EIDGENOSSISCHES INSTITUT FUR METROLOGIE METAS

Their core work

METAS is Switzerland's national metrology institute, responsible for establishing and maintaining measurement standards at the highest accuracy. In H2020 projects, they contribute advanced measurement and characterization capabilities — from microwave microscopy to nanoscale electrical diagnostics — enabling partners to validate materials, monitor manufacturing quality, and develop reliable testing protocols. Their role is that of a precision measurement authority: they don't build the products but ensure the measurements behind them are trustworthy and traceable.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

METAS entered H2020 in 2017 with MMAMA, focused on applying microwave microscopy to materials analysis in a manufacturing context. By 2018-2020, their scope broadened into two distinct applied domains: metal additive manufacturing quality control (MANUELA) and battery nanoscale diagnostics (NanoBat). The trajectory shows a consistent core — advanced electromagnetic measurement techniques — being applied to increasingly specific industrial challenges, particularly in energy storage and digital manufacturing.

METAS is expanding its precision measurement expertise toward battery technology and advanced manufacturing quality assurance — two sectors with strong industrial demand for traceable, standardized measurement methods.

How they like to work

METAS exclusively participates as a specialist partner, never leading consortia — consistent with a national metrology institute contributing specific measurement capabilities to larger efforts. With 44 unique partners across just 3 projects, they operate in large, diverse consortia (averaging ~15 partners per project). This suggests they are sought after for their unique measurement authority rather than building tight, repeated partnerships.

Despite only 3 projects, METAS has collaborated with 44 distinct partners across 14 countries, reflecting their participation in large pan-European consortia. Their network spans most of Western and Central Europe, typical for a Swiss national institute operating as a trusted measurement reference point.

What sets them apart

As a national metrology institute, METAS brings something few partners can: legally traceable measurement standards and calibration authority recognized across Europe. For any consortium needing validated, standardized measurements — whether qualifying new materials, certifying manufacturing processes, or characterizing novel battery components — METAS provides the credibility and precision that industry and regulators require. Their Swiss neutrality and institutional mandate make them a trusted reference partner.

Highlights from their portfolio

• NanoBat
  Largest METAS funding (EUR 774K) and represents their push into battery technology — a strategically important sector for European industry.
• MANUELA
  A pilot-line Innovation Action for metal additive manufacturing, positioning METAS at the intersection of metrology and Industry 4.0 standardization.
• MMAMA
  Their first H2020 project and highest single funding (EUR 783K), establishing microwave microscopy as a core competence area.