Spanning nine countries across the continent, the DiMAT project focuses on digital modelling and simulation for design, processing and manufacturing of advanced materials. From December 17th, it will be open for European materials manufacturing SMEs to apply to become part of the programme.

The successful applicants will get access to state-of-the-art digital tools that will help them transition to higher-value and more efficient manufacturing. Participating companies will also be given tailored expert guidance on digital translation strategies from a consortium of 18 partners to align on digitalisation strategy. This EU initiative comes at a crucial juncture for materials manufacturing SMEs across the continent as increasing energy costs, supply chain disruption, global competition, and the green transition put strain on their resources.

Over the course of the DiMAT program, they will actively collaborate with the DiMAT team, with development and improvement of each suite of tools. The open call for the initial SMEs to benefit will connect with DiMAT on the F6S growth network. The initial cohort of companies will receive access to the state-of-the-art digitalisation technology, support and mentorship tailored to the segment of materials manufacturing they compete in.

DiMAT offers three suites with a total of nine toolkits, each designed to address the main challenges faced by SMEs in materials manufacturing in each stage of the material value chain (design, processing and manufacturing):

• DiMAT Data and Assessment Suite (DiDAS): this set of tools offers SMEs a centralised repository for materials data, knowledge acquisition and materials assessment based on their environmental impact and cost. DiDAS will help companies optimise product quality, material selection, and sustainability
• DiMATModelling and Design Suite (DiMDS): this suite will help SMEs design better materials products, conduct more research in digital spaces, rather than by prevalent physical methods, to generate better products faster at a lower cost
• DiMAT Simulation and Optimisation Suite (DiSOS): this set of tools will help SMEs model complex manufacturing interactions with a variety of materials and prototype various processes in the digital sphere in ways not possible with the current status quo physical testing

Sean Kane, Chair and Co-Founder at F6S, said: “Material manufacturer SMEs and startups face a perfect storm of challenges from global competition, new public policy and disrupted supply chains. The EU has invested heavily to double its number of advanced manufacturing companies over the last four years, but these new companies need tools for the next phase of growth and policy change. DiMAT offers these startups and SMEs vital support to increase productivity with better tech for design, sourcing, prototyping and manufacturing – along with a digital platform to capture EU Green Deal upside.”

Dr. Ilias Gialampoukidis, CERTH, Deputy Coordinator of the DiMAT project said: “DiMAT aims to create open digital tools based on open standards, such as MODA, CHADA and the EMMO ontology, offering SMEs and Mid-Cap companies an affordable full modelling, simulation, and optimisation system. We’re integrating data analysis services and visualisation techniques, focusing on accelerated properties prediction and materials design, ultimately improving the quality, sustainability, effectiveness, and competitiveness of materials. The expected impacts and outcomes of DiMAT are multifaceted, covering improvements in materials data safety, mechanical and thermal properties of materials, traceability, and design of materials. The first EU review of the DiMAT project took place in September 2024, during which we received positive feedback and valuable insights. These comments are currently being addressed to ensure the successful completion of the DiMAT toolkits and their effective implementation in the pilots.”

The call for early adopters will enable the project to gather targeted feedback and refine the product-market fit for optimised alignment with industry needs. Most importantly, it will provide expert support to companies striving to streamline and enhance material design and production processes. Interested companies can apply via the F6S platform: https://www.f6s.com/dimat-community/apply