Micro/Nano Atlas of Germany

Micro- and nanotechnology are key technologies that generate unique advanced and novel products, which are applied all over the world in many industries, like medical technology, mechanical engineering, production, the automotive industry or consumer electronics. In spite of the current economic crisis, micro and nano products are still reaching double-digit growth rates, for instance micro sensors for boom markets like green technologies and consumer electronics.

In Germany there are 38 cities or regions with a high number or high concentration of companies and research institutions for micro and nanotechnology. The largest urban cluster with 90 companies and research institutions is the city of Munich. The largest regional cluster is the Ruhr Area with altogether 140 companies and institutes. The smallest micro and nanotechnology clusters include Siegen in North Rhine Westphalia, with strong research and development activities at the University of Siegen, and Itzehoe in Schleswig-Holstein, where the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology constitutes the cluster’s core.

Micro- and nanotechnology companies from Germany are successful players on global markets. The Micro/Nano Atlas of Germany gives a complete and unique overview over the micro- and nanotechnology industry in Germany, including research activities, regional concentrations, funding policy, market and application trends, and the current economic situation.