Finland and China team up in nanotechnology
NanoChina
Finland's national nanotech initiative (FinNano) is rapidly advancing on the international scene. After kickstarting cooperation with Russia last week, FinNano is now sowing seeds in China.
Finland is a leading partner in the Europan Union's nanotech group NMT, and directs the EU's material technology group MATERA.
The partners in Finland–China NAMI cooperation aim to create world class research and put Sino–F innish nanotech products on the market together by 2010.
The Chinese Minister of Science and Technology (MOST) Dr. Wan Gang and Vice Minister Dr. Shang Yong joined in the celebration of the opening of China International Nanotech Innovation Cluster (CINIC) in Suzhou on Saturday. Finland has set foot in Suzhou, signing agreements for nanotechnology development and commercialisation.
Mr. Juho Rissanen, the Beijing representative of Tekes and counsellor of science and technology at the Embassy of Finland, gave an opening speech in Chinese informing the new MOST Minister on the current status of Finland-China nanotech cooperation. Dr. Markku Lämsä, who leads Finland's nanotech programme, signed a cooperation agreement with Suzhou nanotech cluster. Represented by Mr. Jaani Heinonen of Tekes Shanghai office and the Consulate General of Finland, the Finnish Technical Research Centre VTT also signed a cooperation agreement with Suzhou.
"The willingness to team up and the amount of joint projects proposed clearly show the demand for deeper collaboration between China and Finland in the area of nanotechnology. The Sino–Finnish NAMI Nanotech Program can also positively increase the exchange of know-how between the European Union and China", says Dr. Lämsä.
The China–Finland NAMI (Nanotechnology Strategic Mutual Cooperation Initiative) was signed in Beijing in January 2007, and more than 30 project proposals and expressions of interest have been collected so far. The first cooperation projects under the NAMI programme have been launched in October.
Finland is the first country to sign a national level strategic cooperation agreement with China on nanotechnology. The new Finnish technology programme on functional materials, with a budget of 200 million euros, was introduced to the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology last Monday in Beijing. It is expected that still more cooperation projects will be generated under this new programme, to be implemented under the NAMI framework. Both the national nanotech programme and functional materials programme are funded and directed by Tekes, and coordinated by Spinverse Inc., a private Finnish technology consultancy.
Ambitious objectives for cooperation
Finland–China NAMI cooperation aims at increasing the competitiveness of industrial sectors in the two countries. The industries include information and communication technologies, pulp and paper, chemicals, metals and other materials, diagnostics and healthcare. The production of energy using new technologies such as solar cell and fuel cells may also be considered.
In Finland, nanotechnology is one of the focus areas of national innovation policy, with extensive public and private investments. The Finnish Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Programme FinNano is a coordinated action on a national level to increase the expertise in science and technology. Finnish public funding organisations are investing more than 120 million euros in nanoscience and nanotechnology programmes between 2005 and 2010.
Launch of Joint BMBF "Nanoanalysis" Project for Chip Development
From Nanoforum
DRESDEN, OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 06.11.2007.
The companies AMD, Carl Zeiss SMT and Qimonda are launching a cooperation within the framework of the joint “Nanoanalysis“ project which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with a sum of 12 million euros. The partners are working together on new analytical and characterization methods required for the development of the next chip generation. This strengthens the competency of the Dresden microelectronics site, particularly in the fields of semiconductor analysis and metrology.
As announced today by Dr. Wolf-Dieter Lukas, Head of the BMBF Department “Key Technologies – Research for Innovations“, the strategic setup and expansion of microelectronics competency centers is an important goal of the BMBF IKT2020 program. “Only by setting targeted priorities in research funding will we succeed in maintaining Dresden’s leading role in high-tech chip production and in further expanding it through such innovative approaches as here in the field of nanoanalysis.“
The newly founded “Carl Zeiss Innovation Center Dresden“ is an important module within the joint “Nanoanalysis“ project. Here, ultrahigh resolution particle beam systems are being installed which use electron and ion beams instead of light. These systems enable the imaging, analysis and processing of specimens down to the level of individual atoms. In this way, they are playing a decisive role in the characterization of three-dimensional semiconductor structures and in the development of new materials for chip fabrication. “With its Innovation Center, Carl Zeiss SMT is becoming involved in ‘Silicon Saxony’, Europe’s leading microelectronics cluster. Not only is the cluster being strengthened in its function as a research location, but the ongoing development of the local semiconductor industry is also being promoted”, explains Dr. Dirk Stenkamp, Member of the Carl Zeiss SMT Board of Management.
