NCE Micro- and Nanotechnology
Innovation on the micro and nano level
NCE Micro- and Nanotechnology is the result of a long-term commitment to microtechnology in the region of Vestfold. The companies in the cluster comprise the most important commercial arena for micro- and nano-technology in Norway, and play a leading role in the Norwegian electronics and ICT fields. Most of the companies in the cluster are international lead-ers in their product areas – marketing and selling their products to major, demanding international customers.
Photo: Hanne Olsen/Innovation Norway
Background
Miniaturization in electronics is a key trend throughout the ICT sector and continues to develop at a rapid pace. To increase packing density and performance, research is being conducted internationally in several new technology areas related to integration and interconnection in three dimensions. This will require completely new technologies for use in product development, construction and assembly. The anticipated impact of this trend may be so vast that, in the long run, it could threaten the very basis of electronics production in Norway. If the Norwegian electronics industry is to keep pace with these developments, efforts to enhance expertise in this area must be implemented. It is essential to establish laboratories that are adequately equipped to conduct experiments and produce test products and prototypes.
With new technology comes the potential to establish new companies. These companies will need to be internationally ori-ented as they will not have a domestic market. Developing a new technology company takes time, typically requiring a mini-mum of ten years. Achieving profitable turnover on a new product usually takes at least five years. This means that all activities must be planned in a long-term perspective. Newly established companies will benefit greatly from the cluster’s wideranging international experience.
Initiatives & Projects
The projects carried out by NCE Micro- and Nanotechnology are grouped around the following main areas
of activity:
- Further develop the existing network
- Increase product development as a basis for commercialization
- Increase technology activities and R&D within cluster companies
- Implement trend analysis and strategic processes
- Establish new study programmes, a research centre and infrastructure
Strategy & Objective
The overall objective of NCE Micro- and Nanotechnology is to promote the growth and renewal of the companies within the cluster and to establish new companies with international potential. A dynamic MNT community will be cultivated so that inter-natio-nally leading companies with international ownership will choose this region in which to develop and grow. A viable, well-coordinated regional innovation system will also be developed to ensure commercialization and future value creation that will continue after the NCE project has been concluded. Micro- and nano-technology companies in the cluster will benefit from increased sales and better utilisation of new solutions in miniaturization and the application of micro- and nanotechnology. NCE Micro- and Nanotechnology seeks to promote the development of new start-up companies and create more jobs within the cluster. Efforts will also be made to obtain funding for various projects from the EU, the Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway, the European Space Agency and other funding sources.
Contact:
NCE MICRO- AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
PO Box 2243 • Raveien 197 • NO-3184 Horten, Norway
Project Manager: Mr. Stein Ivar Hansen
Tel: +47 33 03 11 74/+47 97 66 30 03
E-mail: post@nce-mnt.com
Website: www.nce-mnt.com