Cluster Nanotechnology

© Cluster Nanotechnology

High expectations for increased value of nanotechnology have, in recent years, become reality. There hardly exists an economic sector that today does not profit from innovation in nanotechnology: optics, electronics, engineering, chemistry, health, textile industry, environmental technology, packaging industry, construction chemistry, etc. As a key technology of the 21st century, nanotechnology now functions as one of the major global drivers of innovation and has initiated new products, product features and characteristics as well as cutting-edge production and solution processes. The state of Bavaria ranks among the leading nanotechnology hubs in Europe and the Cluster Nanotechnology functions as an important actor here. It fosters efficient interconnectedness between business, academia, politics and teaching and strengthens knowledge and technology transfer between stakeholders from science and industry. For the implementation of innovation processes, mid-sized businesses are central. Hence, the work within the cluster focalises small and medium-sized enterprises and aims at stimulating and realising concrete research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) projects. With strong ties to its Bavarian roots, the cluster is also active in networks and projects on national and international levels.

Focus Areas

The cluster’s primary task is realising the high potential that lies in the pioneering sector of nanotechnology. Aspects crucial for the work in the nanotechnology cluster are, among others: introduction of innovative process technologies, cost-effective inclusion of existing production processes, technology-oriented project management and customer-oriented innovation management, as well as effective utilisation and transfer of interdisciplinary synergies.

Core Competencies

The Cluster Nanotechnology’s core competencies include:

• initialisation, support and coordination of projects and thorough project management
• customised workshops on innovation
• initialisation and management of nanotechnology networks
• promotion of cooperation between R&D institutions and industrial users
• assistance for project proposals
• support in application-oriented research
• feasibility studies and market analyses
• international research marketing
• execution of seminars, workshops, and trade fair participation
• knowledge acquisition and preparation of material on nanotechnology issues
• open discussion on chances and risks