mega Tools Project
Mega Tools is the most important of the the development of engineered meganu-
European projects that Cellectis has been cleases capable of targeting specifically
associated with. The Mega Tools project chosen genes and locations in the mouse
is being coordinated by Cellectis and is genome. Other challenges lie in the
based on exactly the same genome development of related methods, including
engineering approach the production and
d e ve l o p e d b y th e
company. There are
“All the European formulation for ex
vivo and in vivo use
participants from three programmes of these highly spe-
European Member cific DNA scissors.
States, but the project in which Cellectis
addresses the global
market for research
has taken part The programme’s
impact on Cellectis’
tools and more gene- have had a highly sales and turnover
rally, the global market has not yet been
for life-science-based positive impact measured, since
industries (mainly
health and pharmaceu-
on the company’s Mega Tools is not
yet completed.
tical industries). Other global market However, it is expec-
project partners include ted that the project
an SME from Lithuania positioning” will make an econo-
(Fermentas), a struc- mic impact as early
tural biology group (based at the CRG, as 2009. Cellectis has already created
Barcelona), and a protein chemistry/ a subsidiary to implement the output
biochemistry group (based at the of Mega Tools.
COIN, Madrid).
All the European programmes in which
The purpose of Mega Tools is to apply Cellectis has taken part have had a highly
meganuclease-based genome engineering positive impact on the company’s global
as a research tool, demonstrate its market positioning. Cellectis’ visibility
efficacy, and determine the conditions for and competitiveness have been improved,
disseminating it throughout the research and all projects have helped in structuring
community. This project addresses long-term partnerships with specialized
several challenges, and first and foremost players.

15
<<
Conesa
Contact information:
CONESA
Crta. Villafranco - Balboa Km. 1,5
06195 Villafranco del Guadiana
Spain
Web site: www.e-conesa.com
e-mail: rperez@e-conesa.com
EC project acronym: LYCOCARD (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Founded in 1976, the company produces
a large variety of products derived from
tomatoes, such as tomato concentrate,
dices, powder and sauces. CONESA’s
main objective is to offer its customers
a wide range of high-quality products,
while continuously improving production
and quality through the most up-to-
date technology available. CONESA
Support Mechanisms
CONESA has participates in several
international R&D projects, of which Lyco-
card, an integrated project that started in
April 2006, is the most important.
The project is financed by the European
Commission via the Sixth Framework
Programme. This financial support ena-
bles us to expand our R&D department
and equip our laboratory with the very
latest technology. The funding has
16
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Food industry
Year of start-up: 1976
Number of employees: 95
Sales: E50.000.000
Share or sales invested in R&D: E500.000
implements an important innovation
policy and in 2004 established a special
R&D department dedicated to studying
and developing new products and
processes. To drive innovation in the
sector, CONESA also collaborates with
other companies, research centres,
universities and hospitals, at national
and international level.
also contributed to training research staff.
Participation in this programme with more
than a dozen partners from across Europe
has also enabled us to create an important
business and research network. The col-
laboration involves different European
research communities, supported by the
European programme, and helps us deve-
lop both the company and our products.
The Lycocard Project
The Lycocard project, which runs until
2011, involves companies, research
institutes and universi-
t i e s f r o m Fra n c e ,
Germany, Hungary,
“This financial
Spain, Italy and the UK. support
The main objective is to
investigate the role of enables us
lycopene in preventing
cardiovascular diseases.
to expand
Lycopene is a plant our R&D
pigment found in high
concentration in toma- department
toes, pink grapefruit, and equip our
w a te r m e l o n s , a n d
papayas. Tomatoes are laboratory with
Europe’s second-most
important agricultural the very latest
crop, and tomatoes and
tomato products form
technology”
the main source of lycopene in our diet.
Strong supportive data from several epi-
demiological studies suggest that lycopene
may provide important protection against
cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
However, the lycopene content in tomatoes
and processed tomato products and
lycopene’s beneficial effects have not been
properly related because research has
lacked a “total food chain” approach.
Dedicated to the transformation of
tomatoes, CONESA is mainly participating
in the study of the raw material and
lycopene content. CONESA’s commitment
involves analysing the lycopene content
in tomatoes, how it evolves during storage,
and supplying the raw
material suitable for the
production of the final
product (with high
lycopene content).
Through our participa-
tion in this project,
we have realized how
important the lycopene
compound is for our
area of interest. The
results obtained from
the Lycocard project will
impact our production
processes and enable
us to commercialize new
products containing
high levels of lycopene, which will only be
minimally affected during production.
Since the project is still under way,
it is difficult to forecast its economic
impact. But at this stage, the project and
our collaboration with European research
institutes and universities has definitely
had a positive impact on our corporate
image. The project has also allowed us
to access important know -how,
for instance on how to obtain lycopene
from tomato by-products, which will open
up important commercial opportunities
for our company.
17
<<
Elastopoli Ltd.
Contact information:
Elastopoli Ltd.
Nokiankatu 1
38210 Vammala
Finland
Web site: www.elastopoli.fi
e-mail: timo.ture@elastopoli.fi
EC project acronym: VIM (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
We are aiming for the top in our field of
activity, at least on a European scale. Our
strategy is to find the best partners in
Europe and use the possibilities offered
by European projects to develop new
technologies and products, while at the
same time creating a network (ERA-NET)
for post-project development and com-
mercialisation.
Our key business is to provide high-end
injection moulding optimisation services
for our customers in the plastics and rub-
ber industry. Technically, we have managed
Support Mechanisms
We have received financial support for
our innovation projects from the following
programmes:
Ü Ú < m j g h ] Y f Ú : g e e a k k a g f ” Ú J a p l `Ú
18
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Plastics and rubber
Year of start-up: 2002
Number of employees: 8
Sales: E450,000
Profits: E20,000
Share of sales invested in R&D: E300,000/year
to create the world’s best product line
together with our European partners.
We are cooperating to build a European
network to commercialise the product
line all over Europe and guarantee the
competitiveness of European SMEs and
LEs who are manufacturing plastics and
rubber parts.
The other key sector is the development of
sustainable materials based on cellulose
fibres, especially in nano-scale. We are
participating in two different European
projects in this sector.
Framework Programme, IP and Collective
research:
ÜÚ<I8£E<K”ÚNgg\oak]\ge
ÜÚK<B<J”ÚfYlagfYdÚhjgb][lk
The funding was vital for implementing our
main European project - VIM IP-SME. The finan-
cial resources of several SME partners would
have been too small for this kind of large
development work without external support.
Furthermore, it has been very important
for us to have the guidance offered by
national contact points, especially when
handling the application procedures for
European projects.

The VIM Project

Our most significant project has been backgrounds to work together efficiently.
the VIM (IP-SME) project, for which we In VIM, we are working in tandem with
acted as coordinator. Together with other European projects and tried to create
24 partners, we deve- as large a network as
loped the tools to “The biggest possible in Europe to
optimize the injection disseminate knowledge
moulding process for challenge has effectively. A number
plastics and rubber
products. The product
been to get of Eur opean-scale
associations are also
line includes technolo- SMEs and involved in the project,
gies for both virtual and allowing us to use
real-phase optimisation. universities their national mem-
The main partners come
from Germany, France,
from different ber associations to
disseminate the results
Italy, Finland and the countries, nationally.
United Kingdom.
We have jointly created cultures and The project has now
a network that will play
an important role in the
linguistic been finalised, and we
are starting the com-
European market. backgrounds to mercialisation phase.
We estimate an increase
The aim of this project work together” of 35% in turnover on
is to develop new tech- next year’s budget due
nologies and use them to manufacture to these new services. Our involvement
a product line and a European-wide in VIM has already enabled us to
service network. create new contacts with potential
customers and prompted several demands
The biggest challenge has been to get from other companies interested in
SMEs and universities from several cooperation around the project’s
different countries, cultures and linguistic knowledge platform.
19
<<
Exalead
Contact information:
10 place de la Madeleine
75008 Paris
France
Web site: http://corporate.exalead.fr/enterprise/
e-mail: lazard@exalead.com
EC project acronym:
CITIZEN MEDIA (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Exalead runs an important internal
R&D programme involving over 50% of
our employees, far higher than the
industry average. With this strategy,
we have won several public contracts
for research projects in Europe. For
example, Quaero, organised via the
French funding body OSEO with the
aim of developing the next generation
of search engines, with search, multi-
media and multi-lingual indexing and
management tools.
Support Mechanisms
We have coordinated and/or participated
in various projects for which we have
received funding:
ÜÚ =GƒÚ Gjgb][lk‘Ú :`gjmk”Ú :alar]fÚ D]\aY”Ú
Alis
ÜÚ<mj]cY£<mjgklYjkÚGjgb][lk‘ÚD]\aYDYh”Ú
OpenSem
20
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Software - Search Engines
Year of start-up: 2000
Number of employees: 99 (end of 2007)
Sales: E8,300,000
We believe that with our product set, Exalead
can easily meet the large majority of infor-
mation access requirements. We also believe
we can deliver many innovative features
that will add real value to our projects.
With a customer base of 100% reference
names, Exalead is a unique player in the
search marketplace. This is due to our mix
of world-class search technology and our
commitment to meeting and even exceeding
our customers’ requirements.
ÜÚEYlagfYdÚ=mf\kÚ£Ú8EIÚ§N]ZÚ:gfl]fl”Ú
R2I), OSEO (Quaero)
For us, the financial support received
from different institutions and organisa-
tions is the only way to create
the cross- border partnerships and
long-term relationships with public
research institutes that such projects
require. The various networks were crucial
The Citizen Media Project
Citizen Media is a collaborative research
project that brings together leading creative
and technology experts from across Europe
for the research and develo-
pment of audiovisual sys-
tems to enable multiple “Exalead runs
non-professional users to
jointly create networked an important
applications and experiences
based on their own, user-
internal R&D
generated content. In this programme
project, we are investigating
innovative ways for exploi- involving over
ting the huge amount of
user-generated content. The
50% of our
ultimate aim is to support employees”
people in their daily lives and
to find out how technology will enable social
change by deeply involving users in collabo-
ratively creating networked applications.
One straightforward example of a Citizen
Media application is a city guide.
This would connect, organise and visualise
all relevant urban information derived from
user-generated content, and provide seamless
access via navigable interfaces for home-
based and mobile users. More elaborate
examples of Citizen Media applications involve
new forms of user communication and colla-
boration that address and support anything
that happens in a community that is of
public interest.
for setting up projects, since they enabled
us to be aware of new opportunities
for partnerships.
Citizen Media applications are primarily for
citizens themselves, but they also target
content producers, game and service
developers, public adminis-
trations and service
providers. With technology
that enables users to build,
maintain and deploy their
own networked audiovisual
systems, the whole media
production, distribution
and consumption value
chain will potentially modify
the role of stakeholders
in the classical content
delivery value chain.
Exalead technologies are already embedded
in and leveraged in the Citizen Framework
through the following applications:
ÜÚLfax]\Ú<G>‘ÚYÚLk]Ú:Yk]Úl`YlÚ]fYZd]kÚmk]jkÚ
to consume and create content using TVs
and PCs.
ÜÚLfgjlcYlYkl]jÚ:gdg_f]‘ÚYfÚYhhda[YlagfÚafl]f-
ded to collect public knowledge from the citizens
about architectural or social deficiencies in their
local environment (City of Cologne).
Through participation in various European
projects, Exalead has been able to address
new markets and generally improve the
company’s market position. We have also
substantially increased sales.
21
<<
Fianium Ltd.
Contact information:
Fianium Ltd
20 Compass Point
SO31 4RA, Southampton
United Kingdom
Web site: www.fianium.com
e-mail: anatoly@fianium.com
EC project acronym: URANUS (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Fianium’s innovation strategy is based
on the objective of developing and intro-
ducing ultra-fast fibre lasers to a number
of markets, such as bio-medical and
material processing, and to challenge and
eventually dislodge much less efficient
Support Mechanisms
Fianium Ltd has participated in a number
of European projects that have received
financial support within the FP6 project
URANUS. We have also received financial
support from the UK government under
the DTI initiative on developing a new
generation of fibre lasers. The financial
support at the initial stage of development
22
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Fibre lasers
Year of start-up: 2003
Number of employees: 30
Sales: E6,000,000
Profits: 30-35%
Share of sales invested in R&D: 20-25%/year
and more expensive solid-state lasers.
Our customer base is extremely broad,
ranging from professors in leading
universities in Europe, USA and Japan to
R&D and manufacturing departments of
globally operated companies.
of both company and products was
absolutely essential. Without such assis-
tance, it is unlikely that the product
development programme would have been
completed. Research networks are also
very important in solving inevitable
technical problems, especially within
tight timeframes.
The Uranus Project
Uranus is our most important project, Our involvement in the Uranus project
developed within the FP6 framework has had a very powerful impact on the
programme. The objective of this project development of Fianium as a company. It
was to develop a has enormously
new generation of helped us in the
fibre lasers for
“During the project creation of a new
bio-medical
applications and
we increased sales market for fibre
lasers – the super-
material processing. four-fold, employed continuum fibre
Fianium was one of laser market.
the partners in this
five more people During the project
project, that brou-
ght together several
and laid a solid we increased sales
four-fold, employed
European SMEs foundation for five more people
and research insti- (i.e. doubled our
tutes, such as Tam-
future growth” manpower) and
pere University (project coordinator, laid a solid foundation for future
Finland), NKT Research (Denmark), growth.
Stratophase (United Kingdom), Corelase
(Finland) and Porto University (Portugal). The Uranus project has helped create a
very favourable profile for our company.
The main challenges of the project were Within three years, we have managed to
to overcome the technical difficulties in transform an unknown newcomer to an
scaling power and developing a general established fibre laser company with a
concept for a new type of fibre lasers. very good reputation.

