Bouncing Back - When IPO plans flop, companies in need of capital find new ways to make ...

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Every year, hundreds of companies file papers with the SEC announcing their intent to go public. But not every company's plans for an IPO come to fruition. About 1 in 5 end up being withdrawn, says Paul Bard, vice president of research for research firm Renaissance Capital: 51 IPOs were scratched in 2007, 47 in 2006 and 54 in 2005. Earlier this year, with public markets gyrating due to problems in the subprime mortgage sector, things were shaping up to set a record for canceled IPOs. Over the past five years, a typical month saw five or fewer canceled IPOs. This year, eight companies withdrew their IPOs in January and 11 did so in February, says Bard. So what happens when a company's IPO plans flop? We took a tally of the 51 businesses that withdrew IPO filings last year. The results: Only three bids had expired; five companies appeared to have run into financial distress; 11 merged with other companies or were acquired; six secured alternate funding; four found other ways to go public that avoided an IPO; and the largest number, 22, simply made do without their planned IPO funding. Their stories show that losing out on an IPO isn't necessarily a disaster. Here are the tales of two companies that came out relatively unscathed: Who: Keith Blakely, 51, CEO Company: NanoDynamics Inc., a $5.5 million developer and manufacturer of advanced materials, solid oxide fuel cells and water filtration technology in Buffalo, New York Founded: 2002 Filed for IPO: May 2007 Withdrew IPO: November 2007 Planned to raise: $85 million NanoDynamics, which makes everything from golf balls to advanced fuel cells to concrete additives, encountered stock market turbulence during its IPO bid. "The market slid 500 points within days of us going on our roadshow [to pitch investors] in July," says Blakely. With its IPO prospects looking bleak, the company sought other sources of funding, landing a $10 million joint-venture investment from Shell Technology Ventures in October of last year. Shortly after, NanoDynamics pulled its IPO filing. Once NanoDynamics had withdrawn its IPO, it conducted a strategic review. Decisions were made to put some research projects on hold while the company focused more on selling its finished, marketable products. The plan has kept NanoDynamics growing--and it has also kept costs within the company's financial limits. Who: Todd Cozzens, 52, president, CEO and vice chair Company: Picis Inc., a $115 million hospital-software company in Wakefield, Massachusetts Founded: 1994 Filed for IPO: August 2006 Withdrew IPO: July 2007 Planned to raise: $86.2 million Picis pulled the plug on its IPO because it spotted an enticing acquisition, competitor Lynx Medical Systems, and needed funding fast to beat out other suitors. So instead of going through with its IPO, Picis tapped one of its IPO underwriters, Goldman Sachs, for help. Goldman provided $155 million to fund the Lynx acquisition, which closed in August of last year. In an effort to integrate its acquisition, Picis has since beefed up its management team. The company has also signed up key new customers, who are drawn to the company's new capabilities. And an IPO could still be in the future. Says Cozzens, "We can still drive our own destiny." Original story: http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2008/july/194544.html

John Ruberto Hired as President of NanoDynamics Energy

Fri, 23 May 2008 06:00:00 -0800

NanoDynamics Energy, a subsidiary of NanoDynamics, has announced the hire of John Ruberto as president. Ruberto will be responsible for commercialisation efforts in relation to the company�s Revolution Series of micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), which offer advantages including fuel flexibility and integrated hydrocarbon reforming. Ruberto most recently served at Applied Nanotech as S.V.P. of programs, expanding the company�s intellectual property portfolio, backlog and revenue generation. Prior to that he was president of power at Eagle Picher, and also served in the role of E.V. P. of strategy. Ruberto also served as V.P. for Aerojet-General and V.P of business development and strategy for Aerojet-General From 1994 to 1998 Ruberto was a principal deputy assistant to the Secretary of Defense, directing arms control initiatives, overseeing system acquisition responsibilities � including the U.S. nuclear weapons and chemical weapons stockpiles, and managing operations for the Defense Special Weapons and the On-Site Inspection Agencies. He also managed the Cooperative Threat Reduction program, and was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal for his contributions to the defense of the U.S. . Source: Fuel Cell Today

New NanoMarkets Report States That Market for Conductive Silver Inks to Expand Rapidly in the ...