“As a manufacturer of innovative microprocessors, we are faced with the challenge of producing increasingly complex structures with smaller and smaller dimensions and with maximum yield“, says Dr. Udo Nothelfer, Vice President AMD Fab 36. “Therefore, process control at an atomic level plays a key role. Through our joint work in the Carl Zeiss Innovation Center Dresden, we have access to leading edge electron and ion microscopes and believe we can therefore further accelerate the introduction of new technologies. The experience gained in industrial utilization may be incorporated at an early stage in the development of future analytical systems.“
“With the structure dimensions now achieved, current storage cells can only be seen under the electron microscope“, says Frank Prein,
Managing Director Qimonda Dresden and Senior Vice President Technology Qimonda. “Only through the consistent enhancement of the analytical and measuring methods will it be possible to master the future challenges posed by the development and production of state-of-the-art storage technologies. Through the diversified integration of research partners, Qimonda will use the excellence of the research location for its technology competency center in Dresden within the framework of the joint ‘Nanoanalysis’ project and expand and strengthen its scientific network.“
In addition to the cooperation partners AMD and Qimonda, the “Carl Zeiss Innovation Center Dresden“ is available to all interested firms and institutes in the Dresden area. In particular, all partners of “Silicon Saxony”, e.g. the Dresden Technical University or the Fraunhofer Center Nanoelectronic Technologies CNT, can resolve application problems in the field of nanotechnology.
Faster and more efficient thanks to "defects"
From Nanoforum
Smaller, faster, more efficient: BASF research scientists are helping to revolutionize the future world of telecommunications - with the aid of three-dimensional photonic crystals. In a three-year project, BASF is researching into the development of these crystals together with partners such as Hanover Laser Center, Thales Aerospace Division, Photon Design Ltd., the Technical University of Denmark and the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications de Bretagne. joint ‘Nanoanalysis’ project and expand and strengthen its scientific network.“
Monday, 17 December 2007
Nanotech Week European News
From Nanowerk
Nanogate AG was named overall winner of this year’s STEP Award yesterday evening. The prestigious award was made in recognition of the Saarbrücken-based nanotechnology company’s innovation and growth. The presentation ceremony was a gala event held on the fiftieth floor of the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt. The award is worth €100,000.
Nanogate AG made the running to win the overall award from among many top-class international applicants. The STEP Award, made by the F.A.Z.-Institut, Infraserv Höchst and many well-known sponsors, goes to SME growth companies in innovative fields ranging from pharmaceuticals, chemicals, life science, biotechnolgy, nanotechnology and materials management to renewable energy. They must be committed to the “spirit to expand” and have great future potential. The award, which is worth €100,000, is intended to give outstanding companies a major boost to help them achieve further positive development. The €50,000 cash component will influence the company’s result positively in financial year 2007.
Nanogate AG, a listed company, convinced an independent jury of representatives of business and scientific research with its innovative products and high-growth development. In recent years Nanogate AG has developed into a leading international enabler in the field of chemical nanotechnology and remains on course for success. As a product enhancer and partner in innovation Nanogate offers its customers numerous services along the value chain: from development and production of innovative nanocomposites and material systems to strong support for innovation and product integration.
The award was presented and speeches were made by Roland Mohr, general manager of Infraserv Höchst, and Volker Sach, general manager of the F.A.Z.-Institut. Nanogate CEO Ralf Zastrau accepted it. It consists of €50,000 in cash and an extensive service package of equivalent value that will support the company in its forthcoming growth phase.
“We are very proud to have won the overall STEP Award prize this year,” Ralf Zastrau said. He was delighted that the jury had shown appreciation of his company’s profitable growth and sustainable development. “In our work we create on a daily basis product and application innovations that give our customers a clear competitive edge,” he said. “In recent years we have made Nanogate a powerful market participant and are now extending our international profile significantly. This award made in recognition of our commitment is an extra motivation and we are delighted with this
support in implementing our company’s next phase.”
