Nanoident (Linz, Austria), which develops and manufactures polymer technology-based photodetectors, will invest double digit Euros in the new facility. The plant will be able to produce 100,000 square meters of wafer surface-- twice the output of modern silicon wafer factories.

In what is termed an “organic fab”, highly efficient technologies will allow for just-in-time and environmentally friendly production of customer-specific sensor solutions for emerging industrial mass markets. The plant, expected to begin operation in mid 2006, will enable Nanoident to serve the end-user and high-tech industrial markets.

The factory will be designed in such a way that Nanoident will be able to ensure sensor delivery even if market demand skyrockets. Nanoident will also use the plant to service an expanded range of applications ranging from security technology to the life sciences.

The new facility will receive a government subsidy whose amount has not been disclosed.

“We regard this subsidy as an investment that will help our province build a reputation as a kind of Austrian Silicon Valley,” said Josef Puehringer, prime minister of the Austrian province of Oberoesterreich.