23
<<
GAT Microencapsulation AG
Contact information:
GAT Microencapsulation AG
Gewerbezone 1
2490 Ebenfurth
Austria
Web site: gat-foodessentials.com
e-mail: bg@microencapsulation.at
EC project acronym: PARADOX (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
GAT Food Essentials (GAT Microencapsula-
tion AG) is a young, fast-growing company
active in the functional food and beverage
industry. Specialising in a proprietary microen-
capsulation technology platform (called wow-
CAPS® technology), our vision is to become
a long-term technology partner to ingredient
suppliers and innovative food and beverage
companies, providing solutions for complex
functional food ingredients and their use in a
wide range of food and beverage applications.
Support Mechanisms
For Paradox, our main European project, we
received funding from EUREKA and the Euro-
pean Commission. EUREKA-Euroagri provided
`1.5 million to support the development of
the basic technology in the very early stages.
Financial support of around `1 million from
the Sixth Framework Programme allowed us
to develop the industrial application of the
WOW CAPS technology.
24
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Microencapsulation
Year of start-up: 2003
Number of employees: 45
Sales: E10,000,000
Profits: 20%
Share of sales invested in R&D: 26%
R&D is at the core of our business and we are
passionate about developing and marketing
new concepts and solutions worldwide with
our customers and partners ranging from
regional market leaders to multinationals.
We believe that by combining scientifically
substantiated ingredients with our innovative
and sophisticated technology, we can offer
our customers sound concepts for a wide
range of value-added products that promote
general health and well-being.
Support from these two programmes
ensured that the project and the company
would be feasible undertakings. GAT had
only recently been founded and had very
limited income.
Thanks to the European Programme, we
also benefited from collaboration with
universities that contributed to the physio-
logical research dimension of the industrial
development. The in vitro and clinical studies
allowed us to enter the Food Additive
The Paradox Project
The Paradox project, or “French Paradox -
Red wine extract food additives”, was
coordinated by GAT and brought together
SMEs from eight European countries. Several
universities, including the
University of London, also
participated in the project.“The market for
The team for SME techno-
logies at the Commission
our WOW CAPS
also supported the project is estimated at
and provided access to
networks. GAT ran the about 30-50%
technology development
and handled IPR organi-
of this sector”
sations (EPO) and certification authorities.
Paradox is based on the results of large-scale
epidemiological studies and of recent in vitro
tests which have proved the efficacy of the
complex mixture of compounds in red wine
in preventing cardiovascular disease,
Alzheimer’s and dementia. It has also shown
potent inhibitory action on prostate and
breast cancer cell lines.
Paradox developed the process to obtain the
biological active material (polyphenols) from
red wine residues, and the technology to
stabilize this material using a new microen-
capsulation technology that GAT has patented
and branded as WOW CAPS.
In addition to the technical challenges of the
project, there were organizational problems
Market with a scientific dossier that covered
the product and its benefits.
due to late report submission from certain
team members. During the research work,
some of the consortium partners changed their
focus and terminated their active contribution,
creating extra work for the
project management team
and GAT.
When this project began,
GAT was still a start-up
company. Our involvement
and the subsequent indus-
trial development boosted
GAT’s growth by 50-60%
in terms of sales, and the number of employees
tripled between 2004 and 2007. The market
for functional food & beverage operations
requiring advanced technology has only
emerged in the last few years. With annual
growth rates of 25-49%, the sector should
be worth over `400 million by 2014.
The market for our WOW CAPS is estimated
at about 30-50% of this sector. WOW CAPS
technology is on track to gain a significant
share of this market over the next years.
The Paradox project has helped boost
recognition of GAT as a technology player in
the functional food & beverage market.
WOW CAPS by GAT is a new trademark that
will be placed as a joint brand on food &
beverage products by our industrial partners.
WOW CAPS have already stimulated interest
from major food corporations.
25
<<
Genfit
Contact information:
GENFIT
885 avenue Eugène Avinée, Parc Eurasanté
59120 Loos
France
Web site: www.genfit.com
e-mail: jean-francois.mouney@genfit.com
EuroTransBio/OSEO project acronym:
OLNORME
Research and Innovation Strategy
Genfit is an innovative biopharmaceuti-
cal company, enabling and developing
“first” or “best to market” medicines for
the prevention and treatment of cardio-
metabolic disease - the most common
cause of mortality in the world. Genfit
aims to develop drug candidates up to
clinical phase II in order to outlicence these
products to major pharmaceutical
companies, such as Sanofi-Aventis.
Today, the company possesses a
rich and diversified pipeline of drug
Support Mechanisms
Genfit has received funding for various
research projects from the European
Commission’s Sixth and Seventh Fra-
mework Programmes, from OSEO (Euro-
transbio), and other National funds.
Financial support has been significant,
26
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Biotechnology
Year of start-up: 1999
Number of employees: 139
Sales: E9,477,300
Profit: E-2,800,000
Share of sales invested in R&D: 135%
candidates in all stages of development.
Since it was founded, Genfit has also
demonstrated its capacity to outlicence
innovative programmes to different
pharmaceutical groups. Our commitment
to results-driven alliance management is
underpinned by flexibility, communication
and transparency at every step of the
process. Genfit is involved in major
European R&D consortiums focused on
drug discovery.
especially in the Go/No Go decision-making
process. In some cases, support has
triggered the set-up of a project, while in
other cases, it has strongly reinforced a
project’s scientific strategy by adding
innovative know-how or approaches.
The OLNORME Project
OLNORME is currently our main drug inflammation component of atherosclerosis,
research project, launched in 2007. type 2 diabetes and obesity; and as a
Genfit is the coordinator in this project, tertiary priority in Central Nervous System
and collaborates with the German (CNS) disorders such as Parkinson
biopharmaceutical company Bicoll, Disease (PD), Alzheimer Disease (AD),
together with aca- Multiple Sclerosis
demic par tners
from Germany and
“An out-licensing (MS) and CNS
disorders related to
France with a exten- deal with s t r o k e e ve n t s .
sive knowledge The project is cur-
about compound
a pharmaceutical rently in the hit-to-
profiling. Genfit has
been granted fun-
group for lead optimisation
phase.
ding for this project a compound
by OSEO. If the drug candidate
emanating from successfully rea-
OLNORME stands
for “the Occurrence
this Consortium ches clinical phase
II, this would have
of novel Ligands for could generate a potentially strong
a Nuclear Orphan impact on company
Receptor in plant
sales of several sales and turnover.
Metabolites”. This
new drug develop-
million euros” An out-licensing
deal with a pharma-
ment project aims at identifying promising ceutical group for a compound emanating
compounds which will serve as hits for a from this Consortium could generate
class of new drugs that will hold great sales of several million euros, depending
potential for therapeutic use; as a first at which clinical stage this type of deal
priority in inflammatory diseases such as could be implemented. This would be a
rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, dermatitis substantial value creator for Genfit
and psoriasis; as a second priority on the and Bicoll.