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:00:00 -0800

GLEN ALLEN, Va., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The market for silver conductive inks will almost triple over the next eight years to reach $2.4 billion by 2015 says a new report from NanoMarkets, an industry analyst firm. The report is a follow up to a widely regarded and first of its kind analysis of the conductive silver inks business released by NanoMarkets in 2007. Additional details about the 2008 report can be found at http://www.nanomarkets.net/. Members of the press may request an executive summary. Key findings from the report: -- While demand for silver inks from traditional applications such as membrane switches and PCBs will remain stable, a new group of applications is emerging that will bring new business revenues to silver ink makers. The biggest opportunity will be found in the RFID space where revenues from silver inks for RFID antennas alone will exceed $880 million by 2015. Based on the current excitement surrounding alternative energy, NanoMarkets expects the use of silver inks for solar panel contacts to grow to almost $250 million by 2015. -- As applications for printable electronics begin to reach full-scale production, flexo and gravure printing will become increasingly popular and require special inks tailored to the needs of these kinds of printing machine. The market for silver flexo and gravure inks is no more than a niche now. By 2015 it will have reached more than $530 million. -- Nanosilver inks will reach almost 21 percent of total ink sales by 2015 driven by their high conductivity and ability to be cured at low temperatures. The latter will be especially important given the growing role of thermally sensitive flexible substrates. About the Report: NanoMarkets' report, Silver Inks and Pastes for Printable Electronics: 2008-2015 quantifies the opportunities for silver inks in both traditional applications and in RFID, photovoltaics, displays, sensors and lighting. The report covers the future of both conventional inks and pastes and the new nanosilver inks. Printing types covered include screen, inkjet, flexo and gravure. Detailed volume and value forecasts are provided for each application, including a breakout by ink, printing technology and type. It includes profiles of influential suppliers of silver inks including Cabot, Cima Nanotech, Creative Materials, DuPont, Five Star, Harima Chemical, InkTec, Mitsubishi, NanoDynamics, NanoGram, Henkel Electronics/National Starch, NanoMas, NovaCentrix, Parelec and Sun Chemical. About NanoMarkets: NanoMarkets tracks and analyzes emerging market opportunities in electronics created by developments in advanced materials. The firm has published numerous reports related to organic, thin film and printable electronics materials and applications and maintains a blog at http://www.nanotopblog.com/ that comments on industry trends and events. NanoMarkets research database is the industry's most extensive source of information on thin film, organic and printable (TOP) electronics. Visit http://www.nanomarkets.net/ for a full listing of NanoMarkets' reports and other services. NanoMarkets Source: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/new-nanomarkets-report-states-that,350753.shtml

NanoDynamics targets printed electronics apps with nano-scale metals

Small Times — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 06:00:00 -0800

April 9, 2008 -- NanoDynamics is targeting the printed electronics industry with a range of metal flakes and powders. "With rapid advancement towards smaller, more complex circuitry, along with a host of innovative printing substrates, the unique properties offered by nano-scale metals including silver, copper and silver-coated copper have become significant to further industry development," said Dr. Alan Rae, V.P. of Innovations at NanoDynamics. "Factors including low melting and sintering temperatures that address heat-sensitive applications, and more environmentally responsible and flexible circuit printing methods are ideally addressed through the employment of nanometals," Rae added. Among NanoDynamics' products for this market are ND Silver powders (from 30 nm to 80 nm) and platelets (500 nm), which promise unique stability at elevated temperatures and do not exhibit room temperature sintering and migration. ND Copper has a crystalline structure that "provides low oxidation and excellent conductivity," according to NanoDynamics. Powders and flakes are available in sizes from 200 nm to 6 microns. And Silver Coated ND Copper, used extensively in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, conductive adhesives, inks and transparent conductive films, promises high corrosion-resistant surface properties and low-temperature processing capabilities Silver Coated ND Copper materials are available as flakes in 4 to 10 microns. Source: http://www.smalltimes.com/articles/article_display.cfm?Section=ONART&C=Elect&ARTICLE_ID=325278&p=109

NanoDynamics Exhibits Range of Nano-Scale Metals for Printed Electronics Industry

