Nanofair® 2003

For the second time already, nanotechnology experts from all over the world met for Nanofair, the joint nanotechnology symposium of the cities of Dresden, Karlsruhe and Strasbourg and the VDI, which was held this time in Dresden from Nov. 20 – 21, 2003. About 300 participants from 15 countries, a third of them being industry representatives, discussed new applications in the fields of electronics, optics, materials, automotive and life sciences. 80 exhibitors presented their projects in the accompanying technical exhibition.

Nanofair aims to bring together scientists and representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises for a discussion on the current level of nanotechnology and its further development. It is essential to start co-operations between research institutions and companies in order to benefit from the full potential of this rapidly growing technology.

Recognised experts representing for ex. the companies Infineon Technologies and AMD, had accepted to present papers at the symposium and they reported on the newest trends and developments in microelectronics which in many sectors have already turned into nanoelectronics. Life sciences are another sector where the application of nanotechnology methods is increasingly to be found. Biochips serving to detect specific molecules are one of the examples that were much discussed at Nanofair, just as biocompatible coatings improving the compatibility of implants.

Recognised experts representing for ex. the companies Infineon Technologies and AMD, had accepted to present papers at the symposium and they reported on the newest trends and developments in microelectronics which in many sectors have already turned into nanoelectronics. Life sciences are another sector where the application of nanotechnology methods is increasingly to be found. Biochips serving to detect specific molecules are one of the examples that were much discussed at Nanofair, just as biocompatible coatings improving the compatibility of implants.

Nanoporous polymer films for high-grade antireflecting coatings, nanolayers for new solar cells and for highly-brilliant OLED displays, nanoclusters allowing silicon based light emission in optical systems of the next generation: these are just a few of the applications of nanotechnology in the field of optics that were presented.

Co-organisers of Nanofair are the Economic Development Departments of the three cities, the nanotechnology centres of competence "Ultrathin Functional Films" Dresden and Nanomat Karlsruhe, the three cities’ universities and the “VDI-Kompetenzfeld Nanotechnologie”. As to the French side, the event is supported by ADIRA (Association de Développement du Bas-Rhin) and the universities of Strasbourg and Mulhouse.

In her opening speech the Federal Minister for Research, Edelgard Bulmahn, who, together with her French colleague Claudie Haigneré, assumed the patronage of the event, therefore explicitly welcomed the initiative taken by the three cities and the nanotechnology centres of competence to organise this joint international nanotechnology symposium.

She called Dresden an "excellent example of successful innovation policy" and said, "By giving specific support to innovation it has been possible to create in Dresden one of Europe’s most progressive technology regions. The field of nanoelectronics shows the leverage effect generated by the new technologies on the economy as a whole."

After her welcome speech at Nanofair she attended an event fitting the occasion: the laying of the foundation stone for AMD’s 300 mm-Fab-X in Dresden where structure sizes ranging from 65 nanometres to 32 nanometres are to be produced.

The pre-conference programme offered a variety of workshops, among others with partners from Korea and Italy, for ex. the 2nd German-Korean Workshop "Nanostructured Materials" or the workshop on "Cleaning in Nanocoating Technology".

The evening reception held at the “Transparent Factory” of the Volkswagen AG provided an opportunity for the guests to have an informal talk while enjoying piano music and a glass of wine. They also took pleasure in having a close look at the assembly of the Phaeton and in testing the conveniences of the VW luxury car.

Preparations for Nanofair 2004 are already in full swing. It will take place in Karlsruhe from November 23 - 24