NANOPOLY, SMARTWAVE, and SMARTEC all involve metamaterial engineering, reconfigurable antennas, and mmWave components.
RF MICROTECH SRL
Italian SME designing metamaterial-based RF components, mmWave transceivers, and nano-integrated antennas for telecom, radar, and satellite applications.
Their core work
RF Microtech is an Italian SME specializing in advanced radio frequency (RF) and microwave component design, particularly reconfigurable antennas, metamaterial-based devices, and millimeter-wave (mmWave) modules. They develop transceiver modules, phase shifters, and RF integrated circuits for applications in satellite communications, radar, and smart wireless systems. Their work bridges nanoscale material science — including 2D nanomaterials and NEMS — with practical RF hardware for next-generation telecommunications and space-compatible filtering systems.
What they specialise in
NANOPOLY, SMARTWAVE, NANOSMART, and SMARTEC consistently target mmWave, RFIC, and microwave device development.
NANOSMART focuses on NEMS, nano switches, and nano antennas; NANOPOLY explores 2D materials and 3D integration.
SMARTEC addresses RF MEMS pilot line production, GaN high-power modules, and MMIC packaging.
SPACEFIT, their only coordinated project, developed space-compatible filters in dielectric waveguide technology.
How they've shifted over time
RF Microtech's early H2020 involvement (2015) centered on space-compatible filtering technology through SPACEFIT, their sole coordinated project. From 2019 onward, they pivoted sharply toward nano-enabled RF systems and metamaterial engineering, participating in four projects focused on mmWave components, reconfigurable antennas, and nano-integration for smart wireless and radar applications. The trajectory shows a clear move from niche space hardware toward broader high-frequency electronics with strong emphasis on next-generation 5G/6G and satellite communication components.
RF Microtech is moving toward production-ready metamaterial and mmWave transceiver modules, positioning themselves for 5G/6G infrastructure and advanced radar/satcom supply chains.
How they like to work
RF Microtech operates primarily as a specialist partner rather than a consortium leader — four of five projects are as participant, with only one small coordinated project (SPACEFIT, EUR 50K via SME Instrument Phase 1). With 15 unique partners across 9 countries, they connect broadly across Europe rather than relying on repeat partnerships. This profile suggests a flexible technical contributor that integrates well into diverse consortia where specialized RF and microwave expertise is needed.
RF Microtech has collaborated with 15 distinct partners across 9 European countries, indicating a well-distributed network without heavy geographic concentration. For an SME of their size, this is a notably wide reach built through participation in mid-sized research and innovation consortia.
What sets them apart
RF Microtech combines deep RF/microwave hardware expertise with hands-on experience in nanomaterial integration — a rare combination among European SMEs. While many RF companies focus on either component design or material science, RF Microtech bridges both, making them a valuable partner for projects that need to take nano-enabled concepts from lab to functional transceiver modules. Their Perugia base also places them in Italy's strong microelectronics ecosystem with proximity to university research groups.
Highlights from their portfolio
- SMARTWAVELargest funding (EUR 205K) and broadest scope — combining metamaterials, phase shifters, radar, and satellite communications in a single project.
- NANOSMARTHighest individual funding (EUR 270K) and deepest dive into nano-scale components: NEMS switches, nano antennas, and 2D nanomaterial integration for wireless systems.
- SPACEFITTheir only coordinated project, demonstrating entrepreneurial initiative via the SME Instrument for space-grade dielectric waveguide filters.