27
<<
Inter-Euro Technology Ltd.
Contact information:
Inter-Euro Technology Ltd
Chapelstown
Carlow
Ireland
Web site: www.iet.ie
e-mail: jparkes@iet.ie
EC project acronym: IONMET (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Inter-Euro Technology Ltd (IET) provides
a specialised environmental service to
electroplating and other surface treatment
companies, with the aim of improving and
developing processes to minimise waste,
recover valuable materials or treat effluents
containing metals. We have identified valo-
risation of waste by recovery of valuable
metals and materials, water purification for
re-use, and greener energy sources as the
main areas in which we have expertise.
Support Mechanisms
IET is at the forefront of EU research in
Ireland, having successfully completed
nine major EU research contracts, acting
as coordinator in two and partner in seven
of these.
We have received financial support from
the following programmes and structures:
28
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Research and Consultancy
Year of start-up: 1989
Number of employees: 2 + contract research staff
Sales: E160,000
Share of turnover invested in R&D: 45%
IET is an innovation-driven rather than
product-driven company. Our strategy
is to work with other companies in the
above areas to develop new technolo-
gies or strategies for our mutual benefit,
and today we have a large number of
national and cross-border partnerships.
What is most vital is recognising market
needs. and when a need is clearly identified,
technology can be sourced or developed
to meet that need.
Ü<LÚ IK;Ú =jYe]ogjcÚ Gjg_jYee]k”Ú
both cost sharing, Cooperative Research,
and full costs, as researcher in Craft
projects.
ÜEYlagfYdÚ ^mf\af_Ú af[dm\af_Ú ^]YkaZadalqÚ
study grants from Enterprise Ireland and
from Carlow County Enterprise Board.
Ü=mf\af_Ú ^jgeÚ l`]Ú @jak`Ú <fnajgfe]flYdÚ
Protection Agency under the Cleaner
Greener Production Programme; an
innovative programme designed especially
for SMEs.
This financial support was very important
as cash flow is essential for a small SME.
Our European Projects
Among our nine European projects, the
most important projects were DENWEB,
PARAMAGSEP and IONMET.
The DENWEB project brought together
partners from the UK, Ireland and the Nether-
lands to develop a spe-
cialised electrolysis cell
to supply hydrogen to
“The project
biofilms to remove nitra- brings together
tes from drinking water.
We have identified an SMEs and other
application for our hydro-
gen cell in renewable
partners from
energy applications, and ten European
are now pursuing this.
countries”
In the PARAMAGSEP project, we worked
with partners from Germany and the UK
on functionalised super paramagnetic
particles for selective removal /recovery
of metal ions from aqueous solutions.
In our current project, IONMET, we are
concentrating on the recovery of high
value metals from WEEE and other waste
materials using the special properties of
a new range of Ionic Liquids. The project
brings together SMEs and other partners
from ten European countries.
Networks are also of great importance,
and we have been involved in a large
number of them, including the COST Action
networks, which were all very useful for
networking and pooling innovative ideas
and concepts and for meeting subject
matter experts from all over Europe.
Our aim today is to work with research
groups of excellence throughout Europe
to help solve problems involving metal
recovery, water treatment or renewable
energy, and to ensure that the solutions
are harnessed properly so that they have
a lasting impact and can
generate jobs and
income inside Europe.
Our main aim is to
develop processes and
services that can be
licensed or sold to Euro-
pean manufacturing
SMEs.
Our involvement in these
projects has opened up new markets and
opportunities for us. And our involvement
in submitting proposals, even those not
funded, has opened up additional networks
of expertise with many organisations
and third level institutions in a large
number of countries. This means that
we have a pool we can easily access
when seeking new consortiums for fur-
ther cooperation in new projects or to
help other SMEs who are seeking new
technical solutions.
29
<<
Lifa IAQ Ltd.
Contact information:
Lifa IAQ Ltd.
Hämeentie 103 D
00550 Helsinki
Finland
Web site: www.lifa.net
e-mail: vesa.makipaa@lifa.net
EC project acronym:
AIRSECURE (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Lifa IAQ Ltd. is the world’s leading producer
of safe, clean indoor air products and
equipment, specializing in ventilation
hygiene and building protection. One of
Lifa’s major values is continuing learning
and development. Lifa has had a very
active and strong relationship with the
academic world and has invested approxi-
mately 10% of its income into annual
research and product development.
Support Mechanisms
For our recent and most important project
- “Craft-project AIRSECURE 017882” -
we received financial support from the
Sixth Framework Programme, which was
vital to us. Without the financial support
30
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Indoor Air Quality technology
and services
Year of start-up: 1988
Number of employees: 70
Sales: E9,500,000
Profits: E1,200,000
Share of sales invested in R&D: 10%
The aim of our research and innovation
strategy is to produce high technology,
indoor air quality related products for
the global market. We are focused on
being a well-known, financially indepen-
dent and profitable high-technology
company. We are constantly seeking
cross-border and international coopera-
tion opportunities in the field of Research
and Development.
from the European Union, the project would
not have been implemented on such a scale.
European research networks have also
played a crucial role in planning, implemen-
tation and further developing the project.
The Airsecure Project
There has been a considerable increase system developed in this project is unique
in the potential threat of biological or and there is a growing current market
chemical attacks. A particular concern is need for such systems.
the occupants in buildings equipped with
mechanical heating, Other countries involved
ventilating, and air condi-
tioning (HVAC) systems.
“We are in the project were Spain,
Belgium, Netherlands and
Such systems can offer constantly the United Kingdom. There
an entry point and were also several airports
distribution system for
seeking cross- involved at the operatio-
hazardous agents and
other contaminants. Once
border and nal level, and as an
advisory board (airports
contaminated air enters international in Germany, Netherlands,
a building, the ventilation Portugal and Finland).
system can transport it
cooperation It was both rewarding
rapidly to various parts
of the premises with
opportunities and challenging to work
with partners from
serious consequences. in the field of different countries and
find democratic solutions
Lifa Air Ltd (Lifa IAQ Ltd´s
Research and to developing each
subsidiary company) was
the coordinator for the
Development” partner’s product,
integrate products in a
Craft-project Airsecure with the aim of new way, and find the best ways to market
developing a new security system, the results.
integrating high security filters in ventilation
systems, gas and particle detectors and The project has not yet increased sales
monitoring systems. In this project, we for the companies involved. But together
developed an integrated system for with our partners, we are certain that it
protecting people in airports and similar will do so in the near future. At this point,
large areas. Existing technologies were the involvement in the project has opened
used, but were further developed or up new markets and improved the market
combined in new ways. The Airsecure positioning of the SMEs involved.

