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Abstract:
European patent for nanostructured optics - marketing of Dotfarm(TM) optics begun

Nanogate AG granted patent for new optical process

Saarbrücken, Germany | Posted on May 16th, 2007

The Dotfarm(TM) optics developed by Nanogate AG is a new, hitherto unique optical process. It can be used on numerous large-volume markets such as consumer electronics. The process can, for example, simplify the production of flat screens and reduce production costs. Now the European Patent Office has granted a patent for this technology, which is suitable for industrial mass production. In this way, the Saarbrücken-based company is expanding its technological expertise to cover the nanostructured optics segment. The technological platform Dotfarm(TM) optics consists of a wide-ranging group of patents. Nanogate is expecting to be granted further patents over the next few months and is securing a technological lead in this field of application.

Nanogate's new technology is suitable above all for applications in the consumer electronics, signal processing and photonics segments. In particular, the production of screens and displays, whose market volume for 2007 analysts are estimating at more than USD 60 billion and which is growing by more than 15% annually, can benefit from the enhancement provided by nanotechnology. In comparison with the conventional manufacturing process, the Saarbrücken-based company's new application provides not only technical improvements, but also, and most importantly, competitive advantages as a result of higher efficiency accompanied by lower costs.

The Dotfarm(TM) optics being developed by Nanogate AG is a fundamentally new optical procedure. In it, nanostructured surfaces are created in conjunction with special nanocomposite materials and new physical procedures. The enhanced optical surfaces make it possible to realise more efficient, miniaturised optical components with optimised functions and very low production costs.

The European patent has now been granted for a first application based on Dotfarm(TM) optics. It encompasses innovative optical systems for background illumination in LCD flat screens. In order to illuminate displays, conventional solutions require cost-intensive light-steering foils which presently involve considerable costs. These costs can be eliminated by using Dotfarm(TM) optics: a made-to-measure nanostructured surface placed directly on the respective optical component takes the place of the foils. The potential savings would be USD 15 to 40 per flat TV screen, which means a reduction for background lighting of 20 to 50 percent.

'Dotfarm(TM) optics revolutionising the optical processes that have prevailed to date', explains Ralf Zastrau, Chairman of the Management Board at Nanogate AG. 'We have developed this technological platform under the strictest secrecy until now and are currently holding intensive talks with possible partners about its future commercial realisation. Various commercial and licence models are conceivable.' With this new technology, Nanogate AG is aiming at technically sophisticated applications on large markets which are demanding low-cost solutions. The commercial potential for Nanogate cannot yet be stated precisely. In midterm, Nanogate expects that future sales can run comfortably into tens of millions. This is the level of earnings the company is expecting. 'The granting of this patent confirms once again the versatility and huge market potential of Nanogate-Technologie(TM)', Zastrau adds.

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About Nanogate AG
Nanogate AG: Nanogate is a leading international enabler in the nanotechnology growth market and so opens the gate to nanotechnology for its customers. The Saarbrücken-based firm enables the programming and integration of additional properties such as non-stick, anti-bacterial, anti-corrosive, ultra-low friction. Nanogate thereby gains a competitive edge for its customers by product refinement using chemical nanotechnology. Nanogate covers a wide range of industries, functions and substrates already on the basis of technology platforms. The company thus provides a decisive interface for the commercialisation of chemical nanotechnology, bridges the gap between raw materials and their industrial conversion into products and concentrates as an enabler on one of the most attractive segments in the industry. As a partner in innovation, Nanogate provides many services along the value chain - from development and production of innovative nanocomposites and nanostructured materials to powerful support for innovation and product integration. The Nanogate Group currently has 53 employees in all (as of 1 March 2007), and since commencing operations in 1999 has been a pioneer in nanotechnology. In financial year 2006 it boosted consolidated sales by about 64% to around EUR7.834 million. Adjusted for special factors, consolidated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) were up by about 200% to around EUR1.02 million. The company has first-class customer references, such as ABB, Bosch-Siemens Haushaltsgeräte, Giesecke & Devrient, Kärcher and Koenig & Bauer, and many years' experience of different industries and applications. It has also entered into strategic cooperation with US companies Dow Corning and Ceradyne/ESK Ceramics and Authentix and Giesecke & Devrient. Nanogate is a high-growth company and has been profitable since financial year 2004. The Group's consolidation entity includes Nanogate Advanced Materials GmbH, which specialises in safety engineering and optics and is a joint venture with Air Products. Nanogate also holds a stake in HOLMENKOL Sport-Technologies GmbH & Co. KG.

Disclaimer: This publication constitutes neither an offer to sell nor an invitation to buy securities. The shares in Nanogate AG (the 'Shares') may not be offered or sold in the United States or to or for the account or benefit of 'U.S. persons' (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act')). No offer or sale of transferable securities is being made to the public outside Germany.'

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Contacts:
Christian Daumann
MPW FINANCE Public & Investor Relations GmbH
Tel. +49/(0)69/959290-0
Fax +49/0)69/ 959290-29

Nanogate AG
Gewerbepark Eschbergerweg D-66121 Saarbrücken

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