EuroNanoForum 2013 Europe’s Largest Nanotechnology Event

The sixth and largest ever EuroNanoForum conference held at the Convention Centre in Dublin saw a record-breaking 1,500 delegates from 50 countries attending lectures and meetings focused on the impact nanotechnology has in problem solving across key societal sectors such as health, energy and environment. The conference, organised by Enterprise Ireland and Spinverse Ltd and supported by the European Commission Directorate for Research and Innovation, was the highlight of Nanoweek which ran during 14-21 June 2013.

The conference showcased nanotechnology innovations and boasted high profile speakers from industry, government and research, including Shell, Nokia Research Laboratories, Intel, Philips Healthcare, Diageo and Max-Planck Institute among others, all discussing the economic and technological impact of nanotechnologies on European growth.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Minister of Education Ruairi Quinn TD, said: “I am delighted that the EuroNanoForum being held in Dublin as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU looks set to be the most successful ever. Nanotechnology is the new frontier of technology in Europe and in the world. Ireland has been ranked sixth in the world for Nanoscience research and eighth for materials science research, and has been recognised as a leading Nanoscience nation. With over 90 per cent of the world’s medical multinationals and 70 per cent of the world’s technology multinationals having a base in Ireland, our national research credentials are extremely attractive, and crucial to the economy. It is estimated that Nanoscience is linked to €15 billion, or 10 per cent, of Ireland’s annual exports and supports 250,000 jobs nationwide. The Government has targeted 20,000 more manufacturing jobs in Ireland by 2016 and, undoubtedly, Ireland’s leading Nanoscience and Nanotechnology research can help to create those jobs.”

Frank Ryan, CEO, Enterprise Ireland commented: “The EuroNanoForum is a must for companies looking to exploit or learn how to exploit the latest nanotechnology developments, as well as an opportunity for researchers to discuss their visions for European industries and research in the future. Ireland is a leading player in this sector and a high profile conference such as this delivers the message that Ireland is open for business on all fronts. This is only the beginning as nanotechnology has been earmarked as one of Europe’s Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) and will feature prominently in the forthcoming EU funding programme Horizon 2020.”

The Nanotech Europe Exhibition, an integrated aspect of the conference hosted a Market Place, engaging clusters, companies, start-ups and spin-offs. Technology Transfer Organisations, universities, EU-projects and EU-institutions were also represented. A special Irish Showcase for innovative Irish companies and the Magical Materials Exhibition which showcased the properties of a range of cutting edge materials also added to the mixture of technology on show at the event.

For further information, please go to: www.ENF2013.eu