31
<<
ManOPT Systems Ltd.
Contact information:
ManOPT Systems Ltd.
IRL, Limerick
Ireland
Web site: www.manopt.com
e-mail: ann.sheahan@manopt.ie
EC project acronyms:
EMPOSME (FP6), ValuePOLE (FP7)
Research and Innovation Strategy
ManOPT Systems’ prime activity is
developing and deploying integrated
business and manufacturing software
systems. We optimise these manufacturing
systems by applying software solutions
based on best-practice manufacturing
experiences and our ongoing research in
manufacturing operations and engineering.
ManOPT products are IT products that
help manufacturing firms collect and ana-
lyse manufacturing information in order
Support Mechanisms
ManOPT has benefited from EC funding in
the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Framework
Programmes for its three main innovation
projects:
ÜÚ=G‚Ú£ÚJ£FGK@DLJÚ
ÜÚ=GƒÚ¥Ú<DGFJD<
ÜÚ=G„Ú¥ÚMYdm]GFC<
32
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Software Development
Year of start-up: 1999
Number of employees: 8
Share of turnover invested in R&D: 90%
to carry out real-time planning and optimise
the deployment of the firm’s resources.
ManOPT is an SME based at the Innovation
Centre in the National Technological Park,
Limerick, Ireland. Our objective is to become
the leading provider of manufacturing
performance optimisation software,
recognised nationally and internationally
as a value-added contributor to manufac-
turing firms.
This financial support has certainly helped us
participate in these projects, but the main bene-
fit of the Framework Projects for ManOPT
has been the opportunity to access best-in-
class European research institutes. The NCP
(Enterprise Ireland) has also been very helpful
in providing guidance in proposal preparation
and end-to-end project support.
The EMPOSME and ValuePOLE Projects
ManOPT participated in the FP6 project
EMPOSME - Enterprise Modelling and
Performance Optimisation for SMEs -
which developed and implemented a
software tool that enables SMEs to
increase competitive-
ness by modelling
and optimising their
“we expect that
manufacturing enter- participation in
prise as an holistic
entity, using a set of EC projects will
strategic key perfor-
mance indicators.
give the company
credibility
EMPOSME has deli-
vered important RTD as a best in
results in the area of
operational enter-
class software
prise modelling and developer”
performance optimi-
sation, including an enterprise modelling
framework and a performance prediction
capability for SME decision-makers.
This framework is grounded in the principle
that existing customer sales orders are
delivered via existing products and existing
manufacturing and business processes.
In other words, the EMPOSME model is
focused on maximising a company’s
operational execution in its current situa-
tion. By the end of EMPOSME, two SME
partners had already doubled their sales
revenue. The EMPOSME optimisation and
planning functionality enabled them to
ship double the volume on-time-in-full to
their customer base while actually reducing
planning resources. ManOPT owns the
IPR and is currently actively commercia-
lising the EMPOSME tool. ManOPT will
directly commercialise the results,
while participating SMEs are using the
product to boost their
own business perfor-
mance.
In FP7, the ValuePOLE
project is developing
a new ex-ante perfor-
mance prediction and
optimisation model
and ICT tool to
maximise value
creation in the entire
product and process
life cycles for SME
value chains. The
ValuPOLE concept directly addresses the
need for competitiveness among SME
manufacturers. It will develop the existing
EMPOSME model into a more powerful
tool that supports SME decision-makers
in their tactical and strategic business
development.
As the commercialisation partner, ManOPT
will need another 12 months of product
development after the FP6 project before
we see any impact on company sales.
In the long term, we expect that participation
in EC projects will give the company
credibility as a best in class software
developer.
33
<<
Meteodyn
Contact information:
Meteodyn
14 boulevard Winston Churchill
44100 Nantes
France
Web site: www.meteodyn.com
e-mail: info@meteodyn.com
EC project acronym: WEATHER (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Meteodyn provides software, consultancy,
wind alert systems and training for wind
assessment. Meteodyn deals with all the
problems related to the assessment of
wind and its dynamic effects. Meteodyn’s
areas of expertise include meteorology,
fluid mechanics, statistics, structures
dimensioning, and digital modelling for
computing the wind flow over complex
Support Mechanisms
Meteodyn has received national and
regional financial support, from OSEO
and the French “Pays de la Loire” region,
for the preparation phase of the Weather
project. The company also benefited from
50% funding of the research programme
costs from the European Sixth Framework
Programme. The other 50% was financed
by the company itself and by loans.
The global cost for the project was
`247,000 spread over 2.5 years. As
34
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Engineering climatology,
Wind Safety, Aerodynamic Comfort systems
Year of start-up: 2003
Number of employees: 13
Sales: E650,000
Profits: E220,000
Share of sales invested in R&D: 35%
terrain (mountains, forests). Our main
objective is to put scientific knowledge at
the disposal of professional customers’
in the meteorological sector by developing
new solutions-oriented software.
We are targeting the following business
sectors: railways and road transport,
construction, urbanism and city planning,
and wind energy.
Meteodyn is a young company, it would
not have been able to launch and run this
project without such financial support.
Networks and guidance have also been
of great importance within this project.
OSEO provided extensive advice and use-
ful information to support us at the
beginning of the project. HLPD Development
Consulting also helped in drafting the
proposal submission form - a major step
in the project.
The Weather Project
The goal of the Weather craft project was
to develop an innovative wind alarm system
for terrestrial transport, which would
enable risk evaluation. The Weather system
predicts wind and its risk for a road trans-
portation vehicle. The aim of the project
was to improve the safety
of ground vehicles when
exposed to very high “Meteodyn
winds. The resulting Wind
Alert System is based on
has received
sensors (wind and orders worth
climate measurement)
and electronics (data `100,000 for
logger and software pro-
cessing). Meteodyn’s role
TGV network
as coordinator of this studies”
project was to develop
the software to provide wind forecasts
that factor in the actual ground configu-
ration and risk analysis on the basis of
vehicle category.
The project brought together SMEs from
France, Italy, Spain and the UK, two other
partners from France and Spain (Alstom
(F) and Lecinena (SP)), as well as the
University of Birmingham, the University
of Nottingham and Politecnico in Milan.
The key expected impact for the SMEs
involved in the Weather project was to
benefit from innovative knowledge,
know-how and expertise while also
enjoying new commercial opportunities.
Meteodyn, for example, has received orders
worth E100,000 for TGV network
studies. Together with
Geonica, we have also set
up two data measure-
ment stations, one in Italy
and the other in Côtes
d’Armor (France).
Thanks to the Weather
project, Meteodyn has
boosted its European
presence in the railway
market in Spain and in the
UK through cooperation with the University
of Nottingham. Furthermore, by acting as
project coordinator and collaborating with
world-famous universities, Meteodyn has
been recognised as a reference by the
most important European transportation
structures (for instance TGV lines).
This experience has also been highly bene-
ficial for our Beijing office in discussions
with the Chinese transport ministry (MOR)
interested in commissioning a major study
for a 1,000 km railway line.
35
<<
Mycelia sprl
Contact information:
MYCELIA sprl
Veldeken 38a
9850 Nevele
Belgium
Web site: www.mycelia.be
e-mail: info@mycelia.be
EC project acronym:
BULK SUBSTRATES (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Mycelia is a world specialist in the field
of mycelium for specialty mushrooms.
Mycelia’s core business is the production
of specialty mushrooms for culinary
and medicinal use. Mycelia rigorously
maintains a large collection of strains
that yield mother cultures, mother spawn,
and spawn which we deliver all over
the world.
We are involved in a number of R&D
activities, with the aim of improving our
production systems and broadening our
Support Mechanisms
Mycelia has received support via the
Fifth and Sixth Framework Programmes
for the European projects in which
the company has participated. This
support was principally financial and
played an important role in launching
the projects.
36
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Mycelium production
Year of start-up: 1985
Number of employees: 6
Sales: E366,000
Share of sales invested in R&D: E50,000/year
product range. Information exchange and
collaboration with colleagues from our
core and related sectors are an important
aspect of our innovation strategy.
For example, we work closely with the
biotechnology laboratory at KAHO
St.Lieven, in Gent, in combined research
on solid state fermentations and submer-
ged cultures. We have also taken part in
several European Cooperative Research
Programmes, focused on the understan-
ding of the specific aspects of mycelium
and mushroom production.
In the Bulk Substrates project, the funding
allowed our consortium to develop a proto-
type of a high technology machine, for which
none of the individual partners had enough
knowledge or financial resources. Networ-
king also proved very successful in this
project, and has continued beyond its end.
The Shiitake and the Bulk Substrates Projects
The Shiitake project was a part of the The Shiitake project comprised a consor-
larger European FAIR programme, tium of mushroom and mycelium producers,
lasting from 1994 to 1998. The main as well as research institutes from Belgium,
objective of the FAIR programme was to France, Germany, Finland, Ireland and
promote and harmonise research in the the UK.
major European primary
production food and
non-food sectors of
“In the Bulk More recently (from
2003 to 2005), Myce-
agriculture, horticulture, Substrates lia coordinated the Bulk
forestry, fisheries and Substrates project that
aquaculture. Mycelia project, focused on the develo-
was coordinator for
the Shiitake project,
the funding pment of a new bulk
production system for
that focused on impro- allowed our the safe, cost-effective
ving the cultivation of and energy-friendly
Shiitake mushrooms consortium production of axenic
(Lentinula edodes). to develop a mycelium. This project
included sterilising raw
We studied the growth prototype of a materials, followed by
of the commercially aseptic cooling and
cultivated fungus on high technology inoculation, and portio-
substrates composed
mainly of agricultural
machine” ning under strictly
hygienic conditions.
waste, with a view to defining a number Companies and research institutes
of parameters required for optimal mycelial specialised in SSF (Solid State Fermen-
colonisation and the rapid induction tation) from Belgium, Spain, Norway,
of fruiting bodies, in; order to maximise Germany, Israel, Italy, Ireland and Malta
yields. We also investigated the suscep- participated in this project.
tibility of the colonised substrates to
fungal pathogens and weed moulds so These European projects have had a
as to improve mushroom quality and the positive economic impact on our company,
overall economics of the production enabling us to improve our technology
process. The project’s ultimate aim was and products, and give better support to
to enable growers to produce Shiitake our customers. The projects have
more efficiently, and compete with Far also helped improve our visibility and
Eastern producers. corporate image.

37
<<
Nanocyl
Contact information:
Nanocyl
Rue de l’Essor, 4
5060 Sambreville
Belgium
Web site: www.nanocyl.com
e-mail: fluizi@nanocyl.com
EC project acronym: INTELTEX (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Nanocyl was established in 2002
with the goal of becoming the leading
global manufacturers of specialty
and industrial carbon nanotubes. Today
Nanocyl is one of the key players in its
industry.
Since this market is subject to rapid tech-
nological change, a strong, dynamic
research and innovation strategy is abso-
lutely vital for the company to maintain
Support Mechanisms
Nanocyl has led or participated in nine
European Commission-funded R&D
projects, including:
- Nanofire, Nanohybrid, Carbonship
(STREP) – FP6
- Ambio, Inteltex (Integrated Projects (IP)
– FP6)
- Nanomed (Collective Research Projects
– FP6)
38
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Nanotubes and nanocomposites
Year of start-up: 2002
Number of employees: 49
Share of sales invested in R&D: 45%
its position as a leader. Our main objective
is to propose innovative, high added-vale
solutions rather than being a mere supplier
of raw materials. To ensure and even
improve our strong market position,
Nanocyl benefits from research support
and technology transfer from numerous
European universities and institutes.
Nanocyl invests approximately 45% of
its earnings in R&D.
This European funding has been essen-
tial for implementing our projects;
usually accounting for 50% of the
project costs (regional funds often offer
an additional 25%). This means that
can fend off the competition from large
international companies, including
those from low-wage countries such
as China.
European programmes are particularly
interesting for our company as they
allow us to build up wide-ranging busi-
ness and research networks. Thanks
to project consortiums that bring
The Inteltex Project
Nanocyl is coordinator for the Inteltex
project, which has the overall objective of
developing a radically new approach to
obtain intelligent textiles
combining such innovative
functions as the continuous
“European
measurement of mechani-
cal stresses applied to the
programmes
textile structure, thermal allow us
self regulated textile
surfaces, and chemicals
to build up
detection. This multi-
sensitivity will be achieved
wide-ranging
by incorporating Conduc- business
tive Polymer Composite
(CPC) into textiles fibres.
and research
The project offers radical
networks”
innovations in both textile, and in the fields
of materials and nanotechnology.
The creation of new technical and textiles,
based on nanotechnology-based innova-
tions, will drive the transition towards a
textile industry that is more knowledge-
based and less resource-intensive.
These new, multifunctional textiles will be
used in key applications such as in the
building industry (e.g. wall fabrics for
detecting cracks and temperature chan-
ges), medicine and protective clothing (.g.
fire-fighting apparel).
together par tners ranging fr om
manufacturers to end users, we can gain
a perspective across the entire value
chain. This allows us to develop products
at a much faster pace.
Inteltex is above all an SME project, with
partners from nine European countries.
Inteltex brings together innovative
SMEs in the fields of
nanotechnology and
traditional textiles, as
well as well-known
European academic and
R&D partners. Eurodye,
Peratech, Arlen, Tissa,
Sinterama, and Monofil
Colorific are the key
industrial partners.
T h e p r o j e c t i s st i l l
ongoing, but we can
already forecast the
impact since the techno-
logy developed has allowed us to launch
a new range of products that will
represent 20% of the company’s sales.
This project will have a more direct
economic impact once the second
generation of these products goes on
the market in 2009.
Overall, our participation in European
projects has had a very positive impact
on our corporate image. Nanocyl is now
one of the key players in this sector and
we often receive requests to develop
new products and solutions.
39
<<
Net7
Contact information:
Net7
Via Marche 8/a
56123 Pisa
Italy
Web site: www.netseven.it
e-mail: barbera@netseven.it
EC project acronym: DISCOVERY
(eContentPlus project)
Research and Innovation Strategy
As it is very small and relatively young,
Net7’s research and innovation strategy
is highly dependent on European
Commission support. At the same time,
its research activities are strategic for
the company’s growth as it operates on
a very innovative and competitive market.
From the technological point of view,
Semantic Web technologies are rapidly
reaching maturity and gaining attention
Support Mechanisms
We have received financial support from
the following programmes:
- Groupement de Recherche Européen
plus, CNRS
- COST
- FP6 Marie Curie, Industry-Academia
TOK
- eContentPlus
We would not have been able to carry out
our innovation projects without the
40
Business Profile:
Field of activity: ICT, WEB, SEMANTIC WEB
Year of start-up: 2001
Number of employees: 10
Sales: E400,000
Profits: E50,000
Share of turnover invested in R&D: E150,000/year
from industry. While Europe enjoys a
leading research position in this field, its
capacity to transfer research into
marketable products is somewhat limited
compared to the USA. European research
and innovation programmes therefore
offer an unprecedented opportunity
for young SMEs such as Net7 to turn
the latest research results into commercial
products.
financial support we have received from
these programmes. EC support is especially
valuable for smaller companies like us
who would not otherwise be able to make
the high-risk investments in research
needed to stay up to date with the latest
technological trends and innovations.
Private consulting and acting as a National
Contact Point have also played a major role
in providing us with access to support.
The Discovery Project
The Discovery project (Semantic Corpora Source software. From the technological
for Virtual Research in Philosophy) is point of view, the Discovery project exploits
coordinated by the CNRS, France, Semantic Web technologies to enable
and includes content partners and several advanced features.
technology providers from France, Italy
and Norway. Net7 is one of the leading As the project is still in progress, its impact
technology providers for this project. on company sales cannot yet be measured.
Nevertheless, the benefit of the project in
The objective of Discovery is to prepare terms of improved image and brand awa-
an extensive collection of scholarly editions reness has been enormous. First and
of primary sources and foremost, the research
scholarly contributions
for the study of philo-
“the benefit conducted for Discovery
enabled Net7 to achieve
sophy from the of the project an important position
Pre-Socratic’s through in the international
to the modern age. This
in terms of research community in
content will then be
published by a federa-
improved image our field. This in turn
will increase our
tion of interoperable and brand chances of building
semantic digital libra- future collaborations
ries called Philosource.
awareness has in high quality research.
The idea is to build an
advanced digital
been enormous” Secondly, as a partner
of prestigious research
workspace for philosophical research, and cultural institutions, Net7’s has
using a desktop application called Philos- boosted its attractiveness and brand
pace. Using this application, scholars will image with respect to current and potential
be able to leverage the resources of customers.
Philosource and engage in collaborative
research projects with optimal efficiency The Discovery project has also attracted
through peer-to-peer networking. interest from other SMEs. This has led to
the development of strategic partnerships
The software underlying both Philosource that significantly extend the range of
and Philospace is based on the develop- Net7’s potential market sectors and
ment, extension and adaptation of Open strengthen its current market position.

