AMPLE

Turning innovative ideas into real, testable prototypes is one of the biggest challenges faced by micro-enterprises. The gap between concept and pilot production often slows down innovation, limits competitiveness, and prevents new products from reaching emerging markets.

At the same time, makerspaces across the Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) region are rapidly evolving — offering increasingly advanced additive, subtractive, digital, and materials-processing tools. Yet these capabilities remain underused by the very innovators who could benefit most.

The new international AMPLE project (Advanced Makerspaces for Pilot production by micro-Enterprises) aims to close this gap by enabling micro-enterprises to efficiently move from ideation to pilot-scale production using next-generation makerspace technologies. The project will assemble, demonstrate, and operationalise a network of advanced tools — from robotics and laser processing to printed electronics — and support businesses through workshops, simulations, and hands-on prototyping.

Project Leader: Gerard O'Connor, University of Galway

For more information, please go to the project website.

AMPLE strengthens innovation capacity across the Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) by helping micro-enterprises move from early ideas to functional prototypes and pilot production. The project introduces and scales advanced makerspace tools — including additive/subtractive manufacturing, robotics, printed electronics, and laser processes — to support local, agile, and sustainable production across dispersed regions.

1. Position Advanced Makerspaces for Regional Innovation

AMPLE maps existing makerspace tools, materials, and expertise across Ireland, Finland, Iceland, and Norway, creating a technology atlas and technical value chain that shows where advanced tools exist and how they can be scaled. Surveys and focus groups with micro-enterprises confirm real prototyping needs, while simulation studies explore how autonomous digital tools can support future pilot-scale production.

2. Build the Micro-Enterprise – Makerspace Working Model

To reduce barriers that delay first prototypes, AMPLE delivers technical briefings, AI-supported online forums, and hands-on process challenges. Four transnational demonstrations will show how robotics, printed electronics, or laser tools solve real prototyping problems for micro-enterprises. These activities address both technical and non-technical obstacles such as design, safety, and scaling.

3. Demonstrate Long-Term Value Creation

Three pilot case studies will take concepts from ideation to prototype, each linked to social inclusion or wellbeing challenges in remote NPA communities. A Best Practice Operational Guide will capture workflow diagrams, checklists, and lessons learned on how to use advanced makerspaces effectively for early-stage production. Horizon scanning will outline future opportunities for regional innovation and climate-smart digital manufacturing.

Financed by: Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) Programme

Total Project Budget: €1.50 million

NPA Co-financing: €0.97 million

Project Start Date: 01 May 2025

Project End Date: 30 April 2028

University of Galway (Ireland) – Lead Partner
Lead coordinator; responsible for project management, laser-enabled manufacturing, materials and mechanical design, 3D printing, and developing the operational model for advanced makerspaces.
Also leads the creation of the technical value chain and scaling concepts for pilot production.

Associated partner

  • WoodWorks! Cluster (Norway) - Provides expertise in sustainable wood-based materials and contributes to the makerspace technical value chain.
     

Centria University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
Provides expertise in robotics, electronics, and advanced 3D printing.
Demonstrates robotic-assisted fabrication, extrusion of functional materials, and integration of embedded electronics into prototypes.

Associated partner

  • Business Oulu (Finland) - Supports regional enterprise engagement and connects micro-enterprises with the AMPLE makerspace network.
     

University of Iceland (Iceland)
Combines Fablab expertise with advanced digital fabrication and stretchable electronics.
Contributes to simulation studies, wearables development, and perspectives on community-based makerspace operation.

Associated Partners

  • Icelandic Textile Center (Iceland) - Offers facilities and expertise in textiles and wearables; supports innovators through online technical forums.
  • IceTec – Tæknisetur ehf (Iceland) - Technical support organisation bridging industry and research; contributes to value chain mapping and operational model development.
     

Oulu University of Applied Sciences – OAMK (Finland)
Expert in printed intelligence and hybrid electronics.
Develops printed sensors (temperature, humidity, strain, electrochemical), contributes to materials testing, and supports case study implementation.
 

FutureCast (Ireland)
Industry-oriented innovation centre advancing digital construction and smart manufacturing.
Links makerspace technologies to micro-enterprises in the built environment and promotes sustainable prototyping practices.
 

 

Partner at the University of Iceland
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