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Cenamps wins
contract to manage new government Nanotechnology Knowledge
Transfer Network
Other Topics: Nanotube
Forests,
Nanosciences, Nanotech
Public Awareness
Cenamps
October 18, 2007
The Nanotechnology KTN will facilitate the transfer of
knowledge and experience between industry and research,
offering companies dealing in small-scale technology access to
information on new processes, patents and funding as well as
keeping up-to-date with industry regulation.
Previously served by a Micro and Nano Technologies (MNT)
Network, a pioneer for all subsequent KTNs, the new
Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network will build upon an
existing network of 700 organisations, working with a mix of
well established and young innovative companies such as BAE
Systems, Proctor and Gamble, Farfield Instruments and Zyvex. |
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Dr.
Mike Pitkethly, CEO of Cenamps said: "In creating a new KTN
for micro and nano technologies, Government has recognised the
positive impact that such technologies are having on society.
"Knowledge transfer with scientists from a range of
disciplines within the KTN programme will allow us to bring
the benefits of these enabling technologies to a far wider
audience. The possibilities for new products and businesses
are likely to open up dramatically, so this is very exciting
for the UK."
The network has already been utilised successfully by Japan
Regional Ventures, a company driving technological investment
into two regions of Japan, in its efforts to find potential
collaborators. Thanks to the support received, the company is
ready to meet with representatives from TWI ltd, a company
that oversees nanotechnology applications in welding, which
can create more safety and stability in rails and building
structures.
Likewise, Dr Richard Thompson of Durham University recently
used the network to try and find collaborators for his
Patterned Microfluidic Devices project. The venture aims to
generate devices that could lead to new applications and
improved performance in microfluidic systems; fluids that can
be controlled at the nanolitre. Since posting his request, Dr.
Thompson has received several responses from professionals
with complementary expertise.
David Way, Operations Director at TSB, said: "The aim of this
important network is to provide a market-oriented focus to
broker collaborations that can allow the UK to exploit these
new technologies. The TSB is playing a central role in guiding
the development of KTNs to help the business community to
interact and develop ideas and build relations with the
science base and government."
Nanotechnology covers a wide range of disciplines that involve
using materials whose properties at very small scale differ
from those at larger scale and provide opportunities to design
products with new and improved performance. For example the
use of materials at the nano-scale (the smallest atomic scale
in science) is being developed to give flexibility and
functionality to the materials onto which they are applied.
Its potential markets include aerospace, construction and
energy as well as the chemicals, electronics and the
healthcare industries. Examples of products already being
developed include devices that can diagnose medical conditions
and clothing that can detect and respond to a person's stress
levels
About Cenamps
Cenamps ( http://www.cenamps.com ) is the Centre of Excellence
for Nano, Micro and Photonic Systems, based in Newcastle and
funded by One NorthEast, the regional development agency for
North East England.
Cenamps’ remit is to attract to the North East business-driven
R&D, accelerate technology commercialisation and support early
stage investment, infrastructure development and knowledge
management to entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and
established companies wishing to explore and exploit the
commercial opportunities offered by advances in small-scale
technology.
Cenamps receives support through the European Regional
Development Fund to regenerate the North East England region
and create a vibrant economy. Cenamps works with universities,
businesses and government organisations to stimulate and
manage market driven R&D activities.
About Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs):
KTNs ( http://www.ktnetworks.co.uk ) have been set up by
government, industry and academia to facilitate the transfer
of knowledge and experience between industry and the science
base. They bring together diverse organisations and provide
activities and initiatives that promote the exchange of
knowledge and the stimulation of innovation in these
communities.
The first KTNs were set up in 2005 and the network continues
to grow. They are active in sectors, technologies and
market-based areas and they interact strongly with the
government’s Technology Programme and overall technology
strategy.
About The Technology Strategy Board (TSB):
The TSB ( http://www.berr.gov.uk/innovation/technologystrategyboard
) is a business-led executive non-departmental public body,
established by the government. Its mission is to promote and
support research into, and development and exploitation of,
technology and innovation for the benefit of UK business, in
order to increase economic growth and improve the quality of
life. |