41
<<
Nordic Medcom AB
Contact information:
Nordic Medcom AB
Box 491
503 13 Borås
Sweden
Web site: www.nordicmedcom.se
e-mail: ap@nordicmedcom.se
EC project acronym:
FISTULA CATHETER (FP6)
Research and innovation strategy
Nordic Medcom AB is a medical company
active in the dialysis market (treating
patients with kidney failure). The aim of
our innovation strategy is to develop
products that will benefit patients, and
offer a positive cost-benefit ratio for
hospitals and clinics. Our strategy can be
Support Mechanisms
We have received financial support of
about `550,000 for our main project
- the Fistula Catheter project - from the
Sixth Framework Programme (SME
project for research and development).
This support was critical for implemen-
ting the project, and without it we would
have had to wait many years before
42
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Medical Dialysis
Year of start-up: 2001
Number of employees: 12
Sales: E3,600,000
Profits: E390,000
Share of sales invested in R&D: E200,000/year
described as a combination of well-known
technology with innovative thinking to
solve practical problems. Nordic Medcom
AB has no interest in being innovative for
its own sake; our innovation is strictly
commercial and intended to satisfy the
needs of existing and future customers.
launching. Networks and guidance have
also been of great importance. We have
used the best research and development
consultants in our field, mainly from
universities and specialised companies.
We have also used knowledge from
our European partners to develop
this project.
The Fistula Catheter Project
The aim of the Fistula Catheter project, Today, the project is in its final stage of
for which we act as coordinator, is to producing prototypes. The product will be
develop a new product system for ready for patient trials this autumn
dialysis. This will benefit dialysis patients (2008). Everything is ready except
by ensuring longer survival of arteriove- the final safety tests.
nous fistulas, compa-
red to the standard Sales will have an
dialysis treatment used “Sales will have enormous impact on the
in most countries
today. This product
an enormous company, and we already
have customers waiting
has been developed impact on for the product. It will
through research and naturally not be laun-
development in close the company, ched on the market until
contact with hospitals
around Europe and
and we already everything is 100%
perfect. But today, we
directly in response to have customers are confident that we
the practices of dialysis have the knowledge to
nurses. waiting for achieve this. Through

The challenge was to

the product”
invent a design that is close to the way
nurses work today, and avoids the need
to change their daily work practices.
We used a range of different ideas to
pinpoint the right design, demonstrate it,
and then have it tested by nurses in a
number of hospitals. The final product
had to be both simple and smart, as it
is today.
To develop our project we collaborated
with university hospitals (Sahlgrenska
University Hospital in Gothenburg),
technical universities (Chalmers Technical
University in Gothenburg and Technical
University in Copenhagen) and a number
of companies specialised in innovation in
the medical field.
our involvement in this
project, we shall be able
to access a European and global market.
As we currently do business daily in the
dialysis sector, we already have market
contacts in many countries. The global
market is estimated at 384,000,000
products a year, at a sale price of `2
a piece.
By developing this new product, we will
improve our image, and gain European
rather than just Scandinavian corporate
visibility. We believe that the launching of
the product will allow us to enter the global
marketplace. We shall therefore continue
to use the business network that we have
developed through our daily business,
together with our existing and future
partnerships both local and worldwide.
43
<<
Plásticos Dúrex, S.A.
Contact information:
Plásticos Dúrex, S.A.
c/ Dr. Ferrán, 116-118, Pol. Ind. El Montalvo
37008 Salamanca
Spain
Web site: www.plasticosdurex.com
e-mail: sergio.deike@plasticosdurex.com
EC project acronym: ISSEA (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Since, 1947 Plásticos Dúrex is dedicated
to the elastomers and thermoplastics
transformation by moulding. The company
produces parts for the automotive sector,
especially for shock absorbers, suspen-
sions and insulating components of
automobile chassis; the company also
produces components for hospitals and
laboratories.
Support Mechanisms
Plásticos Dúrex received financial
support from the Sixth Framework
Programme (FP6). This support was
very important as it allowed us to
develop our innovation projects which
44
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Transforming of technical plastic
and rubber parts
Year of start-up: 1947
Number of employees: 73
Sales: E10,000,000
Profits: E500,000
Share of turnover invested in R&D:
E400,000/year
Our innovation strategy is focused on
the combination of process and product
improvement directed mainly at the automo-
tive industry. We work closely with several
research centres to improve our products and
develop new ones. We also collaborate with
other European companies and participate
in commercial consortiums as part of our
commercial and development strategy.
otherwise would not have been possible.
European scale networks have also
opened up a whole world of knowledge
and commercial possibilities for
our company.
The ISSEA Project
The overall goal of the ISSEA project was Tool suppliers and other SMEs from
to obtain integrated security sub-modules Portugal, Italy, Sweden, the United
in the car manufac- Kingdom, Greece,
turing industry. “The new, Portugal and Spain
The project develo- were also involved
ped a complete new reduced-step in the project.
process and work
methodology, redu-
process has The new, reduced-
step process has
cing the number of provided automotive provided automo-
steps involved and tive supplier SMEs
making the product supplier SMEs with further added
lighter and more
reliable.
with further added value and greater
cost reduction,
value in a sector allowing them to
Plásticos Dúrex boost their compe-
acted as coordina- transitioning titiveness in a sec-
tor for the ISSEA
project and also
from a traditional tor that is
transitioning from
introduced a new supply chain model a traditional supply
high-strength low- chain model to a
alloy steel (HSLA) to a strategic strategic value
for use in the car’s
security compo-
value chain” chain.

nents, that were joined together using Our involvement in the ISSEA project
laser welding rather than adhesives. generated a 5% increase in sales. The pro-
The idea was to improve resistance to ject has opened up new markets and in
corrosion in the thinner steel parts. general improved our corporate image.

