NanoKTN urges members to apply for TSB funds

A number of funding calls of interest to those in the nanotechnology market have been scheduled over the next three months and the NanoKTN says it will offer its members support and advice. It has allocated £3m to invest in research projects in the field of nanotechnology enabled healthcare, while the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has co invested an additional £6m for academia into the scheme. The TSB says it is now looking for projects where nanotechnology is at the heart of the innovation. The deadline for registrations is 6 December 2011. A further £15m has been invested by the TSB into its Technology Inspired Collaborative Research and Development programme. According to the board, this stimulates innovation across electronics, communications technologies, photonics, electrical systems, advanced materials, biosciences and nanoscale technologies. The competition is co funded by the Scottish Enterprise, which has made up to £2.75m of additional funding available. Projects will focus on recent technological breakthroughs that have inspired people to innovate in a context of significant technology risk, or have led ideas that have yet to find applications in a recognised market. Deadline for registrations is 30 November 2011. "Nanotechnology is recognised as an important means of wealth and job creation for the UK and the calls launched by the Technology Strategy Board cover many important nanotechnology markets," said the NanoKTN's director, Dr Alec Reader, pictured. "Choosing the right call is important for UK businesses to expand their ambitions without wasting unnecessary effort and expense. Support for preparing calls is crucial and at the NanoKTN we are committed to assisting our members in making the best possible decisions to ensure we continue to see investment into the UK nanotechnology market. We encourage anyone looking to develop its products and processes to apply for the monies now available."