“Pilot production line for printed electronics for the Internet of Things and wearable electronics”
The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under Priority: I “European Funds for a more competitive and smart Mazovia,” Action: 1.1 “R&D and innovations of enterprises,” Project type: “R&D infrastructure of scientific units.”
The project involves the purchase and installation of technological infrastructure enabling the production of functional electronic components in near-industrial conditions, allowing for the rapid implementation of developed technologies into the industry. The project falls under the category of ventures covering the development of R&D infrastructure and activities preparing for the implementation of R&D results.
Main Assumption and Objective of the Project: The creation of a modular demonstration line for functional printing processes at a laboratory scale, but under conditions corresponding to industrial standards. This line will enable the development and verification of printing compositions (conductive, resistive, dielectric), optimization of roll-to-roll technologies, manufacturing of flexible sensory structures for the Internet of Things (e.g., for monitoring physicochemical parameters such as stress, pH, temperature, humidity, water, and food quality), and the production of electrodes for non-invasive monitoring of vital signs (ECG, respiration, blood pressure). The project also involves the creation of a line for polymer-free 3D printing, allowing for the formation of functional fibers for use in e-textiles. The goal is to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 at Warsaw University of Technology (PW) and TRL 9 at industrial partners in the field of printed electronics technology. The project will bridge the implementation gap that limits the development of printed electronics in Poland by enabling pre-production validation and commercialization of solutions developed within R&D. This aligns with the objective of FEMA Action 01.01: R&D and innovations of enterprises and the priority objective of the European Regional Development Fund CP1.I – Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies.
Task I: The objective of this task is the purchase and commissioning of research infrastructure and the implementation of a research agenda, including the development of polymer compositions, functional pastes, and materials for polymer-free printing; development of roll-to-roll printing technology; and implementation of innovative solutions in the field of sensors, multilayer structures, smart patches, research and development of sensory structures, and functional fibers, including validation and testing of the developed technologies.
Task II: Project Promotion The objective of this task is to carry out activities necessary to inform the public, and particularly the project stakeholders, about the objectives, progress, and effects of the implementation. As part of the Project Promotion task, we plan to undertake activities aimed at wide dissemination of information within the scientific community, as well as among entrepreneurs and other stakeholders, regarding the possession of this unique infrastructure, as well as the possibilities and rules of its accessibility.
Project Objectives:
- Increasing Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Scaling technologies from TRL 4–6 to TRL 9 in laboratory conditions.
- Development of innovative technologies and products: Developing biodegradable and flexible printed electronics structures; manufacturing carbon nanotube fibers with high conductivity and flexibility; developing environmental and biological sensors.
- Strengthening science-industry cooperation: Making infrastructure available to SMEs for testing and implementation; reducing barriers for startups and spin-offs.
- Supporting regional and national development strategies: The project aligns with SRW (Regional Development Strategy), RIS (Regional Innovation Strategy), and the 2021–2027 Partnership Agreement; it supports the development of electronics, photonics, health, food safety, and smart systems.
- Development of scientific and educational potential: Increasing the attractiveness of Warsaw University of Technology as a research center; implementing new specializations in printed electronics and e-textiles.
Specific Objectives:
- Establishment of a pilot line infrastructure with at least 5 technological modules.
- Validation of at least 3 types of structures (e.g., sensors, electrodes, antennas).
- Development of 2 application scenarios in the areas of IoT and wearable electronics.
- Training of at least 10 operators and researchers to work with new technologies.
The project will contribute to the development of infrastructure enabling effective testing of R&D results in quasi-industrial conditions, supporting the transfer of knowledge and technology to the economy (including SMEs), enabling the creation of new products and technologies in the field of smart systems, sensors, and IoT components, increasing the involvement of scientific staff and young researchers in implementation activities, and building lasting competencies in functional materials, digitalization, and the electronics of the future, consistent with the smart specializations of Mazovia and the FEM 2021–2027 strategy.
The R&D infrastructure will be used continuously for scientific research, R&D projects, cooperation with industry, and educational activities. The infrastructure will be made available to external stakeholders – enterprises, scientific units, and startups – on transparent, non-discriminatory, market-based terms.
Total Project Value: 8,216,054.20 PLN (in words: eight million two hundred sixteen thousand fifty-four zlotys and twenty groszy).
Co-financing from ERDF funds: 4,619,818.00 PLN (in words: four million six hundred nineteen thousand eight hundred eighteen zlotys and zero groszy).