Technology Administration
For Immediate Release     April 2, 2007	Contacts:	Marjorie.Weisskohl@technology.gov 202-482-0149

Oregon Company to Receive
Recognition of Excellence in Innovation Certificate
from Commerce Department

FEI Company Cited as Global Leader in Nano Science Education
Bringing New Teaching Dimension to the Classroom

Washington, DC–On Wednesday, April 4, Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology Robert Cresanti will present a “Recognition of Excellence in Innovation” certificate to the FEI Company of Hillsboro, Ore. The presentation to FEI Chief Executive Officer Don Kania will take place at the company’s Hillsboro headquarters near Portland.

This certificate recognizes local and regional innovators from throughout the United States who have introduced a new product or service into the market during the last 12 months, have utilized a new manufacturing process within the last 12 months, or have received a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office within the last 12 months.

In February 2007, the FEI Company, a global leader in electron microscopes and focused ion beam systems, introduced its newly developed Phenom-Ed™ microscope, the world’s first tabletop scanning electron microscope (SEM) designed specifically for education. Magnifying up to 20,000x beyond the range of traditional optical microscopes, this technology will give students access to micro- and nanoscale worlds rarely seen in undergraduate and high school studies. Given the significant impact that nanotechnology is expected to have across industries in the competitive global economy, the Technology Administration’s “Recognition of Excellence in Innovation” salutes FEI for creating a remarkable tool that will bring a new teaching dimension to the classroom; foster interest in advanced science, technology, engineering and math education; inspire future scientists and innovators; and increase U.S. competitiveness.

Event Photographs

The primary mission of the Technology Administration (TA) is to maximize the competitiveness and innovation of the U.S. technology industry and its contribution to America’s economic growth and global leadership. For more information, visit the home page at www.technology.gov.

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