Advanced Makerspaces for PiLot production by micro-Enterprises

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Northern Periphery and Arctic

Date of latest update: 2025-09-24

Description

Description (EN):

Breakthroughs happen when something suddenly possible meets that which is desperately necessary. We propose that by enabling innovators we can overcome the common challenges in the NPA of being peripheral, of witnessing youth depopulation, and of being threatened by carbon neutrality and digitalization. We will improve the success of early-stage micro-enterprises by empowering them to create functional prototypes using advanced makerspace technologies that are suddenly possible. We will listen to the needs of innovators. We will signpost innovators to scalable makerspace technologies. We will upskill NPA communities to overcome design and technical obstacles. We will journey with selected innovators through process challenges to realize three demonstrators -positively impacting social inclusion. Transnationally, we'll connect centers of excellence in materials, printed electronics, robotics, Fablabs, and photonics with innovators in homes and at hot desks to enhance Wellbeing.

Expected Achievements (EN):

Three objectives are proposed for this work package: a. To understand where to strategically position Advanced Makerspaces for use by micro-enterprises. This will entail the completion of a survey by stakeholders.18+ micro-enterprises will confirm survey findings. The results will re-invigorate makerspaces for advancement. b. To establish a technical value chain documenting Advanced Makerspace tools and materials. This will entail a detailed review of tools within the partnership. The contribution of each process towards scaling will be assessed. Over 40+ processes / tools will be documented. This will provide an on-line technical handbook for innovators. c. To identify how Advanced Makerspace tools can be configured towards scale -as a network of autonomous work cells. This will involve simulation of an enterprise. Two case studies will be simulated thoroughly and reported to the community. Three objectives are proposed in this work package: a. To address the barriers associated with the strategic use of Advanced Makerspace tools by micro-enterprises. The survey in Activity 1.1 will identify 5-6 barriers. The barriers will likely span design, technical, IP, Quality , Safety and scaling. 20+ recorded briefings will present potential solutions. b. To promote /develop/ re-invigorate the use of an Advanced Makerspace forum. Many technical challenges are solved just in time and on a need to know basis. It is proposed to review on line support tools to assist innovators gain insights efficiently. This objective is to offer the NPA community with solutions. 30+ active enquiries by the end of the project with 18+ assistances targeted. c. To demonstrate solutions to four key process challenges based on implementing transnational case studies. It is proposed to identify four signature process challenges inspired by feedback from micro-enterprises. Three objectives are proposed. a. To present a best practice guide concerning the operational effectiveness for using Advanced Makerspaces to assist the innovation process. The guide will be a work flow diagram with accessible check lists to ensure the best value can be gained using Advanced Makerspace tools. b. To demonstrate the implementation of three case studies taking a concept from ideation to prototype. The project will seek case studies with strong motivation from a social justice/ inclusion / diversity perspectives in each of the three member countries. c. To extract value from the project in terms of future regional development, future research programmes, technical infrastructure, further education, sustainability, social inclusion and innovation.

Project outputs: Simulation on potential for scaling future Makerspace processes(EN)
Transnational cooperation (EN)
Problem solving & enhanced know-how for operating Advanced Makerspaces.(EN)
An operational guide for Advanced Makerspaces(EN)
Demonstration of pilot manufacturing using advanced Makerspaces (EN)

Thematic information

Demographic change and immigration ICT and digital society Social inclusion and equal opportunities

Priority: (VI-B_NPaA_1) Strengthening the innovation capacity for resilient and attractive NPA communities

Priority specific objective: RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 028 Technology transfer and cooperation between enterprises, research centres and higher education sector

Partners (5)

Lead Partner: University of Galway

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IE0022578J

Department: NCLA Laser Laboratory, CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, Physics.

