Emerging Technologies Collaborative R&D Projects: Nanotechnology
17 August 2009
SEEDA encourages companies and the knowledge base (universities and other research organisations) to collaborate to generate new products or services that will make a contribution to the regional economy.
As part of this effort, in 2005 we initiated a programme of collaborative R&D calls, focusing on projects that were near market (i.e. likely to lead to new products and services within 3-5 years of the end of the research). The programme was divided into four calls (matching key regional priority sectors) – the first of which was nanotechnology.
£1.5 million of SEEDA funds was awarded to three regional businesses (primarily SMEs) and the knowledge base after an open, competitive call.
A subsequent independent evaluation found that each of the projects completed under the scheme had met all its original targets.
Nanogrowth has developed and launched the world’s first commercial tool for low-temperature growth of carbon nanotubes.
The subsequent spin-off company, Surrey NanoSystems, won the ‘Start-up and University Collaboration’ category at The Engineer Technology and Innovation Awards in 2007, and the company has now been valued at over £100m. Professor Michael Kearney of the University of Surrey commented: “The active support of the University, local businesses, SEEDA and DTI have been essential ingredients in realising this breakthrough in nanotechnology manufacturing.”
AVNP has developed particles that target H5N1 (Avian Flu), with a potential worldwide market.
NanoComp developed the science of nanoparticles’ contribution to enhancing the life of composite materials, while demonstrating the fundamental feasibility of the technology and embedding important know-how in the region. Early indications are that this programme will have a significant impact on the ongoing competitiveness of the parties involved as the new technologies are commercialised.
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