New platform for nanotechnology enterprises:
foundation of the forumnano alliance
Nanogate promotes alliance of nanotechnology SMEs
Saarbrücken/Cologne, 28 November 2006 – The forumnano alliance is being launched on 28 November at the official opening ceremony of the second NanoSolutions trade fair in Cologne. The new action group, set up on the initiative of Nanogate AG in cooperation with other companies and NanoSolutions as a future platform for nanotechnology SMEs, makes its first public appearance today.
From 28 to 30 November, EXPO XXI will be the venue of NanoSolutions in Cologne and the meeting place for professionals from the European nanotechnology scene. About 100 German and international exhibitors, including Nanogate AG, are exhibiting the latest developments and innovations in nanotechnology. The Saarbrücken-based company is also very strongly committed to the industry growing together. To enable nano SMEs in particular to speak with one voice and to promote the responsible use of nanotechnology, Nanogate is launching the forumnano alliance together with other companies and NanoSolutions.
forumnano is intended to bundle and represent at national and EU level the interests of leading nanotechnology SMEs in political and social communication and to inform the general public about the opportunities and potential of sustainable nanotechnology. A crucial step in that direction is the introduction of a seal of quality for nanoproducts. A code of good practice is intended to ensure recognition of the high quality standards of nanotechnology products. “In what is still a very young industry, a strong, nationwide, independent network of SMEs does not yet exist”, says Holger Zytur, member of the Nanogate AG management. “We aim to close this gap with forumnano and thereby exert a positive influence on market conditions for our members.” Around 20 companies have so far expressed an interest in collaborating in forumnano.
Political experts will attend the forumnano launch event. Social Democrat Ulla Burchardt, chair of the Bundestag's Committee on Education, Research and Technological Impact Assessment, and Free Democrat Dr Jorgo Chatzimarkakis MEP, Chairman of the Committee for the European Technology Institute (ETI), will give the opening address at the NanoSolutions Press conference.
Along with NanoSolutions 2006, a conference on Sustainability in Nanotechnology will be held at EXPO XXI on 29 November to look into the much discussed issue of “Great Opportunities! – Great Risks? – On Using Nanotechnology Responsibly”. Highly qualified experts from various industries will discuss the opportunities and risks of nanotechnology. This event is aimed at potential industrial users of nanotechnology and the entire nano community. Topics will include the social acceptance, environmental repercussions and potential for progress of nanotechnology. This exclusive event is sponsored by forumnano.
Further information about forumnano is available from the alliance’s trade fair stand at NanoSolutions and at www.forumnano.de.
