Introduction
NOA
Research lines and strategy
INTRODUCTION
The Nanofabrication, Optoelectronics, and Energy Applications (NOA) group have a clear focus on integrating nanotechnology into optoelectronic devices, harnessing their strong industrial and innovation potential. Our commitment to technological development is evident in our in-house utilization of INL’s cutting-edge nanofabrication processes. Furthermore, we actively foster international collaborations with industrial partners and world-renowned institutions, ensuring the incorporation of our technology into cutting-edge industrial devices on a global scale.
The research activities of NOA are directly aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action. Additionally, our work indirectly contributes to Quality of Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Responsible Consumption and Production. As part of our dedication to Societal Changes, we address challenges related to Secure Society, Urbanization, and Mobility. We also align ourselves with two of the five main missions of the Horizon Europe framework: Energy and Smart Cities.
To meet these challenges and achieve our research objectives, NOA has strategically positioned itself as an expert in the fields of nanofabrication, energy, and coatings. The core competencies of the group encompass bottom-up nanofabrication, coatings, and characterization of optoelectronic materials and devices. Our nanofabrication capabilities are backed by INL’s state-of-the-art and semi-industrial clean room facilities, while the vast international experience of our group members in semiconductor materials serves as the backbone of our characterization capacities. The fusion of these competencies empowers us to collaborate effectively with international industrial and academic partners in developing novel technologies, prototyping, validating fabrication processes, and creating innovative products.
Since its founding in early 2017 without a start-up fund, the NOA group has been externally financed for its core activities. We have dedicated considerable resources to establish operational procedures and have continuously pursued improvement through methodologies such as Kaizen, Kanban, One Point Lessons (OPL), and Standard Operational Procedures (SOP). As the group has evolved, attaining a higher number of competencies and a more stable team, we are prepared to follow INL's strategy of engaging in high-risk projects and leveraging our expertise at the interfaces of diverse research areas. NOA remains committed to driving innovation in nanofabrication, optoelectronics, and energy applications, contributing significantly to global sustainable development goals and actively bridging the gap between research and industry.