Germany Expands Nanotechnology Funding With New Action Plan

Nanotech Tokyo 2011

BERLIN and TOKYO, February 15, 2011 - Germany's federal government recently introduced its
Nanotechnology Action Plan 2015. The comprehensive approach extends and
expands upon a previous program, which provided EUR 400 million in public
funding for nanotechnology research in 2010 - the highest level in Europe.
With these improved conditions for foreign investors, representatives from
Germany Trade & Invest will be at Nanotech Tokyo from February 16-18, 2011,
at booth E-18-27 in the German Pavilion. With over 30 exhibitors present,
this pavilion makes up the largest national representation.

"Nanotechnology reaches across industries and research
disciplines. In Germany, excellent cooperation between academic institutions,
research establishments, and industry players creates excellent chances for
foreign investors. With nanotechnology, we can better address a range of
global challenges from mobility and energy to healthcare and communication,"
says Rainer Muller, Senior Manager for Nanotechnology at Germany Trade &
Invest in Berlin.

German nanotechnology activities are the most intensive in
Europe in terms of public and private funding, patents, active companies and
targeted initiatives. With nearly 2,000 players, Germany is the European
frontrunner in both research and commercialization of nanotechnology products
and processes. A total of nine national nanotechnology clusters have
developed.

Germany Economy Attracting Attention

GDP in Germany is projected to expand by 2.3 percent in 2011
following a record-breaking growth year in 2010. The rapid rebound after the
global recession in 2009 has drawn international attention.

Iwami Asakawa, Japan Representative for Germany Trade & Invest
in Tokyo: "Germany's economy is growing faster than most anticipated and
attracting increased attention from international investors, especially those
looking to high-tech industries of the future. This economic performance
creates a unique opportunity for Japanese companies to enter the heart of the
European market."

Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward
investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The
organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business
activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to
German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.

    Germany Trade & Invest
    Andreas Bilfinger
    Email: andreas.bilfinger@gtai.com
    T: +49(0)30 200099-173
    F: +49(0)30 200099-111

Germany Trade & Invest, Andreas Bilfinger, Email: andreas.bilfinger at gtai.com, T: +49(0)30-200099-173, F: +49(0)30-200099-111