Nanotechnology and microsystems technology in NRW
Nanotechnology and microsystems technology unite various scientific disciplines and are expected to play a pivotal role in the 21st century. The strong research infrastructure and the close links between science and industry in NRW have speeded up the pace of innovation. North Rhine-Westphalian nano/microtechnology enterprises profit from the dynamism of this market and ensure that the state occupies a leading position in these crossover technologies within Germany and throughout Europe.
Broad-based research infrastructure NRW
Around 215 research establishments in NRW – including ten Fraunhofer Institutes and three Max Planck Institutes – are engaged in nanotechnology research. In addition, NRW is home to two further centers of excellence: the NanoBioAnalytics Center in Münster (NBZ) and the NanoEnergyTechnologyCenter (NETZ) at Duisburg-Essen University. Europe's first interdisciplinary center for applied nanotechnology, CeNTech, is located in Münster. A major focus of microsystems research is the MST Cluster in Dortmund. With more than 40 companies and over 2,200 employees, MST is one of the largest clusters in Europe.
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In 4 easy steps to North Rhine-Westphalia | NRW
North Rhine-Westphalia is a classic materials state with a focus on metals and plastics, but also with modern, functionalized multi-material solutions. Outstanding scientific research institutions and the high concentration of important materials-processing industries, some of which have a long tradition, make the location a region with high materials expertise.
The innovative strength of the biotechnology location NRW is characterized by a first-class scientific landscape, internationally successful global players and dynamic SMEs from the chemical and pharmaceutical industry as well as numerous young start-ups.