Address: University Road, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland

Department address: University, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.universityofgalway.ie

Total budget: EUR 519 260.02

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 337 519.01

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 181 741.01

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

MANORHAMILTON INNOVATION & DEVELOPMENT CLG T/A FUTURE CAST

Name: MANORHAMILTON INNOVATION & DEVELOPMENT CLG T/A FUTURE CAST

Department: Research & Development

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IE3334774EH

Address: W8 Centre, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim, F91W5FE Manorhamilton, Ireland

Department address: Tober brideSligo, Ireland

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.futurecast.info

Total budget: EUR 145 714.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 94 714.42

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 51 000.08

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Oulun AmmattiKorkeakoulu

Name: Oulun AmmattiKorkeakoulu

Department: Centre for Research and Innovation / Prinlab

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FI25097478

Address: Yliopistokatu, 90570 OULU, Finland

Department address: OULU, Finland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.oamk.fi/en

Total budget: EUR 250 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 162 630.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 87 570.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Háskóli Íslands

Name: Háskóli Íslands

Department: Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 19133

Address: Sæmundargata, IS102 Reykjavik, Iceland

Department address: Dunhagi, IS107 Reykjavik, Iceland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.hi.is

Total budget: EUR 199 995.45

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 129 997.04

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 69 998.41

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Centria-ammattikorkeakoulu Oy

Name: Centria-ammattikorkeakoulu Oy

Department: Centria Research and Development

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1097805-3

Address: Talonpojankatu, 67100 Kokkola, Finland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://centria.fi

Total budget: EUR 349 990.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 227 493.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 65.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 122 496.50

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

MANORHAMILTON INNOVATION & DEVELOPMENT CLG T/A FUTURE CAST

Advanced Makerspaces for PiLot production by micro-Enterprises

Partners and Projects info

Oulu University of Applied Sciences

Advanced Makerspaces for PiLot production by micro-Enterprises

Partners and Projects info

University of Iceland

Advanced Makerspaces for PiLot production by micro-Enterprises

Partners and Projects info

Centria University of Applied Sciences

Advanced Makerspaces for PiLot production by micro-Enterprises

Partners and Projects info

University of Galway

Advanced Makerspaces for PiLot production by micro-Enterprises

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Advanced Makerspaces for PiLot production by micro-Enterprises

Project acronym: AMPLE

Project ID: NPA0800242

Project start date: 2025-05-01

Project end date: 2028-04-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

NPA Preparatory project Phesia: Printed Hybrid electronics for sustainable intelligent applications (EN) | The Phesia project develops printing technologies to enable sensors extract information from novel technologies. The original proposer of that project is a partner in our consortium.
The project Ample we propose will combine printed electronic concepts proposed in Phesia with our ambition for establishing advanced makerspaces. (EN), NPA Full project: Robo Demo: Robo demo has developed and demonstrated a technology transfer model to support companies adopt smart manufacturing solutions based on robotics. (EN) | The Ample project will harness the output of the RoboDemo project by utilizing the robotic tools in Advanced Makerspaces. In this context it is proposed to have robots hold, orientate, print and structure to realize 3D printed parts in which integral or imbedded electronics can be deployed. (EN), Tech2Heal Preparatory and Full project: Connected Technology to support the Health of the Working Population in Northern Remote Areas (EN) | Tech2Heal is centered on connected health. Connected health requires devices that can sense and perform functions relevant to a patient's disposition.
The Ample project can digitally create the 2D and 3D structures tailored to the individual patient. The focus of Ample is to establish manufacturing capacity to enable the value of innovation to be fully realized within the NPA region. (EN), BIOPRINT: 3D Printing with Bio-based Materials in a Circular Economy Context (EN) | The focus of the Bioprint preparatory project is to establish a 3D printing activity based on biomaterials. This is an interesting focus which is relevant to a number of activities proposed in the Ample project.
Our proposal considers a smaller set of sustainable materials derived from wood through the participation of Woodworks! cluster. The Ample project develops a much great set of makerspace tools that just 3D printing proposed in Bioprint. Our focus is to advance and scale concepts. (EN), AtlanticKETmed (EN) | Atlantic-KET-med is an Atlantic Area Interreg project 2017 -2020 which established a transnational pilot manufacturing line across UK, France, Spain and Portugal led by the proposer for this project. This project developed value chain analysis tools and technologies in laser enabled printing which will be used in the Ample project. The tools used in this project are chosen to be more accessible for microenterprises. (EN), Selective Metallization for 3D printing (EN) | This is a project supported by the European Space Agency which enabled the University of Galway team to develop Microwave Antennas for space applications by directly printing highly conductive metal on 3D printed structures. The project is a key motivator for the Ample initiative. (EN), NPA-KET (EN) | Finally and most importantly NPA-KET is the preparatory project which led to this proposal. The project facilitated a mapping exercise which led to an in depth understanding of Makerspaces, Research Labs, Industries and Clusters throughout the NPA region. The project partners identified the gap which can be filled by developing a project on Advanced Makerspaces. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 465 159.97

