The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN) has announced that its Electronic Devices and Nano Systems focus group will host a workshop at this year's S2K event, alongside Jemi UK.
The workshop will look at the use of enabling technologies in nano-applications and will discuss areas where key technologies are yet to be established, with the aim of identifying gaps in the market in which UK companies can invest and become involved.
According to the NanoKTN, the successful adoption of new technologies requires more than just a good idea and money.
The espousal of new technology needs end users and a range of suppliers and partners to complete the supply chain.
Completing this supply chain is an essential part of the adoption of new technologies and is said to be crucial to realise the full economic benefits from their early support.
There are opportunities in the supply chain that will benefit the UK economy - not just those created by the end use of technology.
For every job created at the end of the supply chain, there are three to five additional indirect jobs created in other areas.
These may be companies making raw materials or equipment that will be used in manufacture or companies measuring the output of the manufacturing processes or providing analytical services to those manufacturers.
Support for the whole supply chain and its success is essential for the successful implementation of technology, be it in healthcare, security, sensors, optics or electronics.
The workshop will include presentations by a number of companies and organisations to stimulate discussion about the opportunities for UK-based companies to engage in the supply chain and extend business, enabling more applications of nanotechnology to be fulfilled.
According to Alec Reader, director of the NanoKTN, this workshop will enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to meet research scientists and discuss ideas and opportunities.
S2K, which will be held in Cardiff, provides an interactive forum for high-level decision makers on both commercial and technical issues.
The event updates companies on the issues facing the industry and the strategies for success in the future.
Mike Smyth, chairman of S2K, said: 'Directors and CTOs [chief technology officers] from Metryx, Oxford Instruments and Surrey Nanosystems, among others, will provide a wide range of inputs from different areas of the nanotechnology supply chain.
'This, combined with the breakout sessions, provides an excellent opportunity to input into commercialisation, strategy and road-mapping and the excellent speaker programme makes this nanotechnology workshop superb value for everyone working in the UK nanotechnology area,' he added.
All sectors of the supply chain can register for the workshop.
