Oct 16 2007
NANOIDENT Technologies AG, the technology leader in the development and production of printed semiconductor-based optoelectronic sensors, today announced that the company’s founders were selected Ernst & Young’s Austrian Entrepreneur of the Year® 2007. CEO Klaus G. Schroeter and CTO Franz Padinger were awarded for their entrepreneurial vision, their readiness to assume risk, their innovative and disruptive technology, and the exemplary implementation of their entrepreneurial vision. They were selected to join winners from 50 countries in Monte Carlo, representing Austria to compete for the title World Entrepreneur of the Year® 2008.
“We are pleased to be recognized for our entrepreneurial vision and for the successful implementation of groundbreaking innovations in the field of printed semiconductors, and are honored to represent Austria at the international competition for “World Entrepreneur of the Year® 2008” in Monte Carlo,” said Klaus G. Schroeter, CEO of NANOIDENT. “This award is truly the result of a group effort; the dedication and expertise of our world-class team has allowed us to take a leadership role in the emerging printed semiconductor industry, which is creating exciting technological possibilities for a healthier and safer world.”
The two men came together in 2003, with the idea to develop a biometric smart card that could recognize its owner through an integrated fingerprint sensor. Printed semiconductor technology could make this possible, and so in 2004 they founded NANOIDENT Technologies AG in Linz. Mr. Schroeter’s background in biometric technology, along with over 20 years CEO/CTO-level experience in VC-backed high-tech companies, is complemented by Mr. Padinger’s technical knowledge of printed semiconductors and photovoltaics.
Because of the many technological and economic advantages of printed semiconductor technology, the vision grew beyond a single application. The company now has two market-focused subsidiaries in printed optoelectronic sensors, both of which have become leaders in their respective markets: BIOIDENT Technologies Inc. in California developing mobile test solutions for the medical, environmental, and chemical/biological threat detection markets, and NANOIDENT Biometrics GmbH working on multimodal biometric solutions for mobile devices, smart cards and network security. In early 2007 NANOIDENT opened the world’s first factory for printed optoelectronic sensors, putting the company at least 2 – 3 years ahead of any possible competition. With facilities in Austria, California, France, and Germany, and a growing number of partnerships with globally recognized organizations in the biotech and IT industries, NANOIDENT is already the technology leader in printed semiconductor-based sensors. With further groundbreaking innovations, the NANOIDENT Group is on its way to expand its global leadership role in the field of printed semiconductor technology.
“Personal and social engagement, the willingness to take risks, innovation, business sense, future orientation and, above all, entrepreneurial vision and the ability to make it a reality, are what makes an outstanding entrepreneur,” said Helmut Maukner, Country Managing Partner from Ernst & Young Austria. “In more than 50 countries Ernst & Young searches for entrepreneurs who best embody these characteristics. Franz Padinger and Klaus Schroeter from NANOIDENT Technologies are such people, and in the name of Ernst & Young Austria I would like to congratulate you.”