Business Development Support
A major aim of the National Nanotechnology Initiative is to maximize the return on the Federal government's investment in nanoscale R&D. Therefore, communicating with the business community on current research activities, partnership opportunities and available resources is a high priority.
To facilitate nanotechnology R&D, government infrastructure is available to researchers through the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network, the Network for Computational Nanotechnology, the DOE Nanoscale Science Research Centers, the Naval Research Laboratory's Institute of Nanoscience, and through the Domestic Guest Research Program at National Institute of Standards and Technology.
In addition to the NNIN and user facilities mentioned above, many, if not most, universities are willing to work with businesses in research collaborations. Most have technology transfer offices that can be contacted directly for information on possible collaborations.
The Federal government also offers special Funding Opportunities for industry, universities, and other research institutions.
At least 10 percent of all new products result from business collaboration with university partners. Research also has shown that small businesses that are affiliated with academic institutions are far more successful and stable than those that are not.
Universities benefit when their researchers bring in sources of on-going funding, as well as employment opportunities for graduating students.
State and Regional Initiatives
State and regional economic development initiatives for nanotechnology now operate in a dozen or so states, and several others are getting started. To find out what kind of support is available locally for commercial development, contact the Initiative office closest to you. State and local economic development offices also can assist R&D efforts.
Albany (NY) Nanotech Alliance
ATOMWORKS (Illinois)
California NanoSystems Institute
Greater Washington (DC) Nanotech Alliance
Innovation Valley Nano Alliance (Tennessee)
Los Angeles Regional Tech Alliance
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
Michigan Small Tech Association
NanoBusiness Alliance (All states)
Nanotechnology Institute/Ben Franklin Partnership (Pennsylvania)
New Jersey Nanotech Consortium
Northern California Nanotechnology Initiative
North Carolina Nanotechnology
Northern Virginia Technology Council
Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative
Organization for Minnesota Nanotechnology Initiatives
State Science & Technology Institute (All states)
Technology Development Corporation (Maryland)
Texas Nanotechnology Initiative
See also:
Technology Transfer Opportunities at DOE government labs.
The Small Business Evaluation and Entrepreneurs (SBEE) Program, is offered by the Kellogg School of Management, in conjunction with the Institute for Nanotechnology, NSF-Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center at Northwestern University. The program provides a place where “scientists can propose ideas for starting businesses to a team of Kellogg students, who provide research and write business plans for presentation to investors from the Chicago investment community. This program educates scientists about the intricacies of small businesses, and introduces business students to high-tech developments in nanotechnology.”
Internet Resources
Numerous Internet resources offer information that could be of use to businesses working in or interested in nanotechnology. See Links