UK National News - Companies urged to apply for nanotechnology funding

09 February 2004

Companies urged to apply for nanotechnology funding

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has urged interested parties to apply for funding to further research in nanotechnology - a new industry which could potentially be worth $1 trillion a year in 10 years time.

Micro and nanotechnology involves working with materials on a very tiny scale – a human hair measures around 80,000 nanometres. The new technology has the potential to create or improve products and processes. Existing products include stain resistant trousers, improved photographic and printing materials and bacteria resistant bandages, but there could be many other future applications, according to the DTI.

The department said that UK companies have until March 26 2004 to submit outline proposals for the three-year £50 million Applied Research Programme. Approximately 30 projects, lasting from two to four years will be funded in this round - the funding for which will cover up to half of the total project costs. All proposals must be collaborative and include the participation of at least two UK businesses. Further calls for proposals are planned for early 2005 and 2006, the department said.

A launch event for potential applicants held last week drew interest from large and small companies from all the major industrial sectors including healthcare, chemicals, aerospace, automotive, electronics, and materials, as well as investors and academics.

A series of roadshows for potential applicants are also being held at: