Nanotechnology is one of the central key technologies of the 21st century. With nanotechnologies, materials with new characteristics can be realized via the exact determination of structures in the range between one nanometer and one thousand nanometer (one nanometer = one hundred parts per billion meters). The tuneable characteristics have a wide range and include for example electric, magnetic and optical characteristics or the mechanical strength. While being recognized as cross-sectional research field, the nanotechnology has an influence on major branches such as semi-conductor industry, automotive industry, biotechnology, chemical and medical engineering, sensor technology, environmental technology, aerospace industry, mechanical engineering and textiles industry. Nanotechnologies offer various application possibilities for innovative companies and chances for start-ups etc.

A leading position in the nanotechnology sector is essential for safeguarding the future potential of a highly developed economy such as in Bavaria. Especially in the research field, Bavaria is already ranking among the leading nanotechnology locations in Germany. In order to strengthen the interaction between industry and research in Bavaria, the Cluster Nanotechnology has been established within the Cluster Initiative Bavaria initiated by the Bavarian State Government.

Main objective of the Cluster Nanotechnology is the further development and strengthening of a stadewide competence network in the field of nanotechnolgy between industrial companies, universities, research institutes as well as service and venture capital providers. The focus shall be on the support of interdisciplinary research and the close cooperation between science and industry in order to guarantee a fast transfer of latest results of research into industrial applications. While nanotechnology is fascinating the young generation, the cluster sees this as an optimal opportunity to promote actively courses of studies for science and engineering science. Visit to schools with the ‘NanoShuttle’, advanced courses for teachers etc. offer to the Bavarian pupils the possibility to receive demonstrations of experiments with regard to nanotechnology or to conduct experiments on their own.

Visit us on occasion of ACHEMA, 18.-22.06. in Frankfurt/ Main www.achema.de

Cluster Nanotechnologie is participating in VDI-Technikmeile from 13.-14.07. in Nurmemberg www.technikmeile.de