45
<<
QWED Sp. z o.o.
Contact information:
QWED Sp. z o.o.
ul. Nowowiejska 28 lok. 32
02-010 Warsaw
Poland
Web site: www.qwed.eu
e-mail: mceluch@qwed.eu
EUREKA project acronym:
E! 2602 MICRODEFROST
Research and Innovation Strategy
QWED’s research strategy focuses on
developing innovative software techno-
logies for high-frequency electromagnetic
design. Our original target market was
the then flourishing telecommunications
and electronics industry. Our first
software sale to a leading microwave
oven producer in 1997 launched our
gradual shift towards high-power
microwave applications. Our products
comprise QuickWave simulation software
and our flagship tool QuickWave-3D.
QWED was financed by the work
and private resources of its owners,
Support Mechanisms
QWED’s European projects have benefited
from the following sources of support:
ÜÚ Eureka (MICRODEFROST project).
QWED received no public funding directly,
46
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Electromagnetic modelling,
microwave design
Year of start-up: 1997
Number of employees: 7
Sales: E681,535
Share of sales invested in R&D: 21%
and did not have access to loans
or public support. The company was
then based solely on income from
software licenses. Since 2001, QWED
has enjoyed a moderate level of public
funding.
Today, our cross-border partnerships
include long-term collaboration with
our software users, via customised
software development, maintenance,
and joint consulting projects. We have
also signed a distribution agreement
with Vector Fields Ltd (UK) that runs a
global network of agents.
since financing private companies
was then not considered appropriate
by the State Committee for Scientific
Research acting on behalf of Eureka
in Poland. The project was financed
by the industrial partners and through
sub-contracting from the project
coordinator.
ÜÚ FP6 (CHISMACOMB and SOCOT
projects).
ÜÚFP7 (HIRF SE project).
ÜÚ Marie Curie Transfer of Knowledge
(ECEMSIM project)
The Microdefrost Project
The aim of the Microdefrost project was
to develop a new software system
enabling the accurate simulation of
microwave heating and thawing
processes. A power-
ful international
consortium was
“new academic
created involving licences have been
SIK (Swedish Insti-
tute of Food and issued to several
Biotechnology),
Findus (Sweden),
universities
Whirlpool (Sweden), around the world”
WUT (Poland) and
QWED. The starting point for the software
system was the QuickWave electroma-
gnetic software family from QWED.
The Project lasted until the end of 2004
and resulted in valuable extensions to Quic-
kWave, with new models and procedures
relevant to the analysis of microwave
heating phenomena. Subsequently, the
software has been used for generating
new knowledge and designs in various
market segments. QuickWave has evolved
into the only commercial software tool
In the Microdefrost project, the indirect and
rather modest financial support was not
essential to QWED. The activities were in line
with our strategic developments and would
have been undertaken anyway. However,
in the Socot and Chismacomb projects,
European funding was essential to QWED
and allowed the company to employ new
engineers and expand its areas of interests.
capable of solving complex microwave
power problems in their entirety.
The project was strategic since it was the
first time QWED
participated in a
project with public
co-funding. The pro-
ject has allowed
QWED to accelerate
its progress in
software develop-
ment and given us a
competitive edge for
high-power modelling, unmatched by
other software vendors until today.
This has strengthened our long-term
collaboration with the leading producers
of domestic microwave ovens, industrial
microwave power installations and micro-
wavable foods (EU and USA). Moreover,
new academic licences have been issued
to several universities around the world
conducting work on new microwave
power applications. An estimated quarter
of QWED’s annual licence income comes
from the microwave power sector.
47
<<
RWP GmbH
Contact information:
RWP GmbH
Am Münsterwald 11
52159 Roetgen
Germany
Web site: www.rwp-simtec.de
e-mail: info@ rwp-simtec.de
EC project acronym: IDEA (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
RWP GmbH was founded in 1984, and has
grown into a global company, with branch
offices in USA, China, Russia, Spain, Czech
Republic, Korea and India. RWP produces
and develops software, and is mainly
active in the field of design, reviewing and
optimising products and processes,
and casting and forming metal and plastics
using foundry process simulation.
Support Mechanisms
RWP has participated in several European
projects, for which the company has
received financial support from the
Brite-EURAM programme, COST, the Sixth
Framework Programme and the Copernicus
programme. We have also received National
(BMBF) and Regional funding (NRW).
This support has been vital to us. The most
cost-intensive and time-consuming part
of a project is in fact submitting a proposal
48
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Foundry
Year of start-up: 1984
Number of employees: Between 5 and 15
Share of turnover invested in R&D: 20%
Our innovation strategy is based on
developing new technologies that enable
us to enter new niche markets and adapting
our software tools to new technologies.
R&D plays a key role in our business,
by enabling us to remain a specialist on
the market. Our cross-border partnerships
help us expand the footprint for our
technologies and software tools.
as SMEs usually do not have an oppor-
tunity to read the guidelines and prepare
a proposal.
Unlike most SMEs, we are very research
and development focused as we are a
highly specialized high-tech company.
The company’s development was made
possible by the R&D work that received
financial support.
The IDEA Project
The IDEA project, financed via FP6, is our The principal challenge in the IDEA project
most recent project, and we acted as occurred when one partner withdrew in
coordinator and partner from 2004 to the middle of the process. Another
2007. The project successfully aimed at challenge was inevitably the language
replacing aircraft barrier. It was very
components such as “The IDEA project important to develop
seat frames and personal rela-
electronic casing by has had an impact tionships during the
using cast magne-
sium parts, by making
of about 20% project as it helped
overcome the commu-
advances in magne- on company nication and language
sium technology for barriers between
the aerospace indus- sales. It was as partners, and assu-
try. The project led to
the production of the
a result of this red the project’s suc-
cessful outcome.
first magnesium project that we
components used The IDEA project has
in civil airplanes. started to develop had an important
The main countries
involved were Ger-
internationally” impact of about 20%
on company sales
many, Israel, Finland, Hungary, Slovenia, and turnover. It was as a result of this
France, Spain and the United Kingdom. project that we started to develop inter-
nationally. Due to the new technologies
We also cooperated in this project developed, we were able to achieve our
with the Fraunhofer Institute; a very existing position as one of the leaders in
helpful partner when it comes to Euro- a niche market. Running the IDEA project
pean projects, since R&D is their has helped considerably improve our
main focus. corporate image as a whole.

49
<<
Saliwell Ltd.
Contact information:
Saliwell Ltd
2 Hatamar St.
60917 Harutzim
Israel
Web site: www.saliwell.com
e-mail: awolff@saliwell.com
EC project acronym: SALIWELL (FP5)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Saliwell Ltd. is a global pioneer in deve-
loping medical devices that are positioned
in the mouth. These devices are controlled
by electronics and software and enable
communication with the external world
via a cell phone or remote control. Using
cutting-edge technologies, this revolutio-
nary concept has applications in every
part of the medical field and opens up a
huge potential market.
The first implementation, a miniature device
that treats dry mouth, was developed in
the Saliwell project, and is already availa-
ble on the market. An additional applica-
tion, which is now at advanced development
50
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Medical devices
Year of start-up: 2001
Number of employees: 4
Sales: E500,000
Share of sales invested in R&D: 100%
stage, is designed to deliver medication
in a fully-controlled, automatic way directly
into the blood stream, offering a perfect
fit for patients with chronic disease, the
disabled, elderly, etc. Further systems and
applications to diagnose and monitor
diseases such as diabetes and heartburn,
or provide aid to sports people and others
under physical stress, are also at definition
or business evaluation phase.
The company holds exclusive patents and
IP. The world’s aging population and
ongoing demographic change are opening
up vast business opportunities for
Saliwell’s innovative technologies.
Support Mechanisms
Saliwell has received financial support from
the Fifth and Sixth European Framework
Programmes. This support was vital for
our innovation strategy and for developing
our research projects.
Networks are of course very important
as well. We have managed to gather
a consortium of first-class partners
in the fields of electronics, chemistry,
micro-mechanics and patient care.

The Saliwell Project

The aim of the Saliwell project, for which Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Sweden and
we acted as coordinator, was to develop the United Kingdom. We worked closely
a new product to treat with research and deve-
the dry-mouth condition.
The resulting product
“Today, lopment organisations,
industry, universities,
is an intra-oral electro we are one of hospitals and other
stimulator; a miniature SMEs.
device that is highly inno- the leaders
vative in this field. We
used different technolo-
in our field The Saliwell project
has had an important
gies to develop this and are seen economic impact on our
product including wetness company. It has led to
sensors, micro-electro- as a genuine the development of a
nics, micro-mechanics,
etc. The system has been
pioneer” product that forms our
core business today.
clinically validated and scientifically This involvement has helped create a
accepted by the medical community, positive image for the company
and is already available on the market. and improved our market position.
Today, we are one of the leaders in
The main countries involved in the our field and are seen as a genuine
Saliwell project were Israel, Germany, pioneer.

51
<<
Salumificio F.LLI Spiezia S.p.A
Contact information:
SALUMIFICIO F.LLI SPIEZIA S.p.A
Via Roma, 10/12
80030 San Vitaliano
Italy
Web site: http://www.spiezia.it/
e-mail: roberta@spiezia.it
EC project acronym:
NOCHEMFOOD (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Salumificio Spiezia was founded in 1907
and is today one of the biggest producers
of Italian local cured meats products.
Our aim is to keep in touch with customers
maturing and changing tastes and
demands, while continuously improving
Support Mechanisms
The majority of our R&D spending is
self-financed. However, within the
NOCHEMFOOD project we received support
from the Sixth Framework Programme
52
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Manufacturing of salami products
Year of start-up: 1907
Number of employees: 250
Sales: E50,000,000
Share of turnover invested in R&D: 5%
production standards and equipment.
Spiezia’s ef for ts focus on using
resources and instruments to innovate
in all processes and products, while
ensuring the quality and safeguard of
the products.
and benefited from the cooperation of
research institutes and universities from
several European countries, including
the University of Molise (Italy).
The NOCHEMFOOD project
The goal of the NOCHEMFOOD project, sausages. The basic idea, and our main
which stands for Novel vegetal-based post-project objective, is to substitute
extracts additives for Chemical-free Food, the chemicals with vegetal-based extracts
is to develop a novel class of food that can guarantee the wholesomeness
additives based on of salami products,
plant sources. These
new vegetal-based
“The products while keeping their
existing organoleptic
extracts are being obtained will be characteristics.
tested with the aim of
replacing currently an example of The project runs until
used classes of che-
micals. One of the
innovation within July 2009 and brings
together partners
project’s goals is to tradition” from Italy, Spain,
develop and scale up Switzerland and
appropriate extrac- “Overall, the Greece.
tion methods which
are not only environ-
project could The products obtai-
mentally friendly but deliver significant ned will be an example
also capable of of innovation within
meeting industrial economic tradition. They will
requirements. benefits.” offer the added value
of being “natural” and
Following the EU decision to reduce respectful of the health of consumers.
authorised levels of nitrates and nitrites Since we continuously try to improve our
in meat products, the project can offer products and address market trends
alternative additives that result in safer, (basically a reflection of consumer
higher quality food products. These vege- demands), we shall be extremely happy
tal-based bioorganic additives could in to offer natural, wholesome products.
the longer term replace chemicals such When the project is completed, we shall
as nitrites and nitrates throughout the start marketing a range of salami
food industry. The first step is to test products containing no nitrites or nitrates.
these new extracts on a specific food Overall, NOCHEMFOOD could deliver
group widely consumed in Europe: significant economic benefits.

