Upcoming Trade Shows in Germany for Micro & Nano Technologies

Germany is a global leader in the micro and nanotechnology industry, commanding nearly half of Europe’s industry presence. The reason for Germany’s domination lies in its robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and collaborative networks, which have allowed the sector to thrive. As of 2010, the German nanotechnology industry comprised approximately 2,000 key players, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, universities, and research institutions. However, out of all participants in the ecosystem it’s startups and SMEs that build the bulk (roughly 80% of the industry). Between 2008 and 2010, the number of key players grew by 50%, highlighting the rapid expansion of the field. The growth trajectory has remained stable throughout the next decade. Employment in the sector reached an estimated 61,000 in 2010. The total turnover generated by German nanotechnology companies was approximately €13 billion in 2010, with projections of an 8% growth to €14.3 billion in 2011. Innovation is at the heart of Germany’s nanotechnology success. Companies in the sector allocate approximately 10% of their total turnover to research and development (R&D), which equated to €1.3 billion in 2010, with plans to increase this investment by 4% in subsequent years. This emphasis on R&D has positioned Germany as a global innovator, ranking third internationally in patent filings and fourth in scientific publications. The federal government has also played a pivotal role in fostering innovation, with subsidies amounting to €400 million in 2010. This placed Germany fourth globally in nanotechnology funding, behind the USA, Russia, and Japan. German participants have consistently led in securing European Union Framework Program subsidies, reflecting the country’s strong engagement in international collaborations. So where do German companies perform particularly well? For one, they’re at the forefront of breakthroughs in vacuum and cleanroom technology, nanomaterials and nanotools. They also excel in nano-optimized systems for industries ranging from healthcare to electronics.