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 952 353.97

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 65.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 952 353.97. Co-financing rate, 65.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Report on needs for Advanced Makerspace
Technical value chain for Advanced Makerspaces
On line workshop on scope for scaling Advanced Makerspace tools in early stage digital production.
Implemented schedule of technical briefings enabling the interactions with microenterprises Phase 1
Implemented schedule of technical briefings enabling the interactions with microenterprises Phase 2
Implemented schedule of technical briefings enabling the interactions with microenterprises
A signpost document for sustainable technical supports for Advanced Makerspace Activities
Recorded presentation available online showcasing the advanced processing capability for makerspaces
The Advanced Makerspace Operational guide
Three prototypes, the story of their motivation, design, prototyping and fabrication
Horizon scanning -A report on future opportunities for Advanced Makerspaces in the NPA.

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal Local digital production of multifunctional parts help to drastically shorten the spatial extent of supply chains thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. The project will explore the use of sustainable materials as a replacement for polymers derived by oil. The emphasis on re-invigorating remote NPA areas as a center for manufacturing innovation helps to ensure that no person nor place -regardless of their abilities- gets left behind in the green transformation.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The project is focused on placed based innovation. The project enables ambitious innovators to build sustainable careers in places where they belong and they can call home. Turning adversity to advantage is a key driver for success when people are anchored at home. The proposal to use robust compact makerspace tools, replicable in future scaled production lines, reduces the requirements for intensive technical support normally located in urban centers of critical mass required for manufacturing
SeaBasinStrategyArcticOcean The dual threat of geopolitical disruption and climate change require the formation of resilient prototyping ecosystems. Just as during the COVID pandemic, 3D printers were thrust into action to produce personal protective equipment, this project will provide more advanced resources for pilot production of electronically empowered sensors for monitoring air quality, agri-food production, health and well being of people, plants, livestock and built environments.
EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion This project is relevant to a number of policy areas within the Baltic Sea Region. With regard to innovation, the project is aligned with the action Digital Innovation and Transformation. The facilitation of new businesses via the creation of technologies based on IoT and robotics are particularly relevant. The project also enables microenterprises participate in a response to the Baltic Sea Region’s Challenge -driven innovation. The priority is aligned with the Co-creation innovation action.
AtlanticStrategy Ireland is the only participating EU member country of the consortium which is a signatory to the Atlantic Action Plan 2.0. The development of the blue economy it proposes is relevant to Iceland and other maritime facing regions in and beyond this consortium. The project will provide support for micro-enterprises who are aligned with this sector in the area of utilizing advanced makerspaces.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 010 - Enterprises cooperating with research organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 003 - Small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) introducing product or process innovation, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSBSR

EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSBSR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Northern Periphery and Arctic

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-09-24

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

65 / 65 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

310 / 310 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Advanced Makerspaces for PiLot production by micro-Enterprises

Description

Thematic information

Partners (5)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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