The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN) held its first UK Nanofinance event on 25 September at the Institute of Directors in London, UK.
The one-day seminar and exhibition addressed the current nanotechnology business climate, confirming the importance of nanotechnology in society today, and suggesting that by the year 2015, USD3.1tn worth of products will be using nanotechnology in some way across the globe.
Nanofinance discussed the importance of nanotechnology and it was noted that as of 2007, USD147bn worth of products make use of nanotechnology in some way.
Lux Research predicted that by the year 2015, USD3.1tn worth of products will be using nanotechnology across the value chain which is comprised of nanomaterials, nano-intermediates and nano-enabled final products.
This, combined with the increase in investment prior to 2007, demonstrates the long-term potential of nanotechnology.
However, in 2007 it is evident that some consolidation of the market appeared, with the number and value of global nanotechnology deals falling for the first time, indicating that the very first pioneering nanocompanies struggled to find good business models to grow.
On the optimistic side, 2007 saw an increase in diversification and maturity in the applications of nanotechnology.
For the first time in the nanotechnology market, energy and environment became the area with most investment support, superseding healthcare and life sciences, which previously had always come out on top.
The energy and environment sector took over 50 per cent of all deals and investments, despite it having a return on investment considerably less than most other sectors, reflecting the general trend towards investment of green technologies.
Michael Holman, research director at Lux Research, delivered the opening presentation at Nanofinance, entitled 'State of the Market in 2008'.
Holman's presentation looked at the sceptic mood surrounding the nanotechnology market and set out to prove it is both unnecessary and unjustified.
He said: 'Because some early overhyped technologies and companies have disappointed, there's been a nano-backlash among some investors and technologists.
'The cynicism, however, is not justified given nanotechnology's strong fundamentals.
'Investments in nanotechnology continue to grow, particularly from large corporations, and the value of products containing nanotech innovation grew to USD147bn in 2008.
'However, nanotech's impact has been broad and diverse, rather than concentrated in a few blockbuster products, meaning that companies and investors need to choose their efforts carefully to profit.' Dr James Johnstone, theme manager at the NanoKTN, added: 'The UK nanotechnology market needs events like Nanofinance to enable technology innovators to connect with those who have an interest in funding this market, and the good turnout for the event and support from a number of influential figures within the nanotechnology and finance market are evidence of this.
'The event enabled anyone with an interest in investment to find out about everything from precompetitive collaborative research right through to start-up finance and everyone who attended the event found it to be of great use.' Exhibiting at the event was FP7UK, Leatherhead Food International, Oxford Innovation, the Centre for Process Innovation, the Institute of Physics and Mewburn Ellis LLP, all offering delegates a chance to learn more about the support available in the market.
As well as discussing the market trends, delegates also met to witness Dr Alec Reader, director of the NanoKTN, and Professor Richard Leach, principal research scientist at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), sign a memorandum of understanding between the two organisations.
The agreement marked the beginning of a partnership where the NanoKTN and NPL will work together to promote nanometrology activities.
The NanoKTN and NPL will collaborate on joint events and seminars to help disseminate information on the nanometrology field.
Established by the Technology Strategy Board, the NanoKTN is managed by Centre for Process Innovation.
