IME has sealed a partnership with STMicroelectronics to jointly develop MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology. This 18-month long research project is the first collaboration between the two organisations and will result in the development of a MEMS device which can be embedded in consumer handheld devices such as mobile phones.

IME has engaged in MEMS R&D since 1993. Its successes in this field included the development of MEMS accelerometer and a BioMEMS device for DNA extraction, both of which have found industrial applications. STMicroelectronics is the world's fifth largest semiconductor company and one of the strongest MEMS players in Europe.

Mr Ruben Sonnino, Vice President of STMicroelectronic's Industrial & Multisegment Sector, with Prof Kwong Dim-Lee, Executive Director of IME, at the signing ceremony of the research agreement.