Jun 21 2010
Touted as the key to unlocking a new generation of materials and devices with revolutionary properties and functionalities, nanotechnology has already seen widespread commercial success in industries ranging from the medical and electronics sectors, to communications and defence.
The global nanotechnology market stood at an estimated $12.7 billion as at end 2008, an increase of 9.5% from the year before, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of about 20% from 2009 to reach US$30 billion in 2013. With the increasing applications of nanotechnology, the market for nanotechnology incorporated into manufactured goods will be worth US$1.6 trillion, representing a CAGR of almost 50% between 2009 and 2013.
Providing an extensive and well-developed R&D infrastructure and support, Singapore has nurtured a pool of niche nanotechnology-based SMEs offering customised and cutting-edge solutions. With growing global investments in nanotechnology development and commercialisation, the opportunity is ripe for Singapore's nanotechnology SMEs to enter the global arena.
International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, the lead government agency tasked to develop Singapore's external economy, will be leading seven Singapore-based nanotechnology companies in their debut appearance at the Nano Science and Technology Institute's (NSTI) Nanotech Conference & Expo 2010 (Nanotech 2010) at the Anaheim Convention Center from 21 to 24 June 2010, where the companies will present their latest technologies, innovation, and services.
Singapore-based companies exhibiting at NanoTech 2010 include Biomers which developed and produced the world's first and only translucent orthodontic systems using novel nanotechnology polymer composite products; as well as Pasture Pharma, one of only two companies worldwide capable of producing FDA-approved masks, which were recommended for use during recent H1N1 outbreaks. Pasture Pharma is also experienced in utilising nanotechnologies in other products for a variety of applications, such as to repel airborne moisture, blood and filter fine particles, as well as disable viruses.
Said Mr Yew Sung Pei, Assistant Chief Executive Officer at IE Singapore, "There is a strong demand for faster, stronger and more efficient materials, and the limitation on current technologies means that nanotechnology can potentially meet these needs through fundamental manipulations at the molecular level. Singapore has nurtured several outstanding start-ups which have used nanotechnology to create cutting-edge and innovative products. Through our participation at Nanotech 2010, which is one of the world's largest nanotechnology expos, we hope to help these aspiring and ambitious start-ups reach out to new partners and expand their global reach."
The other five companies representing Singapore's nanotech sector are:
- Bilcare Technologies, developer of nanotechnology-based nonClonable Security Technologies tagging systems, and leading provider of unique tracking, tracing and fingerprinting solutions. Its target clientele include high fashion houses, finance and pharmaceutical organisations.
- NanoGlobe, a consultancy firm which aims to promote the global and sustainable development of nanotechnology to benefit mankind.
- NanoMaterials Technology, whose capabilities include the production and syntheses of nanoparticles for the specialty chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. The uniform dispersion and tight control of particle size and shape, aid overall application performance.
- ShayoNano which specialises in a proprietary nanomaterial syntheses process based on microwave radiation. The process is used to manufacture items such as synthetic nanoclay, for use in membrane filters used for water purification and agriculture.
- Wintech NanoTechnology Services, which offers technology and services for the semiconductor and nanotechnology industries, including services in Failure Analyses, IC Circuit Edit and Materials Analysis.
"I am pleased to provide our international colleagues at Nanotech 2010 with a good understanding of nanotechnology opportunities in Singapore," said Dr. Lerwen Liu, Founder and Manager of NanoGlobe. "Singapore offers a highly diversified market with ample untapped opportunities. The general limitation of current industrial technologies means that Singapore is at a unique crossroad and will be able to help the world rise to our future global challenges through nanotechnology capabilities."