See Press Release 3i, 2006
White Paper - VCs to Nanotech: Don't Call Us
From Cientifica
For a sector predicted to be a trillion dollar market, there is a decided lack of private equity investor interest. Despite a massive public investment program totalling over US$18 billion, venture capitalists in 2005 invested only 0.14% of their funds in nanotech related companies.
Please click here.
Nanotech Week World News in Brief
From Small Times
Oxford Instruments to equip new UK lab
December 13, 2007 -- Oxford Instruments has received an order for nine process tool systems worth more than £2.5m ($5m) to equip a new cleanroom facility at the University of Southampton in the UK, the company announced in a news release.
The new Mountbatten research complex will serve the School of Electronics and Computer Science and the Optoelectronics Research Centre. Completion of the new building is anticipated for summer 2008.
The nine systems will provide the university with capabilities in research and development of novel nanoelectronic, MEMS and photonic devices. The order includes both plasma etch and deposition tools, with two Plasmalab System100 ICP etch tools, two Plasmalab80Plus open-loading RIE tools and two PlasmalabSystem100 PECVD tools, plus a number of Oxford Instruments' newest products: a FlexAL plasma/thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) tool, a Nanofab nanowire and nanotube growth tool, and a large-chamber Ionfab ion beam system.
Nanostellar, World Gold pan for success in automotive catalysts
December 11, 2007 -- World Gold Council (WGC), the organization responsible for driving global demand for gold, and Nanostellar Inc., a developer of emission control technologies, have formed a partnership to introduce gold into the auto catalyst market.
The WGC has invested in Nanostellar to facilitate the commercialization and marketing of gold based technology that could increase industrial demand for gold.
Recently proclaimed a 2008 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, Nanostellar has developed a new product, NS Gold, a catalyst formulation for use in the automotive industry that for the first time includes gold alongside traditional platinum and palladium metals.
Gold enables manufacturers of light and heavy-duty diesel engines to reduce noxious emissions by as much as 40 percent more than existing pure platinum catalysts, enabling significant savings for automotive manufacturers, according to the WGC.
Indian nanotech students report no real classes
December 6, 2007 -- More than a year after the fanfare-filled launch of the National Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the University of Madras in India, its first 11 students are still waiting to receive a nanotech education, according to a report in the Indian newspaper The Hindu.
"From July to mid-September, we didn't have any class at all," the paper quoted one student as saying. "We were sitting under the trees, we didn't even have a classroom."
Another student told the paper that the center, which had promised to attract Nobel laureates, had not hired any staff.
The center has "drafted" a few staff members from other departments, but none of them are familiar with nanotechnology and are trying to teach the students based on Internet downloads.
"Not one professor is an expert in the nanotech field," one student told the paper.
Saudi Arabia announces plans for nanotech institute
December 3, 2007 -- Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has approved a proposal to create a nanotechnology institute, which will be named after him, at a facility in Riyadh.
The institute will serve as an advanced technology research center for King Saud University.
"The future of the country depends on its youth, which in turn depends on human resources development," said Prince Naif in announcing King Abdullah's initiative. "The scientific community must exert more effort to train and qualify the Saudi youth."
Australian nanotech institute, Dow announce alliance
November 30, 2007 -- The University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) and The Dow Chemical Company have announced a research alliance that will focus on two key areas: biomimicry and developing new manufacturing systems using biofeedstocks.
"Escalating oil costs and concerns about carbon dioxide emissions make it imperative to develop new manufacturing processes based on renewable substrates rather than diminishing fossil fuels," Peter Gray, AIBN's director, said in a news release.
"Scientific advances in the biosciences, have enabled researchers to genetically reprogram bacteria to produce the chemical building blocks of the future.
Andrew Liveris, Dow's chairman and CEO, said going back to nature was a further step forward in Dow's sustainable chemistry initiative.
"This alliance will help Dow to find more resource efficient ways to deliver even better products to markets and is a marvelous example of how the human element can work with nature to drive strategic growth at a company like Dow."
AIBN has more than 300 researchers housed in a new building complemented by an extensive suite of facilities.
Survey reports perceptions of nanotech impact by public, scientists
November 26, 2007 -- The unknown human health and environmental impacts of nanotechnology are a bigger worry for scientists than for the public, according to a new report published November 25 in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. Still, scientists worrying about negative potential are a minority among their peers.
