February 2008

More than just good ideas:
Saarland’s new journal on nanotechnology makes tiny particles really big

Empowering Nano is the new journal on nanotechnology which appears quarterly with fascinating reports on innovations in the field of nanotechnology in Saarland, world leader in the sector: for example, on THE END OF GRAFFITI thanks to 95%-effective protection against the sprayed markings or on INTELLIGENT WINDOWS which adjust to the outside temperature at the press of a button. These have already become reality in the INM laboratory. Saarland Empowering Nano, the network linking nanotechnology companies, INM - the Leibniz Institute for New Materials and gwSaar - the Saarland Economic Promotion Corporation, issued the first publication in November 2007. The second edition subsequently appeared in February 2008.

www.empower-nano.com

Saarland Empowering Nano is an open platform for Saarland’s nanotechnology and for its applications and products. Having already developed a marketing concept, the initiative plans joint public relations operations and opens up marketing prospects. It also organises events and conferences on the subject.

Peter Hauptmann from gwSaar explains: “We promote the technology and project a positive image for the location. Through our events in Germany and abroad we open up new markets for our companies, at the same time establishing targeted contacts with companies from a diverse range of industries and sectors in order to interest them in Saarland – also as a location for investment. Additionally, we launch projects of public interest in order to promote the new technology in Saarland itself.”

The enormous economic potential for nanotechnology was recognised from the very beginning in the Saar region. Meanwhile, there are over a dozen companies with a workforce of almost 1,000 engaged in this field.  Added advantages are the proverbial short distances and the committed support of government policy. The companies are young but have all found their market, having already achieved remarkable success in serving a diverse range of industries with their high-tech products. They all feel a strong attachment to the location – and that has made them join forces.

The significance of the nanotechnology location Saarland by global standards

“Saarland’s Nanotechnology holds a leading position worldwide.  It would be difficult to find any other region in the world with such a mix of ground-breaking research and products. In fact, that can now be said for the location as a whole”, emphasises Jochen Flackus from INM.

Around 200 patents, as well as an international presence in Japan, Korea and the USA, speak for themselves.  Global players such as Siemens, Samsung, PPG Industries und many more come, to Saarland in search of our know-how. “We’re invited to conferences and workshops abroad and, even though we are one of the smaller federal states in Germany, we are in competition with national economies many times greater in size than us. In other words: We are playing a central role on the international stage,” maintains Thomas Schuck, Managing Director of gwSaar.

The nanotechnology location Saarland 2015

Nanotechnology has not as yet found its way into mass production in all areas. But the initiators are confident: “It’s bound to happen!“  - And then there is an increase in employment figures, in the number of companies and in turnover to be expected. The potential in nanotechnology for existing industries is enormous. Consequently, it is not only nanotechnology which will grow but also traditional industrial sectors which will gain a competitive advantage through nano brilliance.  This means that Saarland Empowering Nano will be creating many permanent jobs in the area. In the process, a key role will be played by the availability of qualified personnel. Hauptmann comments: “We’re working on that, too – together.”

Point of contact
Peter Hauptmann
Telephone: +49 0681 / 9965 400
E-Mail  Peter Hauptmann

gwSaar Saarland Economic Promotion Corporation
www.invest-in-saarland.com