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Nanotechnology in the UK

With a large number of leading-edge nanotechnology companies and a strong nationwide research and development network, the UK is a world-class location for the nanotechnology industry. Although it is a relatively new industry, potential applications for nanotechnology are growing rapidly and will continue to do so, with the market for nanotechnology products forecast to increase by 44% annually over the next 12-15 years (Source: Centre For Economic Growth, 2004). The UK has particular strengths in the healthcare, biotechnology, automotive, aerospace and advance materials fields.

The UK government has a strong track record in supporting the development of the UK nanotechnology industry. In 2003, the Department of Trade and Industry announced an investment of £90m for a six-year programme towards nanotechnology R&D, fabrication facilities and commercialisation. To date, a total of £22m from this programme has been invested by the UK government in micro and nanotechnology facilities around the UK in micro and nano device manufacture and integration; nano particles and novel materials; bionanotechnology; and characterisation and metrology.

 

Facts and Figures

• The UK nanotechnology sector contributes an estimated £23bn per year to the UK economy ? predicted to double by 2015
• UK nanotechnology development takes place in 93 major research centres at 48 academic institutions
• The number of UK companies in the sector in 2005-2006 was approximately 1,400, including many university spin-outs
• In 2004-2005, about 200 start-ups were recorded in the sector
• The sector receives funding of around £120m per year in the UK
• There are around 43,000 people employed in the industry, with a further 400,000 jobs in companies making significant use of nanotechnology in their products
• The number of companies in the industry doubled from 2003-2005, and the number of people employed doubled in this period.

Source: UKTi

 

 

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