53
<<
Semicon Sp. z o.o.
Contact information:
Semicon Sp. z o.o.
Zwolenska 43/43A
04-761 Warsaw
Poland
Web site: www.semicon.com.pl
e-mail: info@semicon.com.pl
EC project acronym:
GREENROSE (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Established in 1987, Semicon specializes
in producing electronic components and
materials for the electronics industry, as
well as in laser modules and laser line
generators. The company has successfully
developed its own production line in
the field of electronics and is today an
official distributor of well-know brands
of electronic components. Research and
innovation is an important part of our
company strategy, enabling us to anticipate
changes in our sector.
In 2003, the adoption of the European
Directive on the “Restriction of the Use
of Certain Hazardous Substances in
Electrical and Electronic Equipment”
(RoHS) spurred Semicon to take a decisive
54
Business Profile:
Field of activity: electronics, semiconductors
Year of start-up: 1987
Sales: E4,571,000
Profit: E370,000
Share of turnover invested in R&D: E300,000
step towards process quality, which is
only achievable by modifying soldering
materials and infrastructure. In 2003,
Semicon began the process of moving
towards total RoHS compliance for its
products and processes, and in 2004 it
joined the GreenRoSE project, providing
valuable assistance in the transition
process. The technical details have been
studied by Semicon in cooperation with
technical universities and R&D centres.
This research was carried out on an SMT
lead-free pilot line. The results of reliability
tests and knowledge about novel soldering
materials and processes have been
disseminated via European seminars
and conferences for SMEs.
Support Mechanisms
Semicon has participated in two major
European projects funded within the 6th
Framework Programme: GreenRoSE (June
2004 – May 2007) and the DIAMOND
project (December 2005 - November
2007).
Financial support received from the
European Commission was essential for
implementing lead-free technology in our
production plant. The company is equip-
ped with a very modern pick-&-place
machine and with soldering ovens for
The GreenRoSE Project
The main technological objective of the
GreenRoSE project was to provide Euro-
pean SMEs in the electronics sector with
the knowledge and tools
for producing electronic
equipment free of hazar- “achieved
dous substances, and with
guaranteed quality and
a very
reliability. Such environ- significant
mentally-sound electronic
production raises a new 40%
environmental and busi-
ness challenge, reflected
increase in
in European legislation production”
(RoHS, WEEE, EuE)
and in the global trend towards “Green
Electronics”.
Semicon participated in this project
together with 26 partners from eight
European countries (Latvia, Poland,
Slovenia, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Germany
electronic production. By participating
in these projects, Semicon staff have
had an opportunity to improve their
qualifications.
Participation in European programmes
also allowed Semicon to meet inevitable
changes in the sector (GreenRoSE)
in cooperation with European R&D centres
and SMEs. The research network
established through this first project
enabled us to contribute to the very
innovative DIAMOND project.
and the UK), including a majority of
SMEs.
Our business advance results directly
from our participation in
the project. Our production
potential has expanded
rapidly, and in June 2006
we were already able to
meet the requirements of
th e R o H S D i r e c t i ve .
By exchanging knowledge
in numerous seminars and
meetings with experts and
professionals, we have
been able to implement
up-to-date SMT and THT technologies.
The prestige of the project is also a vital
factor in the further development of our
business. We have managed to improve
our competitiveness in the Polish and
European markets, and achieved a very
significant 40% increase in production.
55
<<
Sirehna
Contact information:
SIREHNA
1 rue de la NOE
44300 Nantes
France
Web site: www.sirehna.com
e-mail: sirehna@sirehna.com
EC project acronyms:
VIRTUE, SAFEDOR etc. (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
SIREHNA’s innovation strategy has
developed through a total of 53 European
projects since 1991. Our objective is to
initiate and develop innovative technologies
and products for users in the maritime
sector, including Multi-disciplinary Design
Optimisation methods (MDO) and tools
for design, PIV techniques for hydro
testing, embedded systems and marine
robotics for ship dynamic stabilization
and for autonomous vessels.
SIREHNA also aims to be an active
participant in cross-border partnerships,
Support Mechanisms
Besides national funding, mainly from
the defence sector and the oil industry,
SIREHNA has benefited from large-scale
European support since 1991, firstly
from the Brite Euram II Programme,
and later from the PCRD Programmes.
56
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Ship Systems, Design Optimisation
Year of start-up: 1986
Number of employees: 30
Sales: E3,000,000
Profits: E415,000
and especially in the effort to structure
European R&D in the maritime sector
by participating in several European
Thematic Networks, such as for Maritime
CFD, Design for Safety and Shipbuilding.
The EVIMAR and HTA projects are
particularly important in this structuring
effort. EVIMAR is intended to establish
a European Maritime Virtual Institute that
will create a structured R&D maritime
business. HTA is building a Hydro-Testing
Alliance involving the main European
industrial model basins and intends to set
up a joint R&D organisation.
SIREHNA has also run a successful
Eureka project.
Financial support from the European Com-
mission has been crucial for implementing
SIREHNA’s MDO knowledge. The OPTIM
project, which we led in the 1990’s, would
never have been initiated without the
financial support and competencies
provided by the consortium of partners.
EC financial support was also essential
for developing technical networks, thanks
to the European Thematic Network initiated
in the mid 1990’s. For example, SIREHNA
was joint coordinator with ATKINS (UK)
of the MARNET-CFD network and
theme-leader with the University of
Strathclyde and Glasgow for the
SAFER-EURORO network. By virtue of
these networks, SIREHNA has been able
to significantly extend its business and
technical contacts, thereby cross-fertilizing
knowledge for new EC projects and
international contracts.

Our European Projects

SIREHNA has participated in nine European maritime sector. Today, SIREHNA’s team of
projects in the domain of optimisation (VR- experts is continuously developing MDO
SHIPS, VIRTUE, SAFEDOR, etc.) and has solutions in cooperation with its European
led two (OPTIM and FAN- R&D partners and
TASTIC). These European “SIREHNA French technology clus-
maritime projects have ters. The company also
been designed to develop has developed commercialises Mode-
new ships with improved
hull shapes and new inter-
a powerful FRONTIER, an MDO
software package that
nal arrangements, as well European image emerged from one of its
as new processes and successful European
services in ship design. as a pioneer in projects together with
The Optim project,
which brought together
developing new Esteco (Italy).

