ICSTI Statement on Nanotechnology - Forfás

million) nationally and internationally in the recent past. These
groups are reporting important advances in nanotools and
nanomaterials technologies and are training large numbers of
professionals, including an estimated 250 postgraduate students,
skilled in many aspects of nanotechnology.
These research groups have spun-out two start-ups to date, which
have been successful in attracting international venture capital.
It is estimated that a further eight companies will be spun-out
from these groups in the next five years.
Enterprise Ireland has identified an initial group of 40 companies
as potential early adopters of nanotechnology. To date, six of
these companies have begun using nanotechnology to improve
existing products and processes with several others in the pipeline.
There are currently four Irish-based multinationals developing new
products and processes based on nanotechnology. The
internationally recognised national nanotechnology research and
development capability will help embed these companies and
offers the opportunity to attract others.
Nanotechnology – National Strategy
The strategy, at the highest level, is to exploit the general and
sector specific nanotechnology opportunities that arise for new
and existing indigenous and multinational companies by
facilitating the co-operation of the key stakeholders to achieve
the following:
The growth of a number of potentially high value companies
spun-out of the relatively large number of internationally
recognised nanotechnology groups active nationally.
A significant increase in the number of established
indigenous companies that are using nanotechnology to
improve the performance or reduce the cost of existing
products and processes to enhance competitiveness.
9