The optical technologies industry is one of the most important future industries addressed by the German government’s high-tech strategy. The industry employs more than 100,000 people and achieves annual revenues of €16 billion. The government intends to fund high-risk industrial research and pre-competitive development projects that involve different technologies and that focus on application. These R&D projects must focus on the field of optical technologies as well as be important for positioning the company on the market. The following potential topics and questions might for example be addressed: optical technologies in production, optical measurement technology and sensor technology, biophotonics and life sciences, as well as illumination and display technology.

The BMBF has commissioned its project management organisation “Laser and Optics Research” to coordinate the “SME innovative: Optical Technologies” funding programme. Proposals can be sent to the project management organisation at the address below. Deadlines for submission are the 15th April and the 15th October 2008. Small and medium-sized producing companies (SME) as defined by the European Commission are eligible for funding.

Source: BMBF - 15.01.2008

Further information:
BMBF Funding Helpdesk
Research Centre Jülich GmbH
Project Management Organisation Jülich (PtJ)
Zimmerstraße 26-27
10969 Berlin
Fax: +49 (0)30/20199-470

Project Management Organisation Laser and Optics Research
VDI Technology Centre GmbH
Graf-Recke-Str. 84
40239 Düsseldorf
Contact:
Gerhard Funke
Tel.: +49 (0)211 6214-627