Bringing research, innovation and manufacturing together under one roof, we work with industry, research organisations and technology partners throughout the development journey – from early-stage ideas and technology development to prototypes and production.
MiNaLab is home to Norway’s only independent, end-to-end facility for microchip development and fabrication. Our goal is to give our customers and partners a technological and competitive edge by developing microchips and microsystems tailored to specific needs and applications.
Our activities span three closely connected areas:
- Research: We explore enabling technologies and components for the next generation of microchips.
- Innovation: We develop and demonstrate new concepts, materials, processes and manufacturing methods, helping to bring new technologies to market through commercialisation, licensing and the creation of new technology companies.
- Production: We develop and manufacture custom components, including microchips and sensors, for customers and partners in Norway and around the world.
Together, these capabilities allow us to take technology all the way from research and early-stage concepts to real-world applications and production – helping to strengthen Norway’s resilience, competitiveness and strategic autonomy.
Research, development and production capabilities
SINTEF MiNaLab has extensive expertise in the design, simulation, fabrication and testing of microchips across a range of technology platforms.
We develop and advance these platforms in close collaboration with our customers and partners:
Radiation sensors: Advanced silicon-based sensors for detecting light, X-rays, high-energy particles and heavy ions.
MEMS: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for applications including pressure and inertial sensing, flow measurement, ultrasonic transducers and micropumps. MiNaLab has particular expertise in pressure sensors designed for demanding environments, from subsea applications and aviation to space.
PiezoMEMS: We integrate piezoelectric PZT thin films with MEMS to create compact, high-performance sensors and actuators. Applications include gas sensors and ultrasonic transducers.
Microsystems for medical and biological applications: Biosensors, sensors for in vivo measurements, lab-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip systems, and microfluidic technologies for diagnostics and life science research.
Optical MEMS and integrated photonics: Microstructures designed to control and manipulate light, including waveguides, movable micromirrors, diffractive elements, photonic integrated circuits and infrared emitters.
National infrastructure for future technologies
MiNaLab is part of NorFab, Norway’s national infrastructure for micro- and nanofabrication. NorFab gives research organisations and industry access to advanced facilities for research, innovation and pilot production.
MiNaLab also provides important infrastructure for Norway’s growing capabilities in quantum technology. Moving quantum technologies from the laboratory towards practical, scalable applications will depend on their integration with microchip technology.
Meet the research teams behind the technology
MiNaLab is part of SINTEF’s research community in smart sensors and microsystems. Together, our expertise spans the value chain – from materials, microchips and microfabrication to sensors, optical systems and complete solutions.
Have an idea, a technology challenge or a need for a custom microchip or microsystem? Get in touch to explore what we can develop together.
MiNaLab at a glance
- 800 m² high-tech cleanroom facility in Oslo.
- Norway’s only independent, end-to-end facility for microchip development and fabrication.
- Complete 150 mm silicon wafer processing line, from development and prototyping to small-scale production.
- Certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001 standards for quality, environmental management, and occupational health and safety.
- Part of NorFab, Norway’s national infrastructure for micro- and nanofabrication.
- From idea to production – research, process development, design, prototyping and manufacturing all under one roof.
Read more about our development of piezoelectric MEMS.
Read more about the various research groups affiliated with MiNaLab.
