As president of MinacNed, I am looking forward to the upcoming 13th edition of the international MicroNanoConference. This conference, organised by MinacNed, during the last years developed into an essential event for everyone with an interest in micro- and nanotechnology and its applications. More and more micro and nano enabled solutions and products get to market. The lecture programme is impressive, including speakers of NASA Ames Research Center, IBM, ASML, Frost & Sullivan, University of Singapore and TissUse. In addition, workshops and poster presentations about current developments in the nanotechnology branch will be held. Finally, leading suppliers, research centres and other companies will present themselves in the central hall of the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam.
The international MicroNanoConference tries to strengthen its position every year. This is done by giving a stage to everyone with affinity with this field of technology. From start-ups to leading research institutes, everyone can present their ideas and have them appraised by relevant specialists from all over the world. Since the entire chain of microsystems nanotechnology will be present at the conference, new ideas for the industrialisation of this field of research can be exchanged. In doing so, valuable connections between science and industry can be made.
To me personally, this conference is all about giving and receiving. Sharing visions and ideas. Staying in touch. After all, the main goal of the conference, being the breeding ground for all parties concerned in micro nano, can only be met if there is exchange of ideas on all levels. Only together we can promote the use of microtechnology in finding innovative solutions for various health and social issues. The international MicroNanoConference is a central meeting point, where ideas and innovations are shared in a way that leads to cross-fertilisation between the visitors.
The multidisciplinary connections that are made during this conference are most valuable. For it is this short-lined approach that has helped the Netherlands to become a global nanotechnology player. In our country, close collaboration between government, industry and research institutes has created a unique ecosystem, that incorporates a vast knowledge base of the micro- and nanotechnology industry.
The international MicroNanoConference can serve short-term benefits like practical applications of scientific research, and lots of opportunities to get to know companies, institutes and universities. For the long term, the congress is beneficial in finding solutions for the new challenges that our society faces in areas such as energy, health and food. In doing so, the micronano chain can characterise public-private collaboration in the Netherlands and beyond.
I’m hoping for a valuable edition of the international MicroNanoConference, and look forward to meeting you all at the Beurs van Berlage!