Nano Werk — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:00:00 -0800

Nanowerk News) NanoDynamics will display its selection of metal flakes and powders for printed electronics industry applications at Printed Electronics Europe, April 8-9, 2008 in Dresden, Germany. �With rapid advancement towards smaller, more complex circuitry, along with a host of innovative printing substrates, the unique properties offered by nano-scale metals including silver, copper and silver-coated copper have become significant to further industry development,� said Dr. Alan Rae, V.P. of Innovations at NanoDynamics. �Factors including low melting and sintering temperatures that address heat-sensitive applications, and more environmentally responsible and flexible circuit printing methods are ideally addressed through the employment of nanometals.� NanoDynamics will exhibit the following at booth No. 16: ND�Silver Ranging from 30 nm to 80 nm, ND�Silver powders and platelets (500 nm) offer unique stability at elevated temperatures and do not exhibit room temperature sintering and migration. ND�Silver materials have been engineered for increased electrical conductivity in low-temperature processing scenarios, including printing on paper and polymer substrates. With customized surface chemistries for a variety of conductive inks and adhesives, ND�Silver materials provide numerous benefits in printed electronics applications, including fine-line print definition and stringent printing rheology control via closely manipulated particle size distributions. They also reduce the amount of material required due to highly concentrated properties at thin coating levels. ND�Silver materials are available as dry powders or in wet raw material �pre-dispersions� for ease of handling and dispersion into final printable systems. ND�Copper With a crystalline structure that provides low oxidation and excellent conductivity, ND�Copper powders and flakes provide a high-performing, economically efficient option for larger-scale circuit production. These powders offer excellent repeatability and processing characteristics, and enable a direct additive circuit printing process that is more environmentally sound than traditional etching methods. ND�Copper powders and flakes are ideal for printed conductors, dipped capacitor terminations and conductive polymers, provide exceptional purity and particle size control, and are available in sizes from 200 nm to 6 microns. ND�Copper, Silver Coated Used extensively in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, conductive adhesives, inks and transparent conductive films, this unique product offering provides high corrosion-resistant surface properties and low-temperature processing capabilities ideal for the printed electronics industry. When coated with silver, nanocopper flakes can acquire these properties at a more economic pricepoint, while also delivering on customer conductivity specifications. Silver Coated ND�Copper materials are available as flakes in sizes from 4 to 10 microns. To learn more, visit NanoDynamics at Printed Electronics Europe 2008 booth No. 16, log onto www.nanodynamics.com or call +1-877-275-6369. About NanoDynamics Headquartered in Buffalo, N.Y., NanoDynamics, Inc. develops and commercializes technologies, materials and products that provide clean technology solutions, with a principal focus on the application of nanotechnology-enabled solutions in the energy, environment, and infrastructure markets. Source: http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=5236.php

NanoDynamics Increases Production of Cell-Pore Products to Meet Demand in Filtering Waste Gas ...

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 06:00:00 -0800

NanoDynamics, Inc. announced today the ramp-up of its Buffalo, N.Y. Cell-Pore� production facility to meet the demands of the expanding waste gas odor control market. NanoDynamics� Cell-Pore ceramics technology offers an effective media platform for customers developing advanced biological filtration odor control solutions for gas remediation systems in industrial and municipal treatment facilities. Addressing an escalating global concern for Non-Condensible Gases (NCGs) and other harmful emissions in waste gas, biological filtration technology offers an economical, energy efficient and environmentally sound alternative to conventional methods of waste gas treatment such as incineration and chemical oxidation. Currently used in the company�s ReefresH2O� and NanoPurity� product lines, Cell-Pore technology offers vast surface area in an open-pore structure ideal for the beneficial formation of biofilms that house the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria necessary for effective biological filtration. In response to a recent order, NanoDynamics will manufacture and ship approximately 90 tons of its Cell-Pore ceramics technology for use in waste gas treatment before the end of June 2008. It will also continue development of additional product volume for use in other applications.

Cost and Energy Efficient Process Intensification Module Technology for Commercial Solvent Stripping

