Giant nano centre opened in Zurich
US technology giant IBM and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ) have inaugurated their joint research centre dedicated to nanotechnology.
Interior Minister Didier Burkhalter and 600 figures from industry, academia and government were present at Rüschlikon on Tuesday.
“Nanoparticles are infinitely small but have a massive potential,” Burkhalter said, adding that the new centre was “a model of collaboration between science and economics”.
The Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center is the centrepiece of a ten-year strategic partnership in nanoscience between IBM and ETH Zurich. Scientists will research novel nanoscale structures and devices to advance energy and information technologies.
The building represents an investment of $60 million (SFr53.1 million) in infrastructure costs and an additional $30 million for tooling and equipment which, including the operating costs, are shared by the partners.
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