Commercialization of Nanotechnology

Transcription

1 Commercialization of Nanotechnology Runar Törnqvist UMK Center of New Materials, Aalto University /rt 1

2 My background 1977, M.Sc. (Tech), Department of Technical Physics, TKK 1983, D.Sc. (Tech), Department of Technical Physics, TKK 1986, M.Sc. (Econ), Hanken , Laboratory of Material Physics, TKK , Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg , Laboratory of Physics, TKK , Lohja Display Electronics , Planar Systems, Inc , UMK Center for New Materials, TKK /rt 2

3 Outline of the lecture I. Why nanotechnology commercialization? II. Science, inventions and patents, innovations III. Nanotechnology products and value chain IV. Early and later examples from Finland V. Conclusions /rt 3

4 Why is commercialization needed? Private funding (investments) Scientific research Education Knowledge Business Objective to generate profit Public funding (using tax income) /rt 4

5 Nanotechnology improves and revolutionizes products in most industries Mercedes M-class scratch-proof paint Wilson s better tennis rackets and balls L Oreal Cosmetics Lotus Effect water-repellent self-cleaning shirts /rt 5

6 Scientific findings, inventions and innovations Scientific research is measured in terms of publications Inventions are measured in terms patents Innovations are measured in terms of economic success Research = Transforming money into knowledge Innovation = Transforming knowledge into money /rt 6

7 Patents An invention can get patent protection Patent first, publish then! The patent gives the patentee the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the invention for a limited period of time (exclusive right) Patent information is used too seldom Financial support can be obtained e.g. from Foundation for Finnish Inventions (Keksintösäätiö) TULI-program (TEKES) /rt 7

8 Only 1 invention in 3000 is very valuable /rt 8

9 Commercialization and nanotechnology Nanotechnology is based on exact sciences and there is usually a right or wrong answer Business is different! There is no absolute right or wrong answers (apart from legal aspects) It is about finding the best solution, preferably a clearly superior one The key is that somebody is willing to pay for the product or the service (fill a need ) /rt 9

10 Commercialization and nanotechnology, cont. Commercialization of nanotechnology does not differ from commercialization of new (capital intensive) technology Existing companies drive commercialization Completely new technology is often born and developed in new entrepreneurial companies, start-ups Key questions to be answered: Is there a need? How is that need solved today? Who are your potential customers and competitors? /rt 10

11 Nanotechnology and nanotechnology market Source: LuxResearch /rt 11

12 The value chain of nanotechnology products Source: LuxResearch /rt 12

13 Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and the Thin-Film Electroluminecent Display The technology was developed by Lohja Corporation in Espoo in the late 70ies and during the 80ies /rt 13

14 It takes time and money 1974 Invention 1983 Technology demonstration 1986 Commerc. Product developed Ramp-up of production 1991 Planar Systems Approx > Profitable Business Al /Ti0 2 / Al /Ti0 2 /. -composite dielectric film with outstanding dielectric strength /rt 14

15 Orion Diagnostica, QuickRead Antibody coated nanoparticles (nanoparticle reagent) Based on scientific research at started in the 80ies Analyte to be measured (unprocessed patient sample) Specific nanoparticle analyte aggregation Aggregation is measured photometrically The reading is quantitative Exact numerical value for the analyte is obtained in about 2-3 minutes /rt 15

16 Beneq Established: 2005 MBO spin out from Nextrom (ex. Nokia-Maillefer) with focus on Equipment and Technology for Functional Surfaces. 65 employees. Products: Industrial and R&D Equipment for coatings based on Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and atmospheric pressure Aerosol technologies Winner in 2008 of the Helsingin Sanomat national Future Winners- competition,which aims to single out the most potential and successful young growth company in Finland /rt 16

17 Nano Cellulose /rt 17

18 Conclusions Nanotechnology contains a wide set of science that can be applied in very many fields: Several opportunities for commercialization! We need both researchers, who master new scientific findings in nanotechnology and skilled persons, who can identify important opportunities for commercialization. Curiosity, networking and persistence are fundamentally important. Competion is tough! To create a successful start-up requires extraordinary skills in many different domains /rt 18

19 Thank you! /rt 19