The German Area at this year's nano tech exhibition in Tokyo which takes place from 18 to 20 February 2009 again provides a fascinating overview of the latest research findings in this field and opportunities for cooperating with German companies and research institutions. More than 40 exhibitors are expected to present a broad range of products and research activities, including Bayer Material Science AG, the Center for Interdisciplinary Nanostructure Science and Technology at the University of Kassel, the Fraunhofer Nanotechnology Alliance, and German Trade and Invest GmbH.

In 2008, the German presentation won the "Global Nanotech 2008 Award" for the best stand. The roughly 1000m² German nanotechnology stand is a joint initiative between the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). This year's highlight is again provided by a model car made of glass and equipped with components created with German nanotechnology.

The "Seeds & Needs Seminar" held as part of the "German Day" on 19 February 2009 also deserves special mention. The programme includes expert presentations by German exhibitors on nanotechnological applications that can be used in industrial applications. The subsequent reception in the German Area gives visitors and exhibitors the chance to exchange information and discuss opportunities for cooperation while trying out some German beer and pretzels.

In its capacity as one of the 17 cutting-edge fields of the future in the High-Tech Strategy (HTS) for Germany, Nanotechnology, with its scientific dynamic force and its global economic importance, was chosen as the core campaign topic within the Internationalisation Initiative of the HTS.

Germany's Federal Government funds the "Nano Initiative Action Plan" with more than 350 million euros per year. The market potential for nanotechnology-based products is huge: a worldwide volume of over a trillion euros is forecast for 2015. This is why collaboration with Japan is so high on the agenda. Cooperation agreements in industry and research can produce fruitful results for both sides.

For more information on Nanotechnology in Germany, on the exhibitors at nano tech 2009, plus pictures, please visit: www.research-in-germany.de/nanotechnology

For more information on the Nano-Initiative by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, please visit: www.bmbf.de/en