CEA Nanosafety

France: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The nanosafety platform focuses on protection, health, and safety issues related to the handling and use of nanomaterials. Housed in a  brand-new, 5,000 sq. m building and staffed by a team of 150, the platform has two main activities :

R&D, with five major focus areas: toxicology, ecotoxicology, the integration of nanomaterials into industrial processes and nanomaterials lifecycle analysis; industrial health and safety, and characterization and methods.
B2B services: training of prevention and emergency response personnel, consulting, workstation auditing and design, occupational health consulting, and 24-7 incident-response services.

The platform’s partners come from all industries (inks, paints, cosmetics, food) and also include prevention and testing organizations like INERIS, INRS, Institut Pasteur de Lille, and the French National Testing Laboratory.
5,000 sq. m, including 2,000 sq. m of laboratory space. Most notable equipment includes FFF-ICP-MS (for nanoparticle analysis), cryogenic transmission electron microscope, and a full range of equipment for the measurement of nanoparticles in aerosols and colloids.
. B2B services: training of prevention and emergency response personnel, consulting, workstation auditing and design, occupational health consulting, and 24-7 incident-response services.
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CEA Nanoelectronics and micro-and nanosystems Infrastructure

France: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The semiconductor fabrication infrastructure of CEA is composed of two major installations operating on 12 inch and 8 inch wafer sizes. The 12" nanoelectronics platform develops advanced transistors, integrated circuits and non-volatile memory. It is also where FD-SOI—today used to mass-produce chips worldwide—was born. The platform also conducts 3D integration R&D.

 

Activities encompass simulation, technology development, demonstrators and prototyping, advanced characterization and reliability testing. The platform can also conduct short-loop, proof-of-concept testing with wafer manufacturing sites. Foundries, fabless manufacturers, integrators, and materials and equipment manufacturing partners of the platform benefit from high-added-value modules offering excellent energy consumption, speed and frequency. This is ideal for the microcontrollers used in the automotive and medical industries and for smart cards among many other applications. The platform is one of the world’s top five 300 mm… The platform houses more than 200 primary front-end manufacturing tools covering the complete range of processing requirements. Exceptionally noteworthy is the availability of a high-end tool set and advanced know-how in e-beam lithography, a potential alternative to optical lithography in achieving ultimate resolution. 
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification

Please visit the website for further information.
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CEA Nano-characterization Infrastructure

France: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The nanocharacterization platform houses 40 pieces of major research equipment operated by a staff of experienced researchers and technicians. The platform studies samples for CEA research programs and conducts research on characterization techniques and protocols to provide appropriate responses to tomorrow’s characterization needs.

The platform possesses specific equipment-used at just a handful of other locations worldwide—for example the Titan Ultimate transmission electron microscope offering 50 picometer resolution.
 

Researchers can characterize a material’s morphological, physico-chemical and electrical properties based on their needs, often delivering 2D and, increasingly, 3D images of materials under study. Tests conducted provide valuable insight into nanomaterials and nanocomponents. The platform also works with major research instruments ESRF and ILL, leveraging their synchrotron and neutron capabilities to obtain even higher resolution images.

The platform is used by scientific… 40 pieces of major analytical equipment, including Ion-beam and X-ray beam, surface analysis, near-field

electron microscopy, optical characterization, magnetic resonance, and sample preparation. The total investment exceeds 30M€.
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CEA Nano-Biotechnologies Infrastructure

France: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

R&D for biotechnology applications

The 5,500 sq. m nano-biotechnology platform deploys a full range of medical systems development know-how from sample surface preparation, biological analysis and substrate functionalization to packaging, microfluidics, microsystems, biological detection systems and component readers.

 

The platform’s R&D activities benefit scientific researchers, hospitals, and biomedical companies.

 

Its X-ray, gamma-ray, fluorescence, visible and lens-less imaging solutions ensure its unmatched performance in studying living organisms, tissues, cells and bacteria.

 

Its microsystems meet today's new needs for personalized medicine, nanomedicine and remote diagnostics. They can be implemented in vivo, embedded or implanted in medical devices.

 

The platform is located next to Clinatec and the Bioscience and Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble (BIG) and leverages BIG’s basic research. The platform files around 35 patents per year including for solutions… 25 pieces of major equipment: X-ray measurement chambers, screen-printing machines, stamping and machining equipment, etc.

 

 
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CEA Micro Energy Sources

France: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The micro energy source platform concentrates at a single location all the resources needed to design power supply systems for smart cards, sensors, laptop computers and much more. The 1,000 sq. m platform is home to 30 items of equipment suitable for scaling up these technologies for industrial manufacturing.

The platform develops micro batteries and micro fuel cells with a sharp focus on enhancing materials to improve performance. It leverages technologies, such as thin-layer deposition for batteries, and investigates ways of improving fuel-cell catalyst and collector performance and lifespans.
The advanced equipment available at the platform includes a five-PVD chamber unit capable of depositing a series of thin layers. The platform can develop processes all the way to industrial scale-up. It operates with two major partners: STMicroelectronics for micro batteries measuring thicknesses of around 100 microns and Intelligent Energy for mobile electronic device fuel cell chargers.
. Staff are involved in all aspects of micro energy source development, from basic materials studies to design of custom sources for specific applications. Feasibility studies, prototyping and small scale production are available for Micro batteries (from a few μWh to 100 mWh) and micro fuel cells (from 5 W to 100 W)
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CEA Integrated circuit and embedded systems design Infrastructure

France: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

Today's technological challenges require implementation of a holistic approach to hardware and software. The embedded systems design platform combines the special competencies of two institutes, specifically Leti's IC design and testing and List's embedded software development. 

