Posted: January 11, 2007

Nanotechnology in South Korea

(Nanowerk News) Last month, the Asian Technology Information Program (ATIP) published a report – NanoKorea 2006 – that highlights current nano-related activities in Korea and summarizes key exhibits at the NANO KOREA 2006 exhibition, which was held from August 30 to September 1, 2006 in Goyang, just outside of Seoul.
Most Asian countries are currently investing in both facilities and infrastructure in support of nanotechnology R&D. A number of previous ATIP Reports, Scoops, and Digests provide background on and examples of this trend.
NANO KOREA 2006, the 4th International Nanotech Symposium and Exhibition, was held from August 30 - September 1, 2006 at the new Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX), which is located in Goyang, South Korea (just outside of Seoul). The annual exhibition features a symposium that is attended by both domestic and foreign nanoscientists, a prize award ceremony, speeches on nanotechnology, and investment presentations for research and business development.
In 2006, NANO KOREA focused on both the R&D and the business related opportunities associated with nanotechnology. This year’s event was hosted by Korea’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE). Other relevant hosting organizations included the Nanotechnology Research Association (NTRA), the Korea Nanotechnology Research Society (KoNTRS), and the Korea Institute of Science & Technology Information (KISTI).
A total of 118 organizations presented advanced products and technologies in a total of 190 booths, including 33 foreign exhibitors with 33 booths from five countries: Japan, the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and Taiwan. Exhibitor participation at NANO KOREA 2006 was somewhat greater than the previous year’s event, as evidenced by the number of both exhibitors and booths.
Exhibitors included key Korean National nanotechnology research institutes such as KISTI, the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) and the National NanoFab Center, as well as major Korean companies such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and LG Chemical and some local nanotech venture and engineering companies.
At the symposium, 45 nanoscientists from six countries presented their R&D achievements in the fields of nanodevices, nanomaterials, nanoprocesses, nanochemistry, nanophysics, nanobiotechnology, and national R&D programs.
Based on information gathered from the NANO KOREA exhibition and selected site visits conducted by ATIP’s analyst, this report describes several Korean activities in nanotechnology R&D.
The 5th International Nanotech Symposium and Exhibition (NANO KOREA 2007) will be held from August 29-31, 2007 at KINTEX in Goyang.
Source: ATIP