aeronautic and hydrody- technologies. These European Projects

namic stakeholders such
as BAE, Samtech and Many thanks
Liège and Eindhoven
Universities, was a first
to Europe”
step in the mid 1990’s. It was selected as
one of the 50 Brite Euram II success stories
by the Commission.
In the following years SIREHNA became the
forerunner in facilitating the integration and
transfer of MDO in European research centres,
industries and academic laboratories in the
have had a major impact
on the strategic develop-
ment of the company as
well as on its business
growth. Participation in projects and our
subsequent business activities have helped
improve SIREHNA’s market position both
nationally and on a European scale. As a result
of successful project results over the last 20
years, SIREHNA has developed a powerful
European image as a pioneer in developing
new technologies. Many thanks to Europe!
57
<<
Trialog
Contact information:
Trialog
25 rue du Général Foy
75008 Paris
France
Web site: www.trialog.com
e-mail: madeleine.francillard@trialog.com
EC project acronym: MONAMI (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
Trialog is a consulting and expertise
company dedicated to introducing
innovative technologies in embedded
systems and industrial information
systems. The company is active in a wide
range of activities, from engineering
and development to innovation manage-
ment. Our engineering capabilities are
characterized by a high level of professional
skills and long-term experience with projects
in the European environment.
In order to cope with the rapid pace of
change that characterises today’s
engineering activities, we have developed
a remarkable and comprehensive mix of
58
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Software and Systems Engineering
Year of start-up: 1987
Number of employees: 20
Sales: E1,800,000
Profits: E214,000
Share of sales invested in R&D: 35%
technology products and engineering
services. Our consultants deliver solutions
that allow our industrial customers and par-
tners to fully meet their cost, quality and time-
to-market objectives when they design and
develop new products and systems.
Our innovation strategy is based on the
development of new technologies and
services to meet our customers’ needs.
Through our R&D projects, Trialog adapts
its offers to track the technological and
economic changes driving today’s market.
Through our new offers, we can serve our
customers more effectively in a changing,
innovative world.
Support Mechanisms
Trialog is constantly exploring new
innovation through internal R&D projects
as well as in collaborative R&D projects
with industrial partners and research
laboratories in France and Europe. Over the
years, Trialog has participated in and
managed several R&D projects, receiving
financial support from the European
Framework Programmes and from the
The MonAMI Project
MonAMI (Mainstreaming on Ambient
Intelligence) is currently our most important
project; Trialog is the technical coordina-
tor for this project,
led by the Swedish
Institute for Assistive “the project will
Technology (SIAT).
The project was open up new
launched in 2006
and funded by the
and important
S i x th Fr a m e w o r k markets for us”
Programme. It aims to
develop new products and services for
the elderly and the disabled, allowing them
to remain in their own homes longer and
to have greater autonomy.
The project will demonstrate how
accessible and useful services can be
delivered through mainstream systems
and platforms. Services provided via digital
television, mobile telephones and the
Internet will support daily tasks and
improve quality of life. The overall objective
of MonAMI is to mainstream accessibility
French Research Agency (ANR). This
funding has allowed Trialog to implement
several projects that would not otherwise
have been implemented.
For our R&D activities, cross-border
partnerships are vitally important, as are
academic and industrial research networks
in France and across Europe.
in consumer goods and services, including
public services, through applied research
and development, using advanced
technologies to ensure
equal access, indepen-
dent living and partici-
pation for all.
The project brings
together 14 partners
from several European
countries, including
EDF (France), Siemens IT Solutions and
Services (Germany), France Telecom
(France), Telefonica (Spain), OpenHub
(UK), as well as universities in Sweden,
the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain
and Slovakia.
At this stage, it’s too early to say if the
project will make an important impact on
sales. However, the project will open up
new and important markets for us and has
already helped improve our corporate
image.
59
<<
VCE
Contact information:
VCE
Hadikgasse 60
1140 Vienna
Austria
Web site: www.vce.at
e-mail: vce@atnet.at
EC project acronym:
SAFE PIPES (FP6)
Research and Innovation Strategy
VCE is a high tech and development-
oriented consulting firm with its head
office in Austria. The company operates
in three principal lines of business: the
building and industrial sector, the develo-
pment sector, and the transport sector.
VCE has major operations in Austria,
Taiwan, Korea, Eastern Europe, the Middle
East and Africa. To date, over 3,500
contracts have been successfully comple-
ted in 62 countries world-wide with
larger, more exciting projects currently
underway. The key personnel at VCE are
experts in highly specialized fields with
long track records. The firm’s close
cooperation with major European and
overseas universities provides additional
expertise to the company.
VCE has developed the BRIMOS monito-
ring system. It is universally acknowledged
60
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Construction & Design
(Bridges, Tunnelling, Buildings, etc.)
Year of start-up: 1986
Number of employees: 36
Sales: E2,250,000
Profits: E200,000
Share of sales invested in R&D: E1,100,000/year
that major structures require comprehen-
sive monitoring systems to detect
structural damage and ensure safe
operations. Major structures are
expensive to maintain or replace and they
frequently pose complex technical
problems. It is therefore extremely impor-
tant to secure the operation of these vital
lifeline infrastructures and protect the
vast investments made in road and rail
transport systems.
Technology Management bridges the gap
between industry and academic research
by integrating technological considera-
tions into business decision-making.
In the building field, it is a precondition
for the successful market introduction of
new and innovative developments.
Technology Management has therefore
been a constant strength throughout the
lifetime of VCE.
Support Mechanisms
We have received financial support for
our innovation projects from the European
Commission (Research DG), Industrial
Technologies, and G5 Administration
and Finance, and also from the Sixth
Framework Programme.
This financial support is the key to imple-
menting large research projects for SMEs.
The Safe Pipes Project
Currently, our most significant project is
the Safe Pipes project, for which VCE
acts as coordinator. Other
partners come from Ger-
many, Russia, Poland,
“financial
France and China. We are support is
also cooperating with the
Institute of Applied the key to
Knowledge Processing at
the University of Linz and
implementing
the International Atomic large research
Energy Agency (IAEA).
projects
The objective of the Safe
Pipes project is to develop
for SMEs”
new products and services for industrial
safety, and especially for the safety of
piping systems. The main goals focus on
monitoring non-accessible parts of piping,
sustainable instrumentation and digital
inspection, smart sensor development
based on nano-scale PZT-fibre and film
technology, the development of a sensor/
actuator system, automated modal ana-
In many cases, these companies do not
have the capacity to bear the costs and
financial risk of large-scale research
projects. Without a strong networking
agenda, both R&D and consulting are
unthinkable for small companies.
We appreciate the support and guidance of
the EC and the Austrian National Research
Fund, especially in our R&D activities.
lysis, the optimisation of sealing technology
in plant engineering, an integrated decision
support system and
verification tests, codes
and standards.
One of the main challenges
of this project is to get
industry to accept these
new and highly relevant
safety technologies.
The project is not yet
finished, but we hope to
increase our sales by
more than 30% within the next 5 years.
The research project will open up the new
business of “industrial safety” for our
company. The involvement in this project
has definitely contributed to the improve-
ment of our corporate image, and the
project gives us the opportunity to demons-
trate our knowledge to potential clients in
this new field.
61
<<
Vermon S.A.
Contact information:
VERMON SA.
180 rue General Renault
37038 Tours
France
Web site: www.vermon.com
e-mail: an.nguyendinh@vermon.com
EUREKA project acronym:
EURIMUS Cluster EM 39 UVIP
Research and Innovation Strategy
VERMON runs a proactive innovation
strategy focused on the development
of new technologies and products.
Technologies such as ultrasound,
piezoelectric materials, MEMS and micro
packaging/interconnect serve as building
blocks for the development of new
products. VERMON is specialised in
ultrasonic transducers and probes
(2D & 3D imaging), surgical imaging
Support Mechanisms
We have received funding for different
research projects from the European
Framework Programmes, as well as from
national bodies. We have also participated
in the Eureka Clusters Programmes.
Financial support in advanced and
pre-competitive research is essential for
62
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Medical - Ultrasound Devices
for Imaging
Year of start-up: 1984
Number of employees: 120
Sales: E14,700,000
Profits: E1,300,000
Share of sales invested in R&D: 22%
instruments and intravascular/intracardiac
imaging devices.
European partnerships are an important
part of our strategy as complex research
projects require multidisciplinary expertise.
Scientific and industrial cooperation
and partnerships are also necessary
in terms of risk-sharing on advanced
research topics.
SMEs for shortening research time,
encouraging cooperation with specialised
research centres and accelerating the
product’s time-to-market.
The support mechanisms proposed by
the EC via the Framework Programmes
operate efficiently for building projects;
in specific calls/proposals (IPs) the aid calls/proposals, topics and objectives are
of external consulting companies may be all more specific and national support is
desirable. Within the Eureka programmes, well organised.

The UVIP Project

The EUREKA EURIMUS Cluster UVIP imaging probe. UVIP was therefore proposed
(ultrasound versatile imaging probe) to bridge the gap between a continuously
EM39 project, coordinated by VERMON, demanding 3D imaging modality and the
has developed a 3D excessive cost/
ultrasonic imaging
probe that creates
“The project weights and insuffi-
cient reliability of the
real-time images for has opened up available product.
use in medical appli- The challenge was to
cations where only a new market develop a real-time
static 2D images
were available
for VERMON 3D probe with an
integrated miniatu-
previously. and enabled the rised mechanism that
matched the volume
French, Austrian and company to claim and footprint of a
Norwegian partners
worked together to
leadership position conventional probe
at a reasonable cost.
develop the sensors in Europe”
and precision mecha- Running the UVIP
nism and components in the probe. Our aim project has had a major business impact on
was to develop a new product for a extremely our company. These 3D ultrasound imaging
demanding market. products today represent 10% of our total
sales, and are expected to increase
The main objectives of the UVIP project considerably over the next 5 years.
were to develop a new low-weight, The project has opened up a new market
compact-size precision motorised 3D (the 3D ultrasound market) for VERMON
mechanical imaging probe for medical dia- and enabled the company to claim
gnosis. At the time that UVIP was launched, leadership position in Europe in this field.
there was only one commercial product
available for external use (obstetrics). UVIP is an excellent example of bottom-up
The main obstacle to expanding the market research support actions that benefit inno-
for 3D ultrasound was the complexity of vative European SMEs that need to be
the existing product and the difficulties in proactive with respect to their technologies
miniaturising and industrialising the 3D and products.
63
<<
VIGO System S.A.
Contact information:
VIGO System S.A.
Poznanska Street 129/133, 05-850
Onarów Mazowiecki
Poland
Web site: www.vigo.com.pl
e-mail: amaciak@vigo.com.pl
EC project acronym: MEMFIS (FP7)
Research and Innovation Strategy
VIGO System S.A. is a leading designer and
manufacturer of high performance uncooled
IR photodetectors and accessory products.
Our mission is to replace the present gene-
ration of cryogenically cooled photodetectors
for middle and far infrared radiation with a
new generation of cryogenics–free detectors.
The technology developed at VIGO System
is constantly being improved, and through
continuous investments in equipment, it is
possible to gain much better control over
material properties and device architecture,
resulting in greater device sensitivity.
The devices developed at VIGO System are
user-friendly and perform very effectively
in a broad range of industrial, scientific and
Support Mechanisms
VIGO System has received financial support
from the EU Structural Funds in the
Sectoral Operational Programme “Impro-
64
Business Profile:
Field of activity: Optoelectronics
Year of start-up: 1993
Number of employees: 45
Turnover: E2,500,000
Share of turnover invested in R&D: more
than 20%
military applications. Our uncooled MCT
infrared detectors have recently been
selected for use in a tunable laser spectro-
meter designed to acquire information
about the Martian environment during
the Mars Science Laboratory mission
(NASA).
VIGO System has stepped up its position
in the global market by developing devices
with unique specifications. The company’s
products are now available internationally
through a network of distributors and
agents. The majority of our customers
come from the United Stated, Europe and
Japan, and there is also growing demand
from China and India.
vement of the Competitiveness of
Enterprises (2004-2006)”. This financial
support was used to purchase equipment
needed in manufacturing and quality
process control, as well as to develop
products and implement them in new appli-
cations. This support was also useful for
purchasing consulting expertise that
helped improve corporate management.
With the support of organisations such
as the Polish Agency for Enterprise
The MEMFIS Project
VIGO System is participating in the appli-
cation phase of this project, whose overall
aim is to develop an innovative new device
- an Ultrasmall MEMS Fourier Transform
InfraRed Spectrometer
for industrial applica-
tions. Based on mid-
“the project
infrared spectroscopy
paired with the inherent
should generate
sensitivity of a FT-IR highly positive
spectrometer, such
devices could be used in
results for the
a wide range of applica-
tions, from air monito-
companies
ring over in-line real-time involved”
process control to secu-
rity monitoring. The MEMFIS spectrome-
ter will feature a very powerful
spectroscopic sensor, marking a significant
advance in smart spectroscopic sensors,
microsystems technology and vibrational
spectroscopy in general.
VIGO System was selected on the basis
of its expertise in infrared technology,
Development and various consulting com-
panies, VIGO System was able to submit
applications and meet the strict require-
ments for European programmes.
VIGO System is currently participating
in the 7th Framework Program MEMFIS
project which officially started in Septem-
ber 2008.
and the company will be responsible
for developing one of the project’s
key components.
The project brings
together partners from
several European coun-
tries; Fraunhofer-Gesel-
lschaft zur Förderung
der angewandten Fors-
chung e.V. (Germany),
the KOC University
( Tu r k e y ) , S O P R A
(France), CTR Carinthian
Tech Research (Austria),
Bruker Optik (Germany),
Hiperscan (Germany) and RHE Microsys-
tems (Germany).
MEMFIS lasts until 2011, which makes
it difficult at present to forecast the
eventual business impact. But over the
long term, the project should generate
highly positive results for the companies
involved.
65
 For further information

European commission
Press contact
Patrick Vittet-Philippe
Press and Information Officer Communication Unit,
Directorate General Research
European Commission
patrick.vittet-philippe@ec.europa.eu

SME Unit
Martina Daly
Assistant Policy Officer SME Unit, Directorate General
Research European Commission
martina.daly@ec.europa.eu

OSEO
Press contact
Sabina Cristova
sabina.cristova@oseo.fr

French SME NATIONAL CONTACT POINT

Michel Ganoote
michel.ganoote@oseo.fr