VTT joins Heterogeneous Technology Alliance

PARIS — Finnish research institution VTT has joined the Heterogeneous Technology Alliance (HTA), launched early 2006 on the initiative of CEA (France), CSEM (Switzerland) and the Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics (Germany).

Through the signature of a cooperation agreement, the four European research institutes reaffirmed their intention to carry out joint research projects and develop innovative solutions and products for industry in the fields of micro and nanotechnologies.

"VTT sees HTA as a crucial player to increasing the global competitiveness and enhancing innovation activities in the area of micro- and nanotechnologies," commented Professor Erkki KM Leppävuori, President and CEO of VTT. He added: "HTA is not only a network of organizations, but rather it is restructuring the way research is being carried out in Europe. For these reasons, VTT is very motivated to be an active contributor in this alliance."

The Alliance has a double objective. The first one consists in developing strategic partnerships with European and global industry, enhancing innovation by technology transfer to industrial applications. A secondary objective is the sharing of strategic and scientific information and the development of valuable synergies within the alliance.

HTA covers the complete value chain, from research to engineering and small-volume production. The combination of the technological infrastructures and competencies of the four institutions enables the Alliance to offer a portal to solutions for automotive, aeronautics and space, information and communication, healthcare and wellness, energy and environment, as well as industrial process control.