Printed Electronics USA: German Scientists Break Record, Draw High-Tech Investments

BERLIN and SANTA CLARA, California, November 29, 2010 - Dresden-based Heliatek recently broke the efficiency record
for organic photovoltaic cells, posting a new efficiency level of 8.3
percent. Organic LEDs, organic photovoltaics, and printed circuits are just a
few of the areas in which German scientists and companies are making
international headlines. This level of innovation is drawing international
investors to Germany. Germany Trade & Invest will have representatives at
this year's Printed Electronics USA from November 30 - December 2 in Santa
Clara, California, to share investment opportunities in Europe's top printed
and organic electronics location.

Heliatek's latest innovation is an example of the
commercialization potential of German research. The company, which was
jointly founded by the Technical University of Dresden and the University of
Ulm, has reached a record that is likely to improve current products in the
pipeline. The research location is also appropriate, as Germany represents
roughly 50 percent of all photovoltaic installations worldwide.

Breakthroughs Across Industry Segments

The total market volume for printed electronics worldwide is
expected to grow exponentially from a current market value of USD 1.9 billion
to USD 55 billion by 2020. Germany's recent breakthroughs are not limited to
organic photovoltaics. In the field of organic LEDs (OLEDs), Osram Opto
Semiconductors is moving technology forward and building the first pilot line
for OLEDs in Germany. The company is the first to launch an OLED product for
designer lighting.

Germany's printed electronics industry is creating
opportunities for foreign companies as well. American giant 3M has recently
invested in the German printed electronics innovator Printechnologics, which
has pioneered a new printed circuit application on paper that can
significantly reduce costs. Printechnologics, founded by German researchers
in Chemnitz, is a testament to the commercialization potential of research in
Germany.

Generous R&D Funding

Companies are drawn to Germany's high-tech industries because
of the country's reputation for engineering, productivity, and specialized
products. At the same time, generous funding for high-tech research is
available. For organic electronics, R&D projects currently receive
approximately EUR 160 million in funding provided by Germany's Federal
Ministry of Education and Research and industry players.

Germany also facilitates access to knowledge through networks
and partnering opportunities. The Organic Electronics Association (OE-A) in
Frankfurt hosts a global network with more than 120 players in organic
electronics. Additionally, Heidelberg-based InnovationLab coordinates a forum
for research activities in printed and organic electronics that allows member
companies to exchange ideas. Members represent the entire value chain, from
researchers to material suppliers and product manufacturers.

Industry clusters help companies and researchers to pool
costs, such as Dresden-based Organic Electronics Saxony, which is described
as Europe's largest cluster for organic semiconductor R&D and manufacturing.
This cluster provides access to a skilled workforce and proximity to
Germany's microelectronics players.

Internationally renowned research institutes like the
Fraunhofer Society closely cooperate with industry players along the value
chain. Austrian lighting manufacturer Zumtobel, for example, formed the joint
venture LEDON with Dresden-based Fraunhofer IPMS and now benefits from the
proximity to the Organic Electronics Saxony cluster. Germany Trade & Invest
representatives will be on hand at this year's Printed Electronics USA to
assist companies looking to expand their business and research activities to
Germany.

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.

    Contact:

    Germany Trade & Invest
    Robert Scheid
    Email: robert.scheid@gtai.com
    T: +49(0)30-200099-170
    F: +49(0)30-200099-111

Contact: Germany Trade & Invest, Robert Scheid, Email: robert.scheid at gtai.com, T: +49(0)30-200099-170, F: +49(0)30-200099-111