Aug 24 2004
Nanotechnology, the engineering of materials and working devices at the scale of atoms and molecules, was given a major boost by the Department of Trade and Industry today.
Twenty five projects throughout the country are to receive £15m worth of funding for projects ranging from anti-corrosion coatings and electronics to water purification and printing. This new Government investment will provide up to a maximum of 50% of each project's total value.
A further £3m will be given to INEX, a microsystems and nanotechnology facility for industry based at Newcastle.
These grants are the first to be allocated from the Government's £90m micro and nanotechnology manufacturing initiative in support of both nanotechnology applied research programmes and for the creation of new nanotechnology facilities across the country. Further grants will be made available over the next five years to complete the initiative.
The grants are part of the Government's drive to help companies, research organisations and universities to exploit potential applications for the new technology so that the UK can be a leading country in this area. It's estimated that the global market for nanotechnology could be $1trillion within the next decade.
Announcing the grants, DTI Minister Nigel Griffiths said:
"Nanotechnology is an important and exciting emerging technology one that has the capacity to improve daily life for us all. It is about designing new products and improving existing ones by making things much smaller, faster, stronger, or more energy efficient.
"We want to help organisations turn ideas into reality, helping create jobs and prosperity for companies in the UK.
The Government's micro and nanotechnology manufacturing initiative was announced by Lord Sainsbury last year.
Speaking on behalf of the UK Micro and Nanotechnology Network, chairman Dr Hugh Clare said:
"The commercial exploitation of nanotechnologies presents a great opportunity for UK business. A well funded and supported nanotechnology sector means more high quality research, more sustainable jobs and increased wealth creation. These grants and those to follow will make a big difference to the industry and help us ensure that the UK becomes a world leader in the field."
For more information on nanotechnology, click here or visit AZoNano, The A to Z of Nanotechnology.