NanoKTN is one of the UK’s primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies and says that the event is aimed at supporting the development of nanotechnology and encouraging partnerships between companies, focussing on the challenges and opportunities in the South. The NanoKTN hopes to stimulate interaction and networking between the nanotechnology community and sources of investment, partnership and funding relief.

The next big challenge for the future development of nanotechnology and successful exploitation of nanotechnology-enabled products is the development of vibrant and expansive companies. Networking and the opportunity to sell ideas and products is a key part in this taking place. The NanoEntrepreneurs workshop will showcase the current generation of companies in this field and there will be opportunities for delegates to learn about the services of local companies.

The one-day workshop will feature presentations from current CEOs of companies giving their perspective on their own company histories and outlining some of the challenges they have faced and overcome. There will also be an update from the NanoKTN on funding opportunities in the public sector.

Highlights from the day include presentations from the CEOs of micro- & nano-technology market leaders NanoSight, Stratophase Ltd and Ilika Technologies.

Nigel Vaughn, CEO of the Solent Innovation and Growth Team will be delivering a presentation focusing on the importance of articulating business propositions to investors. Delegates will be given an insight to the structure of a successful business plan that acts as a key tool for delegates to control where they are going and how they plan to get there. Vaughn will look at practical tips in preparing a plan and highlight some of the key issues surrounding business propositions to investors.

Jeremy Warren, CEO of NanoSight, a leading provider of instruments for the optical detection and real time analysis of sub-micron particles, will look at how NanoSight has launched practical and commercially viable tools within the industry, through a combination of development in close partnership with users and applications. From a standing start in 2005, NanoSight has grown to a point where there are now more than 200 NanoSight instruments worldwide. Warren will offer advice on developing a company and will also look at future developments for NanoSight and ways it plans on doing this.

Richard Williams, CEO of Stratophase Ltd, a Southampton University spin out will look at some of the key successes and turning points in the history of the company, in terms of investors, markets, customers, products and technology. In particular, Williams will outline the spinout of a new company and the opportunities the company has created.

Other speakers include Tony Raven, Director of Enterprise, University of Southampton and SETsquared, Professor Greg Park, Professor of Photonics, University of Southampton and Don Spalinger, Director, Corporate Relationships, University of Southampton.

The NanoEntrepreneurs focus group aims to encourage the development of strong and robust SMEs through improved supply chain creation, imaginative business strategy development and implementing ways of extracting the best possible value from existing products and services.

The focus group brings together both innovators and funders to discuss the essential issues in establishing and growing small companies and will offer participants an important networking opportunity.

“The NanoEntrepreneurs focus group has chosen Southampton as the location for its next regional event, due to the city’s micro and nanoelectronics capabilities,” explains Alec Reader, Director at the NanoKTN. “We encourage anyone from the commercial sector, with an interest in this area to attend, particularly if you are looking for funding or partnership opportunities. The past events in this area have been a huge success and have enabled academic, research and funding partners to meet and discuss ideas and inspirations for new and developing products.”

For more information about how to join and register for the meeting, please visit www.nanoktn.com