The report was based on a national telephone survey of American households and a sampling of 363 leading U.S. nanotechnology scientists and engineers. It reveals that those with the most insight into nanotechnologies are unsure whether they might pose health and environmental problems.
"Scientists aren't saying there are problems," says the study's lead author Dietram Scheufele, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor of life sciences communication and journalism. "They're saying, 'we don't know. The research hasn't been done.'"
The new findings are in stark contrast to controversies sparked by the advent of technologies of the past such as nuclear power and genetically modified foods, which scientists perceived as having lower risks than did the public.
At the root of the information disconnect, explains Scheufele, who conducted the survey with Elizabeth Corley at Arizona State University, is that nanotechnology is only now starting to emerge on the nation's policy agenda. "In the long run, this information disconnect could undermine public support for federal funding in certain areas of nanotechnology research," says Corley.
"Nanotechnology is starting to emerge on the policy agenda, but with the public, it's not on their radar," says Scheufele. "That's where we have the largest communication gap."
While scientists are generally optimistic about the potential benefits of nanotechnology, they expressed significantly more concern about pollution and new health problems related to the technology. Potential health problems were in fact the highest rated concern among scientists, Scheufele notes. Twenty percent of the scientists responding to the survey indicated a concern that new forms of nanotechnology pollution may emerge, while only 15 percent of the public thought that might be a problem. More than 30 percent of scientists expressed concern that human health may be at risk from the technology, while just 20 percent of the public held such fears.
Of more concern to the American public, according to the Nature Nanotechnology report, are a potential loss of privacy from tiny new surveillance devices and the loss of more U.S jobs. Those fears were less of a concern for scientists.
While scientists wonder about the health and environmental implications of the new technology, their ability to spark public conversation seems to be limited, Scheufele says. "Scientists tend to treat communication as an afterthought. They're often not working with social scientists, industry or interest groups to build a channel to the public," he says.
The good news for scientists, Scheufele explains, is that of all sources of nanotechnology information, they are the most trusted by the public.
"I think the public wants to know more. The applications are out there and that concern gap has to be addressed," Scheufele argues. "The climate for having that discourse is perfect. There is definitely a huge opportunity for scientists to communicate with a public who trusts them."
Friday, 7 December 2007
Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanotechnologies Research
7th December 2007
Following last week's IoN conference, the ENTA has posted the following response on its website:
Agenda
1. Nanotechnology has a huge potential with many benefits. Industry acknowledges concerns of potential risks of nanotechnology and any relevant regulatory regimes arising in the future could be welcomed provided they are rational, appropriate, take a balanced view of benefit VS risk and will assist industry to develop nanotechnology responsibly.
Industry is committed to building trust of the public through transparent engagement while assisting governments in delivering economic, social and environmental impacts as outlined in the scheme.
ENTA has a core value which states, “We must be responsible custodians of this exciting branch of science and ensure a fair framework that enables the EU to compete effectively on the world stage.” The Code of Conduct must not allow for the disproportionate application of the precautionary principle as in many applications, the Precautionary Principle may cause more harm than it alleviates.
2. ENTA welcomes this initiative as it encourages a responsible strategy and good governance of nanotechnology. However the safe development of nanotechnologies must provide scientific and sound data that meet policy objectives. Policy should not be driven by unsubstantiated risk concerns that have a high level of emotional appeal. Research would ideally be addressed by multidisciplinary teams. Against this background, what research is needed to allow the safe, sustainable and profitable development of the field of nanotechnology? ENTA recommends:
· More application driven funding for nanotechnology
· Less fragmented networks and more consolidation of efforts
· More training and communication activities
· Guidance on successfully implementing self-sustaining framework projects
There is also a desire to capitalise on FP6 and FP7 funding.
Also more clarity is desired regarding the “Open Forum” and term “use” of nanotechnologies should not be included in the Code of Conduct as the Code relates to research only.
3. ENTA welcomes the principles outlined by the Code of Conduct; however the final document should not include wording that implies the presumption of risk.
Many scientists agree that there was no special reason to suggest that products using nanotechnologies would be dangerous. ENTA members are working hard to provide consumers with safe products that are beneficial and meet societal needs and ENTA members ensure new nanotechnologies are developed in a safe and responsible manner.
The formation and implementation of a well-considered management strategy is critical.
