FROM IDEA TO PROTOTYPE: MASTERING LAB-ON-A-CHIP TECHNOLOGY
This Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program offers a hands-on journey into the development of Lab-on-a-Chip devices, guiding participants from initial concept to a fully functional prototype. Participants will gain practical skills in microfluidic system design, flow modeling using finite element simulations, and prototype fabrication, employing techniques such as photolithography, stereolithography, laser ablation, and 3D printing. The program also addresses prototype testing, parameter measurement, and system validation, providing a comprehensive overview of the complete development process in an international and collaborative learning environment.
The first phase of the program is conducted online, providing a strong foundation for the hands-on project week in Budapest. During the on-site project week at the Biomicrofluidics Lab of the Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics of Pázmány Péter Catholic University, participants will apply their acquired knowledge in a dynamic, collaborative setting.
MAIN INFO
Course name: LAB-ON-A-CHIP FOR BIOMEDICAL USE 2026
Credit value: 3 ECTS
Application deadline: 15 April 2026, CLOSED
Online phase: 22 - 26 June 2026
Project week: 29 June - 03 July 2026
Venue of the Project week: Práter utca 50/A, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
Required level of English: minimum B2
Recommended OS: Windows
Target Group: The program is open to Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD students.
Background requirements: Biomedical Engineering, Physics Engineering, Chemical and Food Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Environmental and Land Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related fields.
ONLINE PHASE
Monday, June 22 (14:00–16:00) | 🖥️ MS Teams:
Welcome and introduction to the programme, Introduction of the students: Who? Why? What?
Tuesday, June 23 | 🎥 On-Demand Video Learning:
Fundamentals of fluid dynamics in microfluidic systems, Basic principles and mechanisms, key components of microfluidic devices.
Wednesday, June 24 | 🎥 On-Demand Video Learning:
Silicon fabrication: photolithography, microfabrication, bonding.
Thursday, June 25 | 🎥 On-Demand Video Learning:
Plastic fabrication: materials, microfabrication, bonding.
Friday, June 26 (14:00–16:00) | 🖥️ MS Teams:
Project consultation, Defining main parameter of the lab-on-a-chip device.
PROJECT WEEK
Monday, June 29 (08:30-16:00) | Introduction and design of microfluidic cartridges:
Welcome, registration, introduction, lab tour and safety protocols; Brainstorming, project planning, definition of main parameters; Introduction to CAD software for microfluidic design. Hands-on session: Designing microfluidic cartridges for specific applications (group exercise), design optimization of cartridges (reviewing parameters like flow channels, valves, and reservoirs)
Tuesday, June 30 (08:30-16:00) | Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations:
Introduction to CFD simulations for microfluidics; Setting up a CFD model: simulation of flow in microfluidic cartridges; Hands-on CFD session: simulating designed microfluidic cartridges (analyzing flow rates, pressure drops, and fluid behavior).
Wednesday, July 01 (08:30-16:00) | Cartridge fabrication:
Overview of fabrication techniques for microfluidic cartridges (3D Printing, Soft Lithography, etc.); Hands-on fabrication: 3D printing and soft lithography of microfluidic cartridges; Assembly of microfluidic components (focus on sealing and bonding techniques for the cartridge).
Thursday, July 02 (08:30-16:00) | Experimental Setup & Testing:
Introduction to the microfluidic platform: setup and control; Installing and testing microfluidic cartridges on the platform; Running initial experiments: testing fluid flow, mixing, and separation in cartridges.
Friday, July 03 (08:30-14:00) | Presentations and feedback:
Final project demonstrations; Feedback and Wrap-up.
BIP PARTICIPANTS
Steps for participation:
- Contact your home university's International Office to inquire about the application period and selection criteria for this BIP.
- Apply for an Erasmus+ grant at your home university.
- Application deadline: April 14, 2026
- Selected applicants will be notified by the end of April.
Financial Information:
- BIP Workshop Participation is free of charge.
- Travel, accommodation, and meal expenses are to be covered by the participant's own Erasmus+ grant.
- Pázmány ITK offers dormitory accommodation at a very reasonable rate and provides social programmes.
SELF-FUNDED PARTICIPANTS
Steps for participation:
-
Please purchase your participation via the University’s official webshop
https://webshop.ppke.hu/en/kepzes-itk/ by selecting one of the following options:
- BIP Workshop Participation Fee – 125 EUR
(includes participation in the workshop only) - BIP Workshop Participation Fee (including social events) – 200 EUR
(includes workshop participation and the full social programme: gala dinner, Danube river cruise, and folk dance evening)
- BIP Workshop Participation Fee – 125 EUR
- After payment, please send the proof of payment (invoice issued by the University) to the International Office at: international.office@itk.ppke.hu
- Application deadline: April 30, 2026
Financial Information:
- Travel and daily meals are not included in the participation fee and must be covered by the participants.
- Accommodation is available in the University’s dormitory in double or triple rooms. The fee for the full duration of the BIP is 40,000 HUF (approx. 100-110 EUR). Please let us know if you require dormitory accommodation.