Press Release

October 2, 2002

Generics forms alliances with Coventor, Epigem and LioniX to develop its MEMS technology services

The Generics Group has formed alliances with leading microsystems technology (MST) companies, including Coventor, Epigem and LioniX, to launch a new microsystems development service, MST-charged™.

MST-charged™ creates the vital link between novel MEMS technologies and mainstream product developers looking to enhance and develop their existing product portfolio. The alliance creates a formidable capability to bring MST-enabled products to market, creating real opportunities for the rapid growth of MST-enabled products to reach both industrial and consumer markets by the incorporation of microsystems into everyday products.

MEMS/MST is a rapidly emerging field centred on the development and application of micro and nano-scale devices potentially incorporating both electrical and mechanical functionality, and merging sensing, processing and actuating functions. The technology enables devices with enhanced functionality and lower cost and is already starting to impact many aspects of consumer goods and industrial products.

The MST-charged™ alliance allows clients access to Generics’ proven expertise in MST, product development, and business strategy in combination with the partner companies’ unrivalled competence in microsystems development, from prototyping to volume manufacture.

Generics provides full business development and turnkey product design and development services from concept to volume manufacture. It has already conducted a number of microsystems development projects for high profile clients in a range of different sectors, such as healthcare, medical products, life sciences, sports products and industrial sensors.

Coventor is a leading worldwide provider of industry-standard integrated MEMS design tools and innovative MEMS/MST product development solutions. It recently released a family of RF MEMS switches that can be used as stand-alone devices or integrated into systems for applications such as mobile handsets, Automated Test Equipment (ATE), and a variety of signal routing products. Coventor CatalystTM offers Design for Manufacturability through a combination of CoventorWareTM software, MEMS test structures, and process characterization activities that improve the success rate for commercial MEMS/MST product development and reduce time to market.

Epigem is a pace-setter in the field of polymer-based microengineering, providing design, product development and manufacturing services. Epigem employs molecular level thinking to produce sub-micron to 100 micron scale polymer microstructures with surface and bulk properties designed for the application. Proprietary processes provide customised components for micro-optics, micro-electrodes and micro-fluidics in batch and high volumes. Epigem’s in-depth knowledge and expertise, coupled with its advanced R&D and manufacturing facilities, enable it to identify and deliver novel solutions to its customers.

LioniX is a leading provider of development, production and supply services in microsystems specialising in integrated optics and micro-fluidics, for high-added value, innovative components and (sub) systems for applications in Telecom, Industrial Process Control and Life Sciences. LioniX’s design for manufacturing methodology of product development assures an optimal price/performance in production.

Christian Mahler, Director of Coventor’s European operations said: “We are eager to be a key player in this collaborative effort to help companies within the European Union use MEMS to bring innovative, profitable products to market.”

Hans van den Vlekkert, CEO of LioniX, said: “The MST-charged™ alliance offers a unique one-shop solution for companies looking for a complete MST solution for their products, without the necessity to have specialised MST know-how in house. The alliance can offer more then each individual partner could provide.

Tim Ryan, Epigem, “There is a clear need to provide total system solutions with embedded MST technology and a supply chain for organisations having a unique in-house requirement or occupying a market position enabling successful product innovation and exploitation.”

Duncan Hine, CEO of Generics, said: “We are delighted to be able to leverage Generics’ expertise in microsystems technology through this powerful alliance. Together with our partners, we are confident that we now have a fast and effective route to market for MST-enabled products in a wide range of sectors.”
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* MEMS stands for microelectromechanical systems sometimes known as microsystems technology (MST).

Notes for Editors:

THE GENERICS GROUP
The Generics Group (Generics) is a leading integrated technology consulting, development and investment organisation, with an international reputation for successfully commercialising emerging science and technology.

Generics invests in and develops technologies that underpin the future of the widest range of industries. Its key areas of expertise include: engineering, materials, telecommunications, life sciences, business innovation and electronics.

Generics’ facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories and are located in Cambridge, UK; in Zürich, Switzerland; in Stockholm, Sweden; and in Boston and Baltimore in the USA. Generics has over 300 employees, of which more than half are high-calibre technology professionals.

COVENTOR
Coventor, Inc. provides CoventorWare™ software for MEMS device and system design, MEMS Development Platforms™ that can be integrated into systems, and Ready-to-Fab Solutions™ for placement directly into MEMS-enabled products. They also offer process characterization and product engineering. Coventor follows a fabless business model and teams with Preferred Partners who offer proven MEMS manufacturing capability. Coventor is a privately held company headquartered in Cary, NC and Paris, France, with distributors throughout the Asia Pacific. For further details on Coventor, Inc., visit www.coventor.com.

EPIGEM
Epigem employs molecular level thinking to produce sub-micron to 100 micron scale polymer microstructures with surface and bulk properties designed for the application. Proprietary processes provide customised components for micro-optics, micro-electrodes and micro-fluidics in batch and high volumes.

Epigem operates as a global product development and manufacturing service provider; supplying directly to system companies and in partnership with other service providers through the Europractice Microsystems organisation; producing prototypes by processes that can be scaled to deliver system key components and consumables in high volumes by replication. Our clean room specialises in operating reel-reel polymer coating and embossing processes.

Epigem is a private company based in Redcar in the North East of England with a track record in innovation earned through participation and management of UK and EC RTD programmes in key areas of polymer microsystems, photonics and nanotechnology development.

LIONIX
LioniX BV is a private company based in Enschede, The Netherlands, and acts on an international scale in projects for well-known (multinational) companies as well as for innovative niche market and VC start-up companies. LioniX is the result of the joining of forces between the business-unit Micro System Technologies of 3T BV and the University of Twente spin-off Lion Photonix Technologies BV, both based in Enschede, in the beginning of 2002.

Emphasis is put on acquiring IPR in both the core competences INTEGRATED OPTICS and MICROFLUIDICS. In both areas LioniX has an IPR agreement on technology with the world-renowned MESA+ institute of the University of Twente.

Clean-room facilities are shared with MESA+. LioniX employs about 15 people who for the larger part highly educated in the MEMS/Microsystems Technology and is being managed by a team with decades of experience in the field.

Contacts:

Ruth Shaw, PR Manager,
Email: ruth.shaw@genericsgroup.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 875200
Web: www.genericsgroup.com


Hans van den Vlekkert
Email: h.h.vandenvlekkert@lionixbv.nl
Tel: +31 (0) 53 489 3827
Web: www.lionixbv.nl