Nanotechnology in the UK

The factors covered are:

• Definition of nanotechnology

• Market size

• Commercialisation of nanotechnology applications

• Government support – UK and Europe

• UK research centres and universities

• Further information

1. Definition of nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is a high-technology industry that utilises materials science and its application at the nanometre scale (one billionth of a metre). Nanotechnology is a collective term for a set of technologies, techniques and processes, rather than a specific area of science or engineering.

Nanotechnology is, in effect, a radically new approach to manufacturing. The manufacturing process at the nano scale is either:

• “top down”, by machining to ever-smaller dimensions, or

• “bottom up”, by exploiting the ability of materials, molecules and biological systems to “self-assemble” tiny structures.

It is in the conjunction of these two approaches, in the meeting of physical and chemical/biological manufacturing, that potential market opportunities exist. The large surface area to volume ratio at the nanoscale leads to a significantly increased chemical reaction where the laws of physics give way to quantum effects which lead to unusual electronic, optical and magnetic phenomena.

2. Market size

Although it is a relatively new industry, potential applications for nanotechnology are growing rapidly and will continue to do so.

Given the scope for commercial application, forecasts of the size of the global nanotechnology market vary widely. For example, estimates of the 2006 nanotechnology market size vary in range from US$10.5 billion to US$30 billion (Source: BCC Inc, 2007 and Lux, 2007).

3. Commercialisation of nanotechnology applications

In the UK, there are over 600 micro and nanotechnology companies (Source: MNT Network, 2008) including university spinouts and international investors, each developing commercial applications from nanotechnologies. Companies in the UK include Oxonica, Hitachi, Elan, Nanoco and Solexa (for further information, please see Appendix A: UK Corporate Case Studies).

In terms of applications, few industries will escape the influence of nanotechnology. Some of the areas where nanotechnology will have a major impact include faster computers, advanced pharmaceuticals, controlled drug delivery, biocompatible materials, nerve and tissue repair techniques, surface coatings, better skin care and protection, catalysts, sensors, telecommunications, magnetic materials and devices, batteries and electronic displays, data storage, the security industry, sensors for real-time recording of neurological activity and other biological functions, targeted drug delivery and personalised treatments, nanoscale devices for research, diagnostics and therapy, nanotechnologically coated implants and nanoelectronic implants.

In the UK, the Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) supports and promotes the commercial development of the nanotechnology sector. For further information, please see: www.nanotechia.co.uk

4. Government support – UK and Europe

The UK Government has a strong track record in supporting the development of the UK nanotechnology industry. For example, the Technology Strategy Board (an Executive body sponsored by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills) is currently implementing a £90 million, six-year programme in nanotechnology R&D, fabrication facilities and commercialisation. The Technology Strategy Board has also established a Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network to support the exploitation and commercialisation of micro and nanotechnologies by informing, linking and facilitating innovation and collaborations between suppliers and users. For further information please see: www.nanotechnologyktn.com

Examples of innovative projects that have received UK Government support include:

• BegbrokeNano (Oxford University) – providing open access to the significant measurement and characterisation expertise at Begbroke Science Park,

• UK-MNT-BNC (Imperial College, University College London and the National Physical Laboratory) – helping companies to develop and commercialise biomedical products,

• Innovation in Nanotechnology Exploitation (INEX) – a microsystems and nanotechnology facility for industry, based at Newcastle University,

• MicroBridge (Cardiff University) – manufacturing micro-devices for the semiconductor market,

• Bangor UK-LMC (University of Wales, Bangor) – helping UK industry and universities exploit laser micro-processing and emerging nanotechnology applications,

• Bondcentre (Applied Microengineering Ltd) – providing open access to wafer-bonding technology to help build intelligent multifunction products,

• Eminate (BioCity, University of Nottingham) – focusing on the growth, synthesis and evaluation of materials for the pharmaceuticals industry,

• SemeMEMS (Semefab Ltd) – developing integrated sensing technology for interactive products of the future, and

• NanoForce (Queen Mary College, London) – research and commercialisation of new nanomaterial markets including fashion, architecture, film, art and design.

The European Commission has also announced plans to invest almost €5 billion across Europe in nanotechnology research for the period from 2007 to 2013. The objective of this investment programme is to “improve the competitiveness of European industry by generating breakthrough knowledge for new applications at the crossroads between different technologies and disciplines.” Key areas to benefit from the European Commission’s research funding are:

• nanosciences and nanotechnologies,

• materials,

• new production methods, and integration of nanotechnologies for industrial applications.

For further information on European Commission research funding, please see: www.cordis.lu/fp7/home.html

5. Uk research centres and universities

The UK has a world-class reputation in nanotechnology research, with a nationwide network of research institutes and universities, and over 1,500 research scientists focusing on the development of nanotechnology.

• Key research institutes include the Innovation Centre in Microsystems and Nanotechnology at the Universities of Newcastle and Durham and the Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration in Nanotechnology between the Universities of Cambridge, Bristol and London (for further information, please see Appendix B: Key UK Nanotechnology Research Centres).

• In addition, there are over 35 universities across the UK undertaking nanotechnology research projects, either in conjunction with a research institute or through their own research programmes (for further information, please see Appendix C: UK Universities – Key Areas of Nanotechnology Research).

6. Further information

This information sheet was updated in March 20078.

As information changes from time to time, please contact the organisations listed or UK Trade & Investment to confirm any item that you intend to rely on.

This information sheet was produced by the Marketing Group of:

UK Trade & Investment

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