UK aims for big future in nanotechnology

According to the Institute of Nanotechnology, the science can be described as "engineering at a very small scale".

However, the field could have big implications for a wide range of industries, providing solutions for sectors from healthcare to manufacturing to aerospace.

UKTI

In fact, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) believes the science will have applications in almost every industry. Among the potential achievements predicted are faster computers, more advanced drugs and nanoelectronic implants.

Speaking at the Lewis Media Centre earlier this year, Ian Pearson, the Science and Innovation Minister, revealed: "Nanotechnologies offer potentially huge benefits to society, industry, the environment and health.”

"They can help us improve our quality of life and respond to some of the big issues that we face in the 21st century" he added.

However, the UK's commitment to backing the sector is not recent and has been present since the early days of the technology.

In July 2003, then Science and Innovation Minister Lord Sainsbury revealed an investment of £90 million into the science over six years to further the UK's progression in the field.

The resultant Micro and Nanotechnology Manufacturing Initiative funded a range of research and development facilities across the country, as well as establishing a network for collaborative R&D.

Nanotechnologies offer potentially huge benefits to society, industry, the environment and health

Ian Pearson

Science and Innovation Minister

According to nanotechwire.com, Lord Sainsbury said: "Starting at an early stage with nanotechnology, we will be able to ensure the safe and ethical development of this major scientific area of research, which is likely to bring important benefits to people in many different fields.

BERR

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (Berr) reveals £37 million has been poured into 55 nanotechnology projects through the initiative to support UK-based science, engineering and technology firms in their collaborative research endeavours.

Meanwhile, BERR has used the Micro and Nanotechnology Manufacturing Initiative to invest £45 million in establishing 22 nanotechnology centres to allow UK industry access to the advances made by academia in the field.

Since being set up, these specialised research facilities have worked across four broad areas - fabrication, materials, medicine and metrology.

This collaboration both recognises and enhances Cambridge's global reputation for excellence in science and technology research

Professor Ian Leslie

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research

Cambridge University

The centres have been involved in a range of moves to increase opportunities in the science. In June 2007, Glasgow-based facility Kelvin Nanotechnology launched a £1.2-million project to set up an international Nanotechnology Centre of Excellence with business support provider Photonix, to increase the access businesses have to groundbreaking technology.

In another example, the Cambridge Nanoscience Centre formed a research partnership with Nokia to find new ways of implementing nanotechnology into the telecom firm's products.

Commenting on the development, Professor Ian Leslie, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research at Cambridge University, said: "This collaboration both recognises and enhances Cambridge's global reputation for excellence in science and technology research.”

"One of the greatest advantages to the University is the opportunity to work closely with a recognised worldwide leader in technology products and applications on 'real world' challenges and initiatives" he added.

Through this investment in the initiative, the government kick-started the commercial exploitation of nanotechnology in the UK and marked the country as a global hub for the science.

Developments and supports such as this had the required effect and drew nanotechnology firms to the UK.

According to the figures from the MNT Network, almost 740 companies working with the science were operating in the country by 2005, with the industry reaching a value of more than £20 billion.

Centre for Economic Growth

Meanwhile, the Centre for Economic Growth predicts the worldwide nanotechnology industry will see significant levels of growth by 2010.

The materials sub-sector could reach a level of £220 billion, while tools and devices could be worth £180 billion and nanobio £105 billion.

Last year, further support for the UK's attempts to seize the global stage came in the form of the Nanotechnology KTN.

This offers a network to provide support and services to firms operating in nanotechnology, as well as information on new developments, patents and funding.

In addition, UKTI hosts events to link the UK's nanotechnology community with international firms and institutions, as well as showcasing over 50 UK nanotechnology organisations.

This year's event, to be held on October 28th, will feature a range of sessions, including Healthcare for the Modern Age, Clean Technologies and Intelligent Connected World, to examine how the science can address these global concerns.

Furthermore, the forum intends to act as a networking opportunity for the industry, with businesses and venture capitalists expected to make domestic and international contacts for research and development collaborations, investment and trade.

Through its past and present actions, the UK has established itself as a global hub for the nanotechnology sector - something which the science and innovation minister would like to maintain.

Mr Pearson stressed: "I would like to confirm our commitment to keep nanotechnology as a government priority.”

"We want more UK businesses to 'pull through' the ideas generated by the research base. Succeeding in both of these areas is crucial for generating wealth and thriving in the global economy" he continued.