Strengths of the nanotechnology sector in Scotland
Scotland's thriving nanotech community is supported by a state-of-the-art infrastructure and pioneering technological developments.
A number of large foreign companies such as IBM, Rolls Royce, Kelvin Nanotechnology and BAW Systems have all invested in the Scottish sector.
Skills and expertise
- Scotland has world-leading academic and commercial expertise in nanofabrication, nanomedicine and nanomaterials
- A world-class research base which secures high levels of funding
- A strong pool of graduate talent
- World-class prototyping facilities, such as the UK’s largest centre for micro machines and nanosystems
High-quality support infrastructure
- The Institute of Nanotechnology was formed in Scotland in 1994, the institute underpins and supports Scottish activity in the sector
- Several universities - notably Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, St Andrews, Heriot-Watt and Paisley - have long-established research groups with international reputations in different nanoscience-related disciplines
- Strong government support for businesses setting up, through embedding, aftercare and growth
- Leading-edge design centre aiding commercialisation of nanotech research
- A number of science parks are embedded in university research centres
Collaboration
- Strong links exist between academia, the private and public sectors, thanks to convergent technology areas
- The life sciences, photonics and semiconductor communities enjoy strong interconnection
- The sector has important ties with international organisations working at the nanoscale
Cost-competitive