BIONANONET FORSCHUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH

Their core work

BioNanoNet is a Graz-based research organization specializing in nanotechnology safety, nanomaterial characterization, and the scale-up of nano-enabled manufacturing processes. They bridge the gap between nanomaterial development and industrial application by providing expertise in risk assessment, safe-by-design methodologies, and process analytical technologies for nanoparticle production. Their work spans from printed electronics and microfluidic device fabrication to regulatory governance frameworks for nanomaterials, making them a key partner for anyone bringing nano-enabled products from lab to market.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2014–2018), BioNanoNet focused heavily on nanomaterial synthesis and printed electronics — projects like INSPIRED (nanocopper, graphene inks), Hi-Response (high-resolution printing for OLEDs and automotive), and R2R Biofluidics (large-scale nanofabrication). From 2019 onward, their portfolio shifted decisively toward nanosafety governance and safe-by-design frameworks, with clusters of projects (Gov4Nano, SABYDOMA, SbD4Nano, HARMLESS, DIAGONAL) addressing risk assessment, exposure modelling, and regulatory compliance for nanomaterials. This evolution reflects a strategic move from "how to make nanomaterials" toward "how to make nanomaterials safe and market-ready."

BioNanoNet is positioning itself as the go-to European partner for nanosafety compliance and safe-by-design integration, essential for any organization planning to commercialize nano-enabled products under evolving EU regulations.

How they like to work

BioNanoNet operates exclusively as a consortium partner — never as coordinator across 23 projects — which signals a deliberate focus on contributing specialized expertise rather than managing large projects. With 287 unique partners across 37 countries, they function as a highly connected network node, joining diverse consortia rather than returning to the same small group. This broad network and consistent participant role make them a low-friction, experienced partner who integrates easily into new teams.

With 287 unique consortium partners spanning 37 countries, BioNanoNet maintains one of the widest collaboration networks for an organization of its size. Their partnerships are spread across Europe and beyond, with no heavy concentration in any single country, reflecting their role as a connector in the nanosafety and nanomanufacturing communities.

What sets them apart

BioNanoNet occupies a rare niche: they combine hands-on nanomanufacturing experience (printed electronics, microfluidics, nanoparticle production) with deep expertise in nanosafety regulation and risk governance. Most organizations specialize in either making nanomaterials or assessing their safety — BioNanoNet does both, which means they can evaluate safety implications during the design and scale-up phase rather than after the fact. For consortium builders, this dual competence reduces the need for separate manufacturing and safety partners.

Highlights from their portfolio

• NextGenMicrofluidics
  Their largest single grant (EUR 750,664) and a flagship project combining nano-enabled surfaces with roll-to-roll upscaling of microfluidic devices — their manufacturing and scale-up expertise in one package.
• Gov4Nano
  A major risk governance project (EUR 352,370) that positions BioNanoNet at the intersection of nanosafety science and EU regulatory policy, building governance frameworks for the entire nanotechnology sector.
• Phoenix
  Their second-largest grant (EUR 661,646) and an open innovation test bed for nanopharmaceuticals, representing their expansion into pharmaceutical manufacturing and GMP-scale production.