NanoKTN Delivers Commercial Success from German Mission for UK Nanotechnology Clean Energy Companies

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), established by the Technology Strategy Board and managed by the Centre for Process Innovation Limited, returned an 82-fold increase on investment from an outward mission to Germany in March 2008.

In conjunction with the Science & Innovation Network (DIUS), the NanoKTN organized a mission on nano-enabled clean energy technologies through which innovative nanotechnology companies in the UK met with German organisations to discuss the application of nanotechnology to the needs of the energy and environment sector.

Led by Dr. Martin Kemp of the NanoKTN, the UK delegates included representatives of Ilika, Begbroke, Oxford University, Surrey Nanosystems Ltd., Diamond Hard Surfaces, TwentyNinety and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). The delegation met initially with around 40 delegates at a workshop and networking event held in the British Embassy Berlin.

Whilst some positive feedback was received immediately after the mission, it often takes months, in some cases years, for contacts to turn into contracts. After regular contact with the mission participants, the NanoKTN was able to report that 18 months after the mission, some significant commercial activity has resulted for each of the UK companies.

The total costs to the NanoKTN were estimated to be £6.2k, which was converted into £510k of income to participants and represents an 82 times return on Technology Strategy Board funds invested. This income was split between £245k of sales and £275k of research funding.