THE BOURGOGNE FRANCHE-COMTÉ REGION & THE EUROPEAN UNION SUPPORTS US
Thanks to the support of the European Union and the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region, SILMACH is pushing the boundaries of innovation in the field of MEMS
Innovation is at the heart of SILMACH's strategy. With the support of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region, we have been able to realise several ambitious projects aimed at pushing the boundaries of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology. This funding allows us to strengthen our position as a key player in the field of microtechnologies and to actively contribute to the economic and technological development of the region.
By supporting innovative companies like SILMACH, this programme encourages research and development, industrial competitiveness, and the transition to a sustainable and digital economy.
Thanks to this funding, we have been able to accelerate the design and industrialisation of breakthrough solutions. Our projects thus benefit from essential strategic and financial support to meet the technological challenges and requirements of tomorrow's markets, particularly in the watchmaking sector and infrastructure monitoring.
We are proud to present here three major projects carried out with the support of the ERDF, illustrating our commitment to innovation and our desire to contribute to the technological development of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.
SAMI: Autonomous Sensors for Intelligent Monitoring
PROJECT DATES
15 May 2024 - 15 Sep 2028
PROGRAMMED ELIGIBLE AMOUNT
3 098 982.92 €
PROGRAMMED EU AMOUNT
1 859 390.08 €
DESCRIPTION
The SAMI project (Autonomous Sensors for Intelligent Monitoring) is an ambitious regional project. It will offer operational solutions for the health monitoring of critical structures or equipment (aircraft, bridges, etc.) based on the MEMS principle: micro-electromechanical systems.
This project is aimed at a wide range of potential users, both in the industrial sphere and for public contracting authorities.
By revisiting the concept of SilMach's "sensors" technology, SAMI aims to reconcile frugality in energy and data in the world of the Internet of Things. Additionally, the current architecture of the sensors will be reviewed, communicating functions will be integrated, new sensing principles will be developed, and new micro-fabrication processes will be created.
The SAMI project brings together a company - SILMACH - and two research entities: the National School of Mechanics and Microtechnology (ENSMM) and the University of Franche-Comté. ENSMM will support SILMACH in the development of prototypes by providing its expertise in MEMS design/modelling and in prototyping solutions for MEMS hybridisation through its MIFHYSTO platform. The University of Franche-Comté will contribute to the development and stabilisation of MEMS manufacturing processes through its MIMENTO platform.
NEXTWATCH
PROJECT DATES
15 May 2024 - 15 Sep 2028
PROGRAMMED ELIGIBLE AMOUNT
3 098 982.92 €
PROGRAMMED EU AMOUNT
1 859 390.08 €
DESCRIPTION
“Next Watch”, led by SILMACH, is a collaborative industrial research and experimental development project aimed at the design, development, and industrialisation of a disruptive silicon-based technology for the motorisation of quartz watches and connected watches with hands (powermems). This project falls under the sector “Microtechniques and luxury markets such as watchmaking or jewellery.”.
It offers a double challenge:
- In technological terms, it focuses on a disruptive innovation, both in terms of the product and its manufacturing process, which will be developed in parallel to achieve strong competitiveness. The aim is to create a new silicon-mounted motor element (the PowerMEMS) in order to eliminate the kinematic chain of current stepper motors, which are key components of quartz watches. Two generations of products (solutions "PowerMEMS I and II") are being investigated as part of the project: these concern modular motorisation boxes with 1, 2, or 3 reversible hands.
- In scientific terms, the Department of Applied Mechanics will carry out electromechanical modelling and chip design, while the Mimento cleanroom will work on the design and development of cleanroom manufacturing processes and the prototyping of PowerMEMS solutions. This project will enable the acquisition of new knowledge that could lead to publications in international journals and presentations at international conferences, contributing to the prominence of Femto.
The project ultimately aims for a fully automated mass production, with the creation of numerous industrial jobs in Franche-Comté (300 expected, including 100 at Silmach).
3S MEMS
PROJECT DATES
15 May 2024 - 15 Sep 2028
PROGRAMMED ELIGIBLE AMOUNT
3 098 982.92 €
PROGRAMMED EU AMOUNT
1 859 390.08 €
DESCRIPTION
3S-MEMS project aimed at establishing an innovative "sub-micromechanics" sector for the design and manufacture of hybrid MEMS-type products.

Deeptech, a pioneer in hybrid MEMS and an expert in silicon component manufacturing since 2003
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