Sourcing Innovation
York Probe Sources create new products and jobs with help from a PAPI grant
York Probe Sources (YPS) was founded as a spin-out company from the University of York in 1997 by Professor Mohamed El-Gomati. YPS manufacture and develop innovative products used inside electron microscopes and other scientific instruments for high-resolution imaging. They also supply turnkey solutions for customers with bespoke requirements.
YPS builds and supplies electron emitters for a wide range of machines including electron microprobes, e-beam lithography, and other e-beam instruments. YPS also provides bespoke solutions for customers requiring electron optical devices for numerous platforms and end-user requirements.
Their PAPI grant unlocked an overhaul of their processes, creating highly-innovative new, specialist services and jobs.
Innovation
YPS approached PAPI with a clear business plan; they sought to move from a small-scale 'artisanal' approach, towards a more medium-scale manufacturing position, by enhancing aspects of their manufacturing process with modern production systems and tooling to deliver efficient and significantly improved turnaround times. These new methods sought to improve production yield, strengthen quality assurance procedures, and reduce overall unit costs. The result of this activity was expected to significantly increase the company’s chances of securing contracts with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Business growth
The company was awarded a £20,000 PAPI grant, which helped them purchase equipment to modernise their manufacturing processes. This included a high magnification optical microscope, precision alignment tooling, and a parallel production system.
The new equipment allowed YPS to undertake dedicated R&D activity to devise solutions for a wider range of instrument manufacturers and models. The grant also allowed them to create one new job.
YPS continues to serve the marketplace with high quality solutions, whilst simultaneously investing and engaging in R&D to retain their position as a market-leading science-led solution provider.
PAPI funding supported us to develop new products and services, in which we convert and upgrade older electron microscopes to a higher specification for university laboratories and small and emerging industries worldwide.