The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN - www.nanoktn.com), one of the UK's primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce details of its fifth NanoEntrepreneurs workshop, hosted in partnership with University College London.
The current challenge for the UK economy is the rebalancing of the manufacturing sector with the commercialisation of nanotechnologies into innovative and desirable products. Key to this success is the encouragement and development of well informed, robust and high-value companies. However, there are a number of barriers and challenges which must be addressed before this will be achieved such as finding good business models for nano enabled products, and also attracting significant investment for demonstration and scale up of high value manufacturing techniques.
By bringing technologists, academics and investors together in an open forum for discussion and networking, the NanoKTN aims to establish a thought provoking event which cuts through the hype and technical jargon, delivering informative and concise advice and intelligence. The one-day workshop will provide delegates with an opportunity to hear from leading businesses and academic figures who will deliver rapid fire presentations on exploitable ideas and business services that encourage commercialisation. Case study presentations from nanotechnology companies will also outline and address some of the key challenges being faced and how they are being overcome.
Dr Eric Mayes, CEO at Endomagnetics Ltd will outline the history of his involvement in nanoenterprises and through case studies will highlight the strategic, technical and commercial challenges that businesses face during their development.
Nigel Walker, Access to Finance at the Technology Strategy Board will look at how difficult is it really to access external finance? What do equity investors and debt providers look for in assessing proposals? What are some of the mechanisms (such as Business Coaching for Growth) that entrepreneurs can turn to for support - to ask the right questions and that give them a better chance of meeting their real business growth needs?
Other speakers include NanoSight, Cella Energy Ltd, Applied Nanodetectors, Marmalade Box, Pronovotech, Parkwalk Advisors, Eversheds and the NanoKTN.
A series of technology and investment pitches will also provide delegates with an opportunity to learn about current research in this field, as well as providing researchers in the nanotechnology space with an opportunity to showcase and promote their work to key target audiences, through a series of five minute presentations. By providing this opportunity, the NanoKTN aims to give organisations a platform for their ideas, with the aim to develop collaborative links with potential business partners.
"Widespread commercial uptake of emerging technologies is vital to the wealth-creating power of the UK and nanotechnology is leading the way in driving the future wealth of the UK economy. The NanoEntrepreneurs workshop will highlight positive developments in nanotechnology and actively help businesses to further develop and launch commercially viable applications," says Dr James Johnstone, Theme Manager at the NanoKTN.
Dr Johnstone continues, "The UK nanotechnology market needs events like the NanoEntrepreneurs workshops to enable the supply chain to connect and grow and at the NanoKTN we recommend that any companies or investors looking for business partners, academics, or students with bright ideas to attend this event."
For more information about how to join and register for the meeting, please visit www.nanoktn.com.
Established by the Technology Strategy Board, the NanoKTN is managed by Centre for Process Innovation Ltd, a leading technology development and consulting company.