CRITT-MDTS: developing material innovation

CRITT-MDTS transfer center (materials, coatings and surface treatments) was set up in Charleville-Mézières in 1984 and is one of 200 regional innovation and technology transfer centres rolled out in France since the 1980s

CRITT-MDTS transfer center (materials, coatings and surface treatments) was set up in Charleville-Mézières in 1984 and is one of 200 regional innovation and technology transfer centres rolled out in France since the 1980s. It employs 50 people and is one of the most significant and well-established.

Since it was created, CRITT-MDTS has offered companies (SMEs or groups) technical support in material characterization, expertise and new product development and R&D program development.  To meet these requirements, it has acquired a sizeable amount of cutting-edge equipment which is able to characterize any material and surface type. As a result, it plays a key role for some customers in France. The proposed services enable manufacturers to check parts, analyze surface conditions, etc. For example, CRITT carries out medical implant device characterization so that manufacturers can license products with recognized technical tests.

CRITT-MDTS is an organisation counting 240 industry members, with a branch in Nogent-sur-Marne. More than 80% of resources are provided via industrial contracts and the rest come from publicly funded projects (R&D programs). Clients are spread out across France and Europe.

CRITT-MDTS is embedded in Charleville-Mézières’s Pôle de Haute-Technologie (high tech hub). Because it focuses on both research and application, it plays a major part in the Ardennes manufacturing innovation ecosystem. It provides the industry with both expertise and networking opportunities.

 

By Ardennes Développement, the Ardennes economic development agency - ardennes-developpement.com