Aug 5 2008
The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), the UK’s primary knowledge-based network for Micro and Nanotechnologies, has announced that the first UK NanoFinance event will take place on Thursday 25th September at the Institute of Directors in London. This one-day seminar and exhibition will address the current business climate in the nanotechnology market, highlighting various funding schemes available to companies and academics working in this area.
The aim of NanoFinance is to connect nanotechnology innovators, entrepreneurs and potential end-users with those interested in funding or investing in the market.
In 2007 the total value of nanotechnology venture capital deals worldwide fell for the first time since 1999, with investment dropping from $738 million across 73 deals in 2006 to $702 million across 61 deals in 2007. This 16% drop in the number of deals is evidence to the fact that new interest in investment needs to be created if start-up nanotechnology businesses are to continue emerging (Source: Lux Research). Nanotechnologies are seen as crucial to delivering the UK’s wealth creation over the next 20 years and the NanoKTN aim to disseminate information about the latest technologies, to encourage and create more inward investment.
“NanoFinance will enable nanotechnology innovators to connect with those who have an interest in funding this market. A wide spectrum of nanotechnology organisations and funding providers will be brought together to stimulate connections. It is a great opportunity for anyone with an interest in this market and investment to find out about everything from pre-competitive collaborative research right through to start-up finance,” explains Dr James Johnstone, Theme Manager at the NanoKTN.
He continues “There will be a number of high-profile guest speakers at the event, including keynote presentations from Michael Holman, Research Director of Lux Research in the Netherlands, and Peter Newton, Innovation Advisor at Innovation Advisory Service.”
Partnering with the NanoKTN at this event will be The Chilli and the European Nanotechnology Trade Alliance (ENTA). The Chilli is a media platform for high-tech entrepreneurs, investors and advisors that investigates key challenges within the market and provides information on benchmarks and guidelines, with the aim of taking business within the technology market further. ENTA bridges gaps between governments, science, and industry policy makers and ensures new nanotechnologies are developed in a safe responsible manner. Both these organisations will be supporting the NanoKTN and promoting the NanoFinance event.
NanoKTN will be holding its first NanoFinance event: ‘Fostering Business Opportunities in UK Micro & Nanotechnology’ on September 25th. For more information about the NanoFinance event and details on how to attend, and more information about the NanoKTN, please visit www.nanotechnologyktn.com. Established by the Technology Strategy Board, the NanoKTN is managed by Centre for Process Innovation Ltd, a leading technology development and consulting company.