Building the UK’s national platform for MEMS/NEMS microfabrication and design.

MICROCRAFT is a proposed UK national platform for microfabrication, design enablement, and hands-on skills training in Micro- and Nano-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS/NEMS). Our ambition is to create a sovereign, open-access capability that reduces barriers to entry and accelerates the journey from research to sustainable innovation.

What MICROCRAFT Will Offer

  • Shared Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) runs on Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI), silicon, bonded silicon-glass
  • Custom prototyping services for advanced MEMS and NEMS architectures
  • Design enablement tools, including PDKs, DRCs, and layout support
  • Practical skills training to support the UK semiconductor workforce
  • Inclusive access models for new users, academic groups, and SMEs

Why It Matters

MEMS and NEMS devices are critical to modern technologies, including:

  • Medical diagnostics and implantables
  • AI hardware and robotics
  • Quantum sensing and next-generation telecoms
  • Aerospace, defence, and automotive electronics

Despite this, the UK lacks sovereign prototyping capability, which increases costs, delays innovation, and creates supply chain and IP risks. MICROCRAFT is designed to address this national infrastructure gap and support long-term innovation.

Who We Are

MICROCRAFT will be hosted at the Zepler Cleanrooms at the University of Southampton, one of Europe’s most advanced microfabrication environments.
The University of Bristol will lead the development of design automation tools and process design kits (PDKs), enabling a seamless design-to-fabrication workflow.

Our Current Status

MICROCRAFT is currently under development and seeking for funding.

If funded, we aim to launch with:

  • Subsidised early-access MPW runs
  • Bespoke fabrication services
  • National training programmes
  • A scalable user-access model for academic and industry researchers

Get Involved

Are you interested in:

  • Using the platform in future research or product development?
  • Collaborating on MEMS/NEMS design, fabrication, or training?
  • Supporting the vision of MICROCRAFT?

Visit our About Page to learn more
Contact us to express interest or discuss potential collaboration