 

The embedded systems design platform possesses unrivaled know-how in hardware-software integration. The platform designs systems that respond to high reliability and security demands for Big Data servers, IoT, transportation, energy, manufacturing and other industries. The R&D conducted at the platform falls into two categories: development of hardware and software solutions for optimizing system design and integration of electronic and computing modules into existing systems. These R&D activities share an objective of enhancing overall system operation and usage through smaller form factors, more memory, better energy efficiency, lower cost, and greater security and reliability. 

 

The platform’s advanced… CAD tools for hardware and software simulation, Synopsys ZeBu embedded system emulation system, test benches replicating severe environments (high temperature, radiation, etc.). The facility of more than 2000 sq meters is operated by 120 engineers and technicians.
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CEA Hydrogen and Storage

France: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The objective of the hydrogen production and storage platform is to develop innovative hydrogen production, conversion, and storage processes so that hydrogen can be effectively used as a source of energy. The platform develops and tests demonstrators of significant size in partnership with manufacturing companies.
The platform’s hydrogen-production research focuses on high-energy yield, high-temperature (700°C to 800°C) water-vapor electrolysis. Other applications for this technology include power-to-gas conversion via water-vapor/carbon-dioxide electrolysis. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are the main area of conversion research at the platform. SOFCs operate at high temperature and can use hydrogen or other gases (such as natural gas and biogas). Cogeneration is currently the priority application for SOFCs. The platform is also working on low-pressure solid-hydrogen storage processes for stationary and transportation applications. In a world first, the platform joined forces with France-based McPhy… 800 sq. m facility, plus a 120 sq. m outdoor testing area, €6 million euros invested, including electrolyzer and tank performance and durability testing capabilities.
. A team of 40 researchers and technicians work with industrial and academic partners on leading edge projects. Services include feasibility studies, prototype development, testing, security analysis, and benchmarking.
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CEA Fuel cells Infrastructure

France: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

With €6 million in equipment and a staff of 40 engineers and technicians, the fuel-cell platform takes a truly unique approach to designing and improving fuel cells. It is the only center in the world to cover materials, membrane-electrode assemblies, stacks, testing, modeling, and characterization. Around ten manufacturers from around the world—including Symbio FCell and Areva Energy Storage—conduct R&D at the platform. The mission is to speed the transfer of new fuel-cell technology to transportation and stationary applications and build a strong intellectual property portfolio, adding around 10–20 new patents per year. The platform builds demonstrators for testing in real-world conditions.

For example, the hydrogen-powered Zero CO2 vessel has been sailing since 2010, and the EPICEA and PROSPAC generators are producing 5 kW of useable electricity. 
The fuel-cells produced by the platform are at the international state of the art in terms of performance, lifespan, and form factor, all benefits that… Around 20 test benches for fuel cells from 10 W to 50 kW. The platform also has specific equipment like a roll-to-roll electrode manufacturing machine for membrane-electrode assemblies and a stack-assembling machine. There is also access to new materials development, characterization and testing.
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CEA Electric mobility Infrastructure

France: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

Electric and hybrid-electric vehicles are about more than just batteries (or fuel cells). The battery or fuel cell must be integrated into the powertrain and tested in real-world conditions. The test results must then be analyzed so that further improvements can be made. The electric mobility platform does all of these things, developing solutions for automotive applications as well as for all other types of land, air, and sea vehicles and vessels.

Tests, carried out on the open road/water or at closed facilities, provide valuable feedback on cycling, ageing, and other factors while facilitating market penetration for SMEs and larger companies involved with battery, fuel-cell, and traditional and electric vehicle manufacturers.
The platform possesses a complete set of equipment that includes a motor bench, solar charging stations, and instrumentation capabilities. The platform can perform one-off testing (up to 60,000  km for an electric vehicle) and continuous monitoring of fleets of up to 30 vehicles. For the platform’s industrial partners, these testing capabilities provide valuable feedback so that they can improve product quality and reliability and even launch totally new products on a still-emerging market.
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CEA Cyber-security Infrastructure

France: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The cybersecurity platform is staffed by more than 100 experts experienced in protecting integrated circuits, mobile electronic devices (such as smartphones) and embedded systems and their software from threats. The platform is used to identify product vulnerabilities and come up with innovative ways to protect both hardware and software from cyber-attacks.

The techniques employed to ensure hardware and software security are based on innovative technologies like secure communications platforms for sensor networks, secure hardware and software cryptography implementation, crypto calculation for direct application processing of encrypted data, and more.
The platform uses some of the most advanced tools available (source-code analysis software like Frama-C, hardware platform simulators, test benches capable of replicating physical attacks against electronic components, fault generators, and emission spectrum analyzers) to pinpoint vulnerabilities. It is home to one of France’s three official commercial hardware security evaluation centers.
. - Scientific & technological
- Study / initial design / Simulation
- Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation
- Component/ breadboard / process development & testing
- Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
- Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
- Product validation / certification
 
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology