Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about accessing labs and testing infrastructure through SuperLab.
General
6SuperLab helps innovative companies find and access the research infrastructure, testing capabilities and technical expertise they need across Europe. Describe your R&D challenge, and SuperLab helps identify relevant capabilities and connect you with the right research organisations, labs and technology providers.
Start by describing what you are trying to develop, test, validate or scale. You do not need to know which machine or laboratory you need. SuperLab translates your challenge into technical requirements, identifies relevant capabilities and helps coordinate the next steps with suitable providers.
SuperLab is built for startups, SMEs and R&D teams developing new technologies that need external testing, validation, prototyping, characterization, scale-up capabilities or specialist expertise.
An innovator is a startup, SME or R&D team developing a new technology that needs external testing, validation, prototyping, characterization, scale-up capabilities or specialist expertise. Innovators use SuperLab to find and access the R&D capabilities they need.
A provider is a research organisation, lab or technology provider that makes its equipment, testing services, facilities, pilot lines or technical expertise available to innovators through SuperLab.
SuperLab connects companies with research and technology infrastructure across Europe. Our network includes organisations such as VITO, TNO, Flanders Make and other research and technology providers, while our discovery technology can identify relevant capabilities beyond the existing SuperLab network.
For innovators
8No. You can start with the technical challenge you are trying to solve. SuperLab helps translate your project into technical requirements and identify the equipment, facilities, services or expertise that could help.
SuperLab can help with needs such as materials characterization, mechanical and environmental testing, electronics testing, prototyping, manufacturing, process development, scale-up, certification preparation and other specialized R&D activities. The exact capabilities depend on your technical requirements.
SuperLab is not limited to a fixed catalogue. If a suitable capability is not already in our network, our discovery technology can search for relevant research infrastructure and technology providers across Europe.
Yes. If your request is still exploratory, SuperLab can help structure the technical requirements before searching for relevant capabilities. Final testing methods, standards and feasibility are confirmed together with the selected provider.
SuperLab looks beyond keywords. Matching considers technical requirements such as materials, processes, dimensions, operating conditions, measurement needs, standards and other project constraints. The provider then confirms final technical feasibility.
Yes. SuperLab can help identify facilities and organisations with relevant testing or certification capabilities. Whether a specific provider can perform accredited or certification-grade testing depends on the required standard and is confirmed with the provider.
Yes. SuperLab is designed to help companies access external R&D capabilities without requiring an academic affiliation.
Yes. You can initially describe your challenge at the level needed to identify potential providers. More sensitive technical information can be shared later under the appropriate confidentiality arrangements with the provider.
Working with providers
5You can review the proposed capability and indicate your interest. SuperLab then helps connect you with the provider, clarify technical requirements and coordinate the steps needed to determine feasibility, scope, timing and commercial terms.
It depends on the complexity of the project and the provider's availability. Straightforward testing can move quickly, while specialized projects may require technical discussions, sample preparation, safety reviews or a custom scope before access can be confirmed.
Pricing depends on the provider, equipment or service, project duration, required technical support and other project requirements. Where standard pricing is available it can be shown directly; more complex projects may require a quotation from the provider.
This depends on the capability. Some facilities provide equipment access with on-site support, while others perform testing or R&D work as a service. SuperLab helps clarify the appropriate access model with the provider.
Ownership and usage rights depend on the provider and project. These terms are agreed before the work starts and are documented in the applicable agreement or contract.
For providers
6SuperLab helps research organisations make their capabilities easier for companies to discover and brings relevant R&D opportunities to the right teams. The goal is to reduce the business-development and coordination effort required to work with external companies.
Providers can make equipment, testing services, facilities, pilot lines and technical expertise discoverable through SuperLab. Capabilities can range from individual instruments to complete R&D or testing services.
Not necessarily. SuperLab can help structure capabilities from existing information such as facility webpages and documentation, which your team can then review and approve.
SuperLab identifies R&D projects and companies whose technical needs could match your capabilities. Potential opportunities are qualified for relevance before progressing toward an introduction.
No. Providers remain in control. Your team can review opportunities and decide whether the project fits your capabilities, availability and commercial requirements.
The provider remains responsible for its pricing and project-specific commercial conditions. SuperLab helps coordinate the interaction between the company and provider.
Still have a question?
We'll get back to you within 1–2 business days.
ani@mysuperlab.net