Business leaders being shown round nanotech facilities.

Accelerating Innovation

Technology Networks

“Nanofactory connects the knowledge and expertise of academic researchers with the needs and challenges of companies in the region. This offers a powerful combination and driver for innovation. As a result new fundamental and applied research programmes will be stimulated and leading university researchers will seek out funding and partnerships to deliver these.” Professor Richard Williams (Nanofactory’s director).

Collaboration Development

Nanofactory offers forward thinking companies a unique opportunity to develop new products or processes based on latest emerging technologies. We bring together nanotechnology experts from the universities of Bradford, Huddersfield, Leeds, Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam and York, all looking to form partnerships with companies interested in exploring new business opportunities based on latest advances in nanotechnology.

Molecular Beam Epitaxy equipment, internal photograph.

Access to Funding

Financing research and development to drive nanotechnology innovation forward is often out of reach for SME’s, and particularly so in the current economic climate. The region’s SME spend on R&D is three times lower than the national average, a situation that is not sustainable, and will result in competitors developing technically superior products and out-competing local industry. To combat this, Nanofactory will help your company establish partnerships with universities. Such partnerships are often eligible for a range of external funding opportunities - for example European Union funding, and Technology Strategy Board grants, that greatly reduce the cost of developing new products.

Expert Advice

Nanofactory offers a single point of contact to three hundred nanotechnology research groups in the Yorkshire region, a wealth of help and advice at your fingertips!