NORAKER

Their core work

NORAKER is a Lyon-based SME specializing in bioactive glass technology for orthopaedic implants and bone regeneration. They develop biocomposite implants designed to restore full bone function after injury to bones, ligaments, or tendons. Their core competence sits at the intersection of advanced ceramic materials, additive manufacturing, and regenerative medicine — turning bioactive glass science into implantable medical devices for orthopaedic surgery.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

NORAKER's trajectory shows a clear shift from manufacturing process expertise toward medical product development. Their early involvement (2017) in AMITIE focused on additive manufacturing techniques for ceramic materials — a foundational technology capability. By 2018-2019, they had pivoted decisively into orthopaedic applications, securing both phases of the SME Instrument for their REBOOT implant project, signaling a move from materials science toward a specific clinical product with commercial intent.

NORAKER is moving from materials R&D toward clinical-stage medical device commercialization, making them increasingly relevant as a product development partner rather than a pure research contributor.

How they like to work

NORAKER primarily leads its own projects — coordinating 2 of 3 H2020 projects, both under the SME Instrument, which reflects a company driving its own product development agenda rather than filling a niche in others' consortia. Their single participant role (AMITIE, a MSCA-RISE mobility project) suggests they selectively join larger networks to access knowledge and partnerships. With 19 unique partners across 8 countries from just 3 projects, they build broad rather than deep collaboration networks.

NORAKER has collaborated with 19 unique partners across 8 countries, a notably wide network for a 3-project SME. This breadth likely stems from the AMITIE mobility project and suggests strong international connections in the bioceramics and orthopaedics research community.

What sets them apart

NORAKER occupies a rare niche: an SME that combines bioactive glass expertise with additive manufacturing capability specifically for orthopaedic implants. Their successful progression through both SME Instrument phases demonstrates that EU evaluators saw genuine commercial potential in their implant technology. For potential partners, they offer a direct path from bioactive material science to an implantable medical product — a bridge that few small companies can credibly claim.

Highlights from their portfolio

• REBOOT
  Secured EUR 2.48M in SME Instrument Phase 2 — one of the most competitive EU funding schemes — for first-in-class bone regeneration implants, signaling strong commercial viability assessment by EU evaluators.
• AMITIE
  MSCA-RISE mobility project connecting NORAKER to a pan-European additive manufacturing network, building the international partnerships that underpin their materials expertise.