ASML, government institutions and technology leaders join forces

ASML Holding NV (ASML) today announced its participation in High Tech Connections (HTC), a first-of-its-kind initiative to promote technological exchanges and strategic alliances between American and Dutch high technology companies. ASML's role is that of a founding member and anchor company in this unique forum that brings together governments, academia and corporations to drive innovation and identify business and investment opportunities.

Member companies, along with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the US Ambassador in the Netherlands, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency and the US Commercial Service, will inaugurate the HTC at an event on January 11–13, 2004, in San Jose, California.

“ASML is a natural for inclusion in a network that promotes innovation – and innovation is a prominent pillar for future economic growth,” said Doug Dunn, president and CEO, ASML. “No company alone can sustain mounting R&D investments in the current global market conditions. Therefore, we must pool resources among governments, universities and corporations to push technological boundaries. This is a pre-competitive forum set in the entrepreneurial culture of Silicon Valley and enriched with the technology know-how of the Netherlands. HTC creates the conditions for business ventures and technology gains in the digital era.”

ASML brings its expertise as the leading manufacturer of lithography systems and enabler of nanotechnology – the manufacturing of systems and tools for devices at the atomic or molecular level – to the HTC forum. This knowledge will be highlighted during a nanotechnology breakout session and panel discussion on Monday, January 12.

“As a global company with a successful track record of doing business in the Netherlands and the United States, ASML brings valuable experience and knowledge to HTC. ASML’s technology culture – based on a commitment to innovation – fits with the collaborative environment of the HTC,” said Dave Chavoustie, executive vice president, sales, ASML.

During the HTC Silicon Valley Forum on January 11–13, attendees will exchange ideas and information on expanding trade, maximizing investments and creating new business opportunities between American and Dutch companies. Speakers from leading high-technology companies, academia and government organizations will stimulate discussions on embedded systems, broadband and nanotechnology.