Optical technologies: strong business concepts sought

Citation

(2005), "Optical technologies: strong business concepts sought", Sensor Review, Vol. 25 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2005.08725dab.004

Optical technologies: strong business concepts sought

Optical technologies: strong business concepts sought

Keywords: Markets, Optical instruments

The Hannover region is already one of Europe's leading locations for laser technology. At the heart of this technical excellence is LZH Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., an internationally renowned research institute with a focus on practical applications. With its new “Lighthouse 2005” start-up and relocation initiative, the hannoverimpuls business promotion company plans to expand this special competence further and create new jobs in the region.

Together with Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. and SIAG mbH, hannoverimpuls is looking for start-up entrepreneurs, spin-off companies and enterprises with promising business concepts. “Optical technology is a future-oriented sector which will enhance the development of the German economy as well as our regional economy”, says Andreas Heyer, hannoverimpuls CEO at the press conference launching “Lighthouse 2005”. To ensure the successful development of Hannover as a laser location, it is important that the region takes the initiative early on.

Start-up in a unique environment

“Lighthouse 2005” is a unique opportunity for start-up entrepreneurs and companies to work in the direct vicinity of LZH. A place in “Lighthouse 2005” means setting up or expanding one's own company under ideal conditions, and anchoring these fledgling companies in the market in an even more targeted manner through the close integration of science and industry.

Prizes totaling e100,000 will be awarded, mainly in the form of service packages supporting individual business targets in “Lighthouse 2005”. Enterprises with successful business concepts will receive rent-free offices for one year, financial assistance, and comprehensive know-how transfer to give them an optimal start in the Hannover region. They can also use clean rooms, have access to the LZH infrastructure and venture capital investors, as well as consulting services and contacts. The incorporation of LZH in regional, national and international networks also provides companies with valuable links to potential customers and suppliers.

Technical integration generates synergies

“One of the very special strengths of the Laser Zentrum founded in 1986 is the technical integration between physics, materials science and production engineering”, says Prof. Dr Ing. Hans-Kurt Tönshoff, board member of Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. This generates interdisciplinary solutions covering all laser applications. Already over one dozen companies in the laser technology, microelectronics and IT sectors are located in the neighbourhood of LZH.

Applications are sought from people and companies in the optical technology sector, as well as associated sectors such as laser technology, X-ray technology, image processing, optical components and systems, electro-optics, fibre optics, optical messaging technology, optical measuring technology, opto-electronics, laser medicine, and biophotonics.

For further details visit the web site: www.hanoverimpuls.com