4. Research should be conducted in all areas that lead to innovative products and devices which have the potential to greatly benefit society.
5. ENTA is happy to participate in follow-up measures and also participating in debates. The dialogue must be open, honest and continual and handled properly from the very earliest stages of nanotechnology commercialisation. Therefore it is vital for every company to clearly define and explain to stakeholders what is "nano" about their application, why it makes sense (benefits!) and how it relates to former technologies and solutions.
Sustainability, safety, and communication are also issues for SMEs and open debate about good H&S practices, information, communication, promotions and disclosure will become important issues for SMEs.
6. ENTA’s members would be balloted to determine this.
Investing in Medical Nanotechnologies II - Review
7th December 2007
Sponsors:
Mti
Marks&Clerk Solicitors
List of speakers
The Institute of Nanotechnology (IoN) held its second conference on investment in medical nanotechnologies at the Royal College of Surgeons, London.
The purpose of the two day event (28th-29th November) was to bring together companies, investors, entrepreneurs, authorities and medical professionals interested in the unique benefits (of) nanomedicine.
Among the following issues raised were:
Funding
Codes of conduct
The term Nanotechnology
In the Netherlands, concerns have been raised over foreign VC investment. Dr. Elaine Schutte (Signifix) spoke of the loss of investment when an idea/SME has received further (private) investment outside its own territory, e.g. the United States. The result can mean the eventual move of infrastructure. Currently, the Dutch governments’ grant funding is € 25 million.
Renzo Tomellini, Head of the Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Unit (EU Commission) stated nearly €1.4billion in EU funding has been invested in more than 500 projects. He recognises the “financial gap between this (EU) and private funding.”
Pharmaceuticals
Professor Clive Washington’s (AstraZeneca, UK) talk included low strategies and early and late buying-in: “There are low strategies in nanotechnology within the pharmaceutical industry as opposed to other market segments. He stressed the importance of securing IP from the beginning, after “identifying the therapeutic target.”
When to buy-in?
Washington recommends shortening the average industry timeline of nine years (discovery, preclinical, etc) within the pharmaceutical industry in order to have a strong impact on drug delivery.
Early: quickly register IP; in-house resources; people, etc. The result, “IP can expire before product comes through.” Late: “low loss. Someone else’s shareholders have made the losses.”
Washington gave the following examples of new technologies: Bio Pharmaceutical and Advanced Drug Delivery. “The (Advanced Drug Delivery) industry currently has no well-defined formulation discovering” process.
This is the “gateway to attract funding.” Washington stated that “technical developments are done by start-ups and spin-offs.” And that “Critical Partnering” is crucial in helping to further develop a product. IP is hard to pin down for formulations and drug patents re: “nanosimilar products”; when they are structured the same as others.
What is the future of nanomedicine?
Working practices should enable the development of both molecules and formulation. In the past the industry has been accused of inflexibility however this is rapidly changing. Start-ups need to be supported, “getting sales people out there”, have the “marketing set up.”
Currently the range of products and services are diverse. It was said that some of these advancements have been around for up to ten years, but they have not reached the market. Time and again, many of the speakers stressed the importance of the outcome being the benefits to the patient.
There are neither specific regulations nor guidance in the pharmaceutical area re: nanoparticles. Robert Geertsma (RIVM) discussed the need for a new classification rule for “free nanoparticles.” The UK has a volunteer scheme although he said “it’s not been successful.”
Geertsma suggested a Volunteer Reporting Scheme (VRS) and to develop a regulatory guidance. He hopes there will be one “especially as there are combination products; “safety with availability of innovation” when using nanotechnology.
At one point his talk became a heated debate between Geertsma himself and a member of the audience as to the different health impacts and risks of nano particles and the term nanotechnology itself. Geertsma thought it was important to talk about all the risks of nanoparticles, products and technology.
The audience member raised the importance of public perception and the term nanotechnology and how it is being used. He gave the example of nanomechanical instruments “which may not have nanoparticles. Things may be nano in size but not have been made using nanotechnology.” More people joined in the debate. One man said that enforcement of a (VRS) “must not and should not be enforced. “To help make it successful it must be explained to both volunteer and governance/guidance.“
He believes that “areas should have their own codes of conduct; standards would be constructive.” Another audience member mentioned the Nano Code and that he had three different versions of a questionnaire on his desk. Another audience member said the ENTA will be meeting on 5th December 2007 to discuss Nano Codes. Several attendees had all three questionnaires.
