NanoEntrepreneurs Focus Group Looks at Commercial Opportunities for UK Nanotechnology SMEs

The big challenge currently for the successful exploitation of basic nanoscience is the translation of knowledge into nanotechnology-enabled products, via the development of vibrant and expansive companies, especially in the SME sector. The NanoEntrepreneurs focus group has been specifically created to focus on these business and investment aspects and brings together SME innovators, academics, end users, investors, consultants, lawyers and accountants to network and exchange advice and information. Through previous events, companies have successfully gained funding through a number of sources and have welcomed the Nano KTN’s help and advice.

This event is a one-day workshop involving the leading business figures from the UK nanotechnology SMEs in the East Midlands region. The day will feature presentations on funding opportunities and showcasing experiences of real nanotechnology companies, giving their perspective on their own company histories and outlining some of the challenges they have faced over the years and overcome.

Critical Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company spun out from the University of Nottingham in 2002 will be delivering a presentation on its successes and what other SMEs can do to get ideas to market. The company works with proprietary drug delivery technologies for the sustained release and nasal delivery of proteins, peptides and labile or insoluble small molecules. Recently the company has also expanded into the nasal delivery of proteins, with the discovery of the CriticalSorb transmucosal absorption enhancer. Critical Pharmaceuticals will describe the development of the company, the science behind its work and the successes along the way. The development of both the delivery technologies will be covered in detail together with future directions, how Critical Pharmaceuticals plan to get these technologies into the marketplace and how other companies can also do so.

Other company case study presentations will come from Eminate, ETP Nanomedicine, BHR Group, Promethean Particles and Applied Multilayers Ltd. These companies focus on key strengths in the East Midlands region, nanomaterial dispersions and also nanobiotechnology to support the healthcare sector.

Funding and business support presentations will come from the East Midlands Development Agency, the Nottingham Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Centre, University of Nottingham, Catapault VM and Marmalade Box.

The NanoEntrepreneurs focus group brings together both innovators and funders to discuss the essential issues in establishing and growing small companies. If you are in a management or director role within an existing company, or have aspirations to find out what it takes to be successful in this area, then this event will be an essential networking resource. The event will also enable those in the academic sector who have bright ideas, to meet potential partners and funders.

“We encourage anyone from the commercial sector or from academic institutions with an interest in developing technology to attend this event, particularly if they are looking for funding or partnership opportunities. The NanoEntrepreneurs events have been a huge success and have lead to a number of successful funding applications and research partnerships throughout the UK,” says Dr Alec Reader, Director of the NanoKTN.