The Institute of Nanotechnology is a unique organization that grew out of the Centre in Scotland for Nanotechnology which was established in 1994. The Institute was registered as a separate company in January 1997, and shortly afterward obtained full charitable status. Its aims are to raise awareness of nanotechnology, and all the issues surrounding this relatively new field that promises to affect almost every aspect of our daily lives.
The Institute works closely with industry, government, universities and researchers worldwide, and provides information to the general public through its website. It organizes international scientific events, conferences of interest to business, debates, educational courses and workshops, examining issues such as the role of nanotechnology in as diverse areas as healthcare, textiles, the environment, manufacturing and the developing world.
The Institute also participates actively in European projects, and is lead partner in Nanoforum, www.nanoforum.org, a fully funded pan-European nanotechnology information network. It also runs a successful club for nanotechnology and microtechnology start-ups across Europe called the NanoMicroClub, www.nanomicroclub.com. The club has over 150 members, and is administered through ENTA – the European Nanotechnology Trade Alliance, and is based on a model of support offered by Rice University and NASA Ames and provides mentoring, partnering and networking opportunities.
In February 2006, the Institute launched NanoChina, www.nanochina.cn, a bilingual site which acts as a bridge between the nanocommunity in China and the rest of the world. We encourage everyone involved in nanotechnology to use this unique site to promote themselves to potential customers, and thus create more opportunities for mutually beneficial trade and technology transfer activities.
The most recent activity of the Institute has been the creation of a nanomedicine network, www.nanomednet.org, which provides information on new developments in nanomedicine aimed at medical professionals, through workshops and a dedicated website. It also aims to bring medical professionals together with researchers and industry to research nano-based solutions to patient-centred problems.
Contact Details
Institute of Nanotechnology
6 The Alpha Centre
Stirling University Innovation Park
Stirling,
FK9 4NF
T: 01786 458075
Presentation 2 – Nanotechnology in the development of new products and processes - Brendan Casey, Kelvin Nanotechnology Ltd.
Kelvin Nanotechnology Ltd (KNT) provide nanofabrication solutions to industry and academia delivered through the state of the art James Watt Nanofabrication Centre. With the proliferation of nanotechnology into new application spaces, the company is constantly expanding and developing our industrially facing processes and technology from textiles to food from life sciences to engineering.
Our co-sponsors for the evening are Challenger Investments Ltd and SE Forth Valley
Challenger Investments Limited (Challenger) is a Business Angel organisation that specifically, but not exclusively, focuses on early stage businesses including those that have yet to make any sales.
In conjunction with its “gatekeeper” / operations manager, ACM Catalyst Limited (ACM), Challenger provides originators and new businesses with the essential ingredients – comprehensive intensive management support and finance – to accelerate the successful commercialisation of novel products.
Over a number of years, the methodology used by Challenger / ACM has enabled over 70% of all assisted businesses to raise at least two and often 3 rounds of capital.
Prior to contacting Challenger / ACM, all innovators are encouraged to assess themselves and their innovation against the following criteria :
o Is or can the novel product be protected by formal Intellectual Property rights or robust “Black Art”.
o Has the product reached basic working prototype stage or will it clearly achieve that status.
o Is the product capable of being developed into a family of products or will it / they be sellable across multiple sectors / markets.
o Is the product targeted at a market where satisfactory prices and margins can be obtained.
o Is evidence available to show that there is international demand for the product.
o As the innovators, do you accept that achieving your commercial objectives will be significantly enhanced by working with experienced managers with relevant expertise.
Challenger / ACM believes that the Business Forum provides an excellent opportunity for presenting innovators to promote their business proposals to an informed audience as well as enabling those wishing to investigate the financing market informally.
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Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's main enterprise, innovation and investment agency. Working in partnership with industry, academia and the public sector, SE aims to help make Scotland a place where business can thrive and key industries can be competitive. Its focus is to help businesses grow, encourage greater innovation and create the right conditions for companies to access property, markets and finance to increase productivity and increase Scotland's ability to compete internationally