Taiwan's nano-based industries to create output value of NT$300 B. in 2008

Taipei, Dec. 11, 2003 (CENS)--Taiwan's government organizations project the island's industries using nano technology to generate production value of over NT$300 billion (US$8.8 billion at US$1:NT$34) in 2008 and over NT$1 trillion (US$29 billion) in 2010.

The Cabinet-level National Science Council (NSC), the Industrial Development Bureau under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the government-backed Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) jointly drafts Taiwan's nano-based industry development strategy. The three organizations co-held a presentation today to demonstrate nano-based R & D achievements at NSC.

According to ITRI, the 2008 value does not include revenues generated by nano technology-derived businesses. The organization estimated that Taiwan's electronics industry will generate total revenue of over NT$200 billion (US$5.8 billion) with nano technology and that revenue from derived businesses will top NT$500 billion (US$14.7 billion).

For the chip industry alone, the direct value of production using nano technology is estimated at NT$195.9 billion (US$5.7 billion) and indirect value estimated at NT$391.9 billion (US$11.5 billion) in 2008. Leading Taiwanese chipmakers including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) are developing 65-nanometer and 90-nanometer processes for their productions.

For Taiwan's opto-electronics industry, ITRI estimated the direct value of production with nano technology at NT$12 billion (US$352 million) and revenue from derived businesses at NT$66 billion (US$1.9 billion). The photon sector of this industry is estimated to create output value of NT$250 million (US$7.3 million) with nano technology, with derived business to generate revenue of NT$46 billion (US$1.3 billion).

In 2008, Taiwan's cement industry, ITRI estimated, will generate output value of NT$27 billion (US$794 million) with the nono technology and business deriving from the technology will contribute total revenue of NT$175 billion (US$5.1 billion).

Up to now, ITRI, Textile Center, Plastics Industry Development Center and a foundation at the National Cheng Kung University have organized different teams to develop 12 nano technologies for local industries. One of the significant achievements is the nano material that the university foundation successfully developed for display-panel supplier Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp. to replace PC plastic material as major content of back-light modules for TFT-LCDs.

Another case is the nano technology that ITRI recently rolled out to improve look and efficiency of micron glass fibers.

In private sector, the Formosa Plastics Group (FPG) and Eternal Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Have got involved in the development of nano materials.