09/02/2004

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:
  • Hilton Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh, on 9 February
  • Hilton Manchester Airport, Manchester, on February 12
  • Holiday Inn, Bristol Filton, Bristol, on February 16
  • and Ernst & Young LLP, London SE1, on February 18.


Businesses interested in applying for a grant from this programme should visit www.mnt.org.uk for all relevant forms and guidance.

(gmcg)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

05 December 2008
Woolies Launches 'Biggest' Sale, As Search For Buyer Continues
Troubled high street retailer Woolworths is to hold its "biggest ever" sale, as the search for a buyer for the chain continues. Administrator Deloitte said it would slash up to 50% off goods - including toys and greetings cards - in an attempt to clear shelves as it remains in talks with potential buyers.
30 October 2015
Monitor Launches Investigation Into Trust's £12.6m Deficit
Health sector regulator Monitor has opened an investigation at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals over its financial deficit of £12.6 million. The organisation is concerned that the trust may record a large loss for 2015/16 rather than the £2.2m surplus it had previously predicted.
18 December 2014
Govt To Announce Local Council Funding For 2015-16
The government is due to announce later today council funding grants for 2015-16. Councils have previously been warned that they will be facing average cuts of 1.8%, with the Local Government Association warning that services would "buckle under the strain".
22 May 2013
Hampshire Police To Sell Unused £11m Headquarters
An £11 million police headquarters, which has never been used in the five years since it was built, is to be sold. Alpha Park will be sold by Hampshire constabulary as it cannot afford to develop the site, the Guardian has reported. The site in Eastleigh was bought for £9.6m in 2008 and the force has since spent £1.
16 May 2013
NAO "Unclear" On Benefits of HS2 Project
With an estimated funding gap of £3.3bn, the National Audit Office (NAO) has warned that the economic benefits of the HS2 high-speed rail project are unclear. According to the BBC a report from the NAO highlights its “reservations” about growth and jobs being created by the proposed high-speed rail link.