Innovations Through Nanotechnology: Modern materials and nanomaterials are revolutionizing products and applications worldwide. Seventy percent of all innovations are based on new materials, particularly nano or nanostructured materials. The Hightech Zentrum Aargau focuses on materials and nanotechnologies, supporting SMEs and industries in driving successful projects.
Every manufacturing and technology-oriented company can benefit from new technologies and materials, but awareness is often lacking. Successful application requires specialized know-how, which many small companies do not possess. This is where the Hightech Zentrum Aargau steps in: We provide information, bridge knowledge gaps, and offer experienced innovation mentors who develop solutions for specific applications while strengthening the connection between research and industry. Through our close network of competent partners in materials and nanotechnology, we enable SMEs to quickly access practical research facilities.
In the field of materials and nanotechnologies, we organize specialist events, workshops, and Praxiszirkels. Through our community platform, nano.swiss, we provide industry news and regular updates. This approach fosters stakeholder networking and facilitates the transfer of technology.
nano.swiss: A Platform for Swiss Materials and Nanotechnologies
Nanotechnologies, nanomaterials, and other advanced materials enable entirely new applications and products. However, their successful implementation requires specialized knowledge, which many smaller companies lack.
To address this need, the Hightech Zentrum Aargau launched the community platform nano.swiss in 2019. As a neutral, free, and nationwide resource, nano.swiss provides various stakeholders in the Swiss materials and nano community with a well-structured online presence in both German and English.
In addition, nano.swiss facilitates technology transfer to SMEs with a smart search function, making it easy to connect with research partners and access relevant technologies. The platform also offers up-to-date technology and industry news, an event calendar, and the nano.swiss newsletter for the community.
Materials IQ - innovative material systems
Materials IQ provides a platform for events that drive innovation in material science and engineering. This initiative brings together leading experts, scientists, and companies along the value chain to discuss and apply the latest advancements in materials research. What sets these events apart is their focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, showcasing how new materials can revolutionize product development.
At Materials IQ events, organized by HTZ in collaboration with Innovative Surfaces and Empa, participants can explore the latest trends in material technology and gain insights from industry best practices.
These events are essential for anyone involved in materials research or interested in the future of material sciences. Stay informed about the innovations shaping the next generation of products and technologies!
Projects
Nanoscale effects for new products
As structures shrink, the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of materials change. Nanotechnologies harness these effects to create innovative materials, products, and processes. The unique properties of nanomaterials arise from the altered ratio of surface area to volume at the nanometer scale. Modern analytics and simulations provide detailed insights and predictions into material behavior, driving the development of new materials and surface structures. Numerous SMEs in Aargau are already successfully incorporating nanotechnologies and nanomaterials into their products.
What does "nano" mean?
The word "nano" comes from the Greek word nanos, meaning "dwarf." A nanometer (nm) is one billionth of a meter - comparable to the ratio of the Earth’s diameter to that of an orange. For context, 1 nm corresponds to the diameter of a Buckminsterfullerene (C60), a spherical molecule composed of 60 carbon atoms.
Nanosciences study structures ranging from 1 nm to 100 nm. Nanotechnology refers to human-made structures within this range, far below what the naked eye can see. Even light microscopes are insufficient at this scale. Only modern tools like electron microscopes, scanning tunneling microscopes, and atomic force microscopes can reveal nanostructures, allowing us to explore and understand the fascinating nano world.
Praxiszirkel
Our focus on materials and nanotechnologies provides in-depth insights and promotes active exchange through Praxiszirkel in areas such as additive manufacturing, functional coatings, life sciences, adhesive technology, and materials analysis.
Hightech Zentrum Aargau: Advisory Board on Materials and Nanotechnologies
The members of the Advisory Board on Materials and Nanotechnologies are esteemed experts from across Switzerland. They provide valuable support to our technology and innovation experts in the areas of new materials, nanotechnologies, and their applications, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of the field.
