The main principle of UNLOCK access is:

• subsidized access for academic users (excellent & open science)
• competitive rates for pay per use

UNLOCK’s facilities are accessible to both academic researchers and researchers from commercial entities. This dual accessibility can drive scientific discovery and practical applications, making UNLOCK a valuable resource for a wide range of users.

Using UNLOCK’s facilities can be more cost-effective than setting up and maintaining similar facilities independently. This is especially relevant for SMEs and startups that need high-quality research infrastructure without the associated high costs. UNLOCK is set up and maintained by microbial scientists from TU Delft and Wageningen University & Research, who are also at hand to provide expertise and technical support.

UNLOCK provides:

• Basic (subsidized) services:
  – interactive project design, training and basic analyses
  – user in charge of handling, operation & downstream analyses
  – basic flat fees + costs for consumables
• Supplementary services:
  – operation, analyses, interpretation by UNLOCK staff
  – additional sampling, online- and offline analyses, reporting
  – additional fees apply

Costs (indication*) basic services:

Biodiscovery Platform:
Academic users: basic fee € 93 / day per instrument
Commercial rate: € 454 / day per instrument

Modular Bioreactor Platform:
Academic users: basic fee € 36 / day per reactor or analytical equipment
Commercial rate: € 202 / day per reactor or analytical equipment

Parallel Cultivation Platform:
Academic users: Startup fee € 2500 + € 800 per reactor per month
Commercial rate: on request

Fair Data Platform:
Academic users: basic fee € 581 / day (€ 73 per hour) (This covers all services, including expert data stewardship advice based on FAIR principles. Compute hours are provided at no additional cost.)
Commercial rate: 2381 € per day (€ 298 per hour)

*these rates are provisional and will be customized in consultation with the user. Rates are also subject to changes such as new investments and inflation corrections.