Groundbreaking research and development in nanotechnology has been taking place in Scotland since the 1980s. We can boast an array of nano ‘superstars’ who head up world-renowned research groups at Scottish universities, not to mention the companies ranging from home-grown spin-outs to international players, who operate in Scotland.

The scope of the Scottish nanotechnology industry

Scotland has world leading academic and commercial expertise in nanofabrication, nanomedicine and nanomaterials, with strong convergent technology areas. The life sciences, photonics and semiconductor communities work well together, something that has enabled Scottish companies to capture new opportunities in the global marketplace.

Internationally recognised schools in product design and technology management provide a strong and available pool of graduate talent. The Institute of Nanotechnology, formed in Scotland in 1997, underpins and supports Scottish activity in the sector.

Nanotechnology in Scotland – commercial strengths

Scotland has pioneered technological development in nanotechnology and has a thriving nanotech community supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure.

• Scotland has a strong science base in many areas of micro and optoelectronics, photonics, the biosciences and healthcare.
• Important links with international optoelectronic, electronic and medical companies working at the nanoscale can be exploited.
• A number of advanced facilities have strengths in thin films, nanofabrication and photonic crystals, and ultra-fast transistor development.
• ·The first-rate academic sector produces a high number of engineering, pure and life science graduates.

Nanotechnology research and development in Scotland

Nanotechnology research carried out in Scotland is having a major impact on areas such as electronics, optoelectronics, cancer research, genomics and cell engineering. Around 200 scientists are currently involved in nanotechnology in Scotland, with specialist nanotechnology centres based at universities across the country.

• The University of Edinburgh’s:
• Integrated Micro & Nano Systems and Materials and Processes Group are working with the Scottish Microelectronics Centre to integrate the micro and nano world with microelectronics.
• Chemistry department is conducting extensive research into a variety of projects with commercial potential, including the growth of nano-particles for applications in recording and information storage.
• The University of Glasgow’s Department of Electrical Engineering is developing methods which allow the manipulation and measurement of single biological molecules.

Scottish Development International provides active support for the Scottish electronics sector

Contact SDI to discuss the range of services available to companies and organisations working in nanotechnology, and other electronics industries in Scotland