ELEMENTS SRL

Their core work

ELEMENTS SRL is an Italian SME specializing in nanotechnology and micro/nano-scale instrumentation, with particular focus on nanoelectrochemistry, nanoparticle-based systems, and single-cell analysis tools. They contribute technical expertise in nanopipettes, nanoelectrodes, and plasmonic nanostructures to international research consortia. Their work bridges fundamental nanoscience with emerging applications such as DNA-based data storage and cancer cell manipulation at the single-cell level.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

ELEMENTS SRL began its H2020 journey in 2017 with micro/nano robotics applied to cancer cell manipulation, a biomedical-oriented focus. By 2019-2021, they shifted toward nanoelectrochemistry (nanopipettes, nanoelectrodes, catalysis) and then into plasmonic nanostructures and DNA data storage — moving from biological applications toward materials science and information technology at the nanoscale. The trajectory shows a company expanding from bio-nano tools into broader nanotechnology applications with increasing commercial potential.

ELEMENTS is moving from biomedical nanoscale tools toward data and information technology applications of nanotechnology, suggesting future interest in optical sensing, nanophotonics, and unconventional data storage.

How they like to work

ELEMENTS SRL operates exclusively as a participant, never leading consortia — consistent with a specialist SME that contributes deep technical know-how rather than managing large projects. With 38 unique partners across 14 countries from just 3 projects, they join sizable international consortia (averaging ~13 partners per project). This broad partner base suggests they are valued for specific technical capabilities rather than geographic proximity or institutional loyalty.

Despite only 3 projects, ELEMENTS has built a wide network of 38 partners across 14 countries, indicating participation in large, diverse consortia typical of MSCA and FET-type programmes. Their reach spans well beyond Italy into a broad European and possibly global network.

What sets them apart

ELEMENTS SRL occupies an unusual niche as a private SME working at the intersection of nanoelectrochemistry, plasmonics, and emerging data technologies — domains typically dominated by universities and research institutes. Their involvement in both MSCA training networks and RIA projects shows they can contribute to both researcher training and applied research. For consortium builders, they offer private-sector nanotechnology expertise with hands-on capabilities in nanoparticle fabrication, nanoscale sensing, and optical characterization.

Highlights from their portfolio

• DNA-FAIRYLIGHTS
  Their most recent and forward-looking project, combining plasmonics and nanopores for DNA-based data storage — a highly unconventional topic for a small Italian SME.
• SENTINEL
  Their largest funded project (EUR 261,500), focused on single-entity nanoelectrochemistry with direct applications in catalysis and single-cell analysis.