Tomellini spoke of differing codes of conduct; one for researchers and one for business. They are both in the advanced drafting stage. They are not legally binding. However, courts can “take them into account in grey areas”. “No one wants regulation” but rather to “spread the culture of responsibility.” Tomellini said that “DuPont are developing a code of conduct.”
Dr. Thomas Keller (GlaxoSmithKline) pointed out that “there are no standards given to date for the pluses and minuses to nanomaterials.” One of the issues he raised was the lack of ”joined up thinking” despite “lots of initiatives.” GSK “are working with institutions and wants to participate but they feel governments and institutions need to take the lead on this.”
Tomellini believes in an “integrated and responsible approach to nanotechnology in strategy, action plan and report.” It should be “policy guided and inclusive approach, not top-down.”
Keller said GSK recently shut down their nanotechnology department of 40 people. He said it was “not the time to create a nano department. “ Instead GSK will be outsourcing their nanomaterials by “partnering with the finest in the world.” Eleven steps are taken for nanomaterials and “these approaches need to be integrated across from discovery to development. “ Both Keller and Dr. Ogan Gurel (XRoads, LLC) believe matrix management is needed, by “bringing (together) people from different disciplines.”
Gurel said that nanotechnology “requires almost everything to happen at the same time.” It is an enabling technology. “Because of this it’s difficult to value it - it’s not one single thing.” It is a “platform technology.” Therefore, partnerships are important.
He referred to GSK’s outsourcing rather than having anything done in-house. “Chief Partnership Officer is an important role as well as innovation partnering “even at the supplier level.” Gurel believes that the “VC model is not suited for nanotechnology or nanomedicine.” He believes “philanthropic funding helps to prevent the innovation gap.
Good people cost and it is important to have “top-notch management. However, many of the nanomedicine products are “not market orientated as they’re not about making money.” He feels “a holding or large company can help to offer some management. “
One of the investors I spoke with said this was off putting and not what an investor wants to hear. This investor (who wishes to remain anonymous) thought the mix of investors, scientists and chemists was inappropriate as the messages were mixed.
Receiving further funding is vital to the success of medical nanotechnologies (and other areas of industry) within the UK and Europe. More than ever, a clear definition of nanotechnology is required. People using nanotechnology within their industry sectors must come to some agreement. At this point in time they all seem to be searching for guidance.
It is important that investment is found to further develop the discoveries and SMEs. They are the driving force behind so much in this field.
Business Analyst Dr. Nicola Bailey (Wellcome Trust) said the Trust gives away £350-400million per year, both UK and overseas . The Trust is “looking in a health care product that will make a difference but which is not necessarily elegant. The financial return as a charity is not the end result - it is the impact on health care.”
Bailey went on to describe what she calls “the valley of death” or the innovation gap when universities and SMEs “want to see further development however they are unable to receive further funding. Bailey said that an IP does not necessarily need to be in place but “there needs to be the freedom to operate and a plan.” As it is a charity, the IP would remain the property of the university or SME. The Wellcome Trust also funds companies. She stressed the importance of “internal due diligence -checking patents, etc. They have in-house lawyers.
Perhaps it would be wise to put differing opinions aside when there is a mixed audience. The purpose of the two day event was to attract investment not drive it away. It is clear the developments they have made thus far are important. (Many of which have the potential to be used in other areas of industry, not solely medicine.) It would be a loss to us all if further investment is not made. One important area is that of Cancer. This will be discussed at another time.
Many thanks to
Carrie Smith, Events Manager, IoN
and to the Royal College of Surgeons
Companies
Nottingham Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Centre
Monday, 3 December 2007
MICROELECTRONICS: New EUR 6 billion nanoelectronics R&D programme
MEDEA+, a European-wide collaborative research programme centred on microelectronics and part of the EUREKA project, has announced that CATRENE (Cluster for Application and Technology Research in Europe) is to be the follow-on programme designed to take electronics into the nanoscale era. The new programme has two important novel features: the Lighthouse Project - which will address major socioeconomic needs such as transportation, healthcare, security, energy and entertainment - and a new structure that will focus on large application markets, identified in a roadmap of required technologies.