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 06:00:00 -0800

NanoDynamics Inc.�s wholly owned subsidiary NDFusion provides process intensification (PI) module technology for commercial solvent stripping applications. The company�s state-of-the-art rotating tube reactor (RTR) continuous process module provides an environment for the rapid reduction of solvent levels within a chemical processing stream, without degrading valuable heat or shear-sensitive products. A controllable thin film is generated inside the rotating tube, creating high surface areas for heat and mass transfer processes. The combined internal vacuum conditions and external addition of heat to the rotating tube result in significantly high solvent removal rates. �Traditional solvent stripping technologies either don�t remove enough of the solvent from the product or can damage it to an extent that it no longer has commercial value,� said Dr. Alan Rae, vice president of NanoDynamics� strategic business unit ND Innovations. �With NDFusion�s process intensification module technology, specialty solvents are efficiently and safely recaptured for re-use � resulting in waste reduction that is both cost- saving and environmentally responsible. The technology also offers green chemistry benefits in efficient energy consumption due to the thin films� enhanced heat transfer capabilities.� Process intensification revisits the fundamentals of fluid dynamics and is created when mixing occurs on a nano or micro scale, enhanced by high shear conditions using thin films. Unlike normal batch chemical processes, scale-up issues are minimized as every volume element experiences precise, identical process conditions and residence times. �When compared to traditional chemical manufacturing processes, NDFusion�s process intensification technology offers greater process flexibility, offering scalability in throughput and reaction times, and a number of reactor configuration options,� Dr. Rae said. �It also provides an improved method for bench-through-plant scale-up as it eliminates the typical challenges of heat transfer and other surface phenomena, as well as those associated with mixing and thermal transfer dynamics.� The application of NDFusion�s process intensification technology in solvent removal has been successfully demonstrated at the bench scale.

Grant Provided for Scale Up Development of Air Monitor for Toxin Detection

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:00:00 -0800

NanoDynamics subsidiary ND Life Sciences announced its receipt of a two-year $350,000 Phase II SBIR contract from the National Institute of Environmental Health Services (NIEHS). The contract, which runs through August 2008, is funding a continued joint initiative with Pittsburgh-based ICx Agentase in the optimization and scale-up of an air monitor system to detect trace-level toxins. �We are working toward a compact and affordable unit that can operate hands- free for extended periods of time without maintenance,� said Dr. Alan Rae, vice president of NanoDynamics� strategic business unit ND Innovations. �Under this continued funding, we are able to employ a strong collective expertise in process intensification and enzyme-embedded polymer chemical detection technologies to develop a device with extraordinarily low detection levels and immunity against false alarms,� said Keith LeJeune, CEO of ICx Agentase.

Workshop to Look at Advancing the Oil, Energy and Petroleum Industries with Nanotechnology

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:00:00 -0800

Epik Energy Solutions announced that it will present at the upcoming Society of Petroleum Engineers� (SPE) �Nanotechnology in Upstream E&P: Nano-Scale Revolutions to Mega-Scale Challenges� applied technology workshop, Feb. 3-6 2008 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Representatives from the joint venture between NanoDynamics, Inc. and Shell Technology Ventures Fund 1 B.V. will present on overcoming the hurdles in applying nanotechnology solutions to oil E&P issues. The SPE�s three-day applied technology workshop will provide opportunities for information exchange and collaborative problem solving between the global oil and gas industry�s E&P sector and the nanotechnology community. It is designed to: elevate awareness about nanotechnology in upstream E&P; outline key E&P upstream sector challenges potentially addressed by nanotechnology; examine how to leverage investments in nanotechnology for use in upstream E&P; foster networking between nanotechnologists and E&P technology professionals; translate knowledge from nanotechnology developments in other industries into the oil and gas sector; and develop a high level nanotechnology roadmap for upstream E&P. �With a rapidly increasing demand for energy across the globe, the time has come for the E&P sector and nanotechnology industry to explore collaborative efforts that address the broad range of exploration and production issues faced by today�s oil and gas industry,� said Keith Blakely, Epik Energy Solutions CEO. �Epik Energy Solutions is excited to share information on the ways in which this is possible for the immediate future, in applications ranging from advanced energy storage and improved down-hole and platform structural materials to new catalyst materials and disruptive water filtration, purification, and treatment materials.� Matthew Bell, director of Epik Energy Solutions, along with Dr. Alan Rae and Larry Offenbacher, business development consultants for Epik Energy Solutions, will present in several panel and poster sessions during the three-day meeting.

Toxin Detector to be Built with Grant Funding for NanoDynamics

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:00:00 -0800

NanoDynamics subsidiary ND Life Sciences announced its receipt of a two-year $350,000 Phase II SBIR contract from the National Institute of Environmental Health Services (NIEHS). The contract, which runs through August 2008, is funding a continued joint initiative with Pittsburgh-based ICx Agentase in the optimization and scale-up of an air monitor system to detect trace-level toxins. �We are working toward a compact and affordable unit that can operate hands-free for extended periods of time without maintenance,� said Dr. Alan Rae, vice president of NanoDynamics� strategic business unit ND Innovations. �Under this continued funding, we are able to employ a strong collective expertise in process intensification and enzyme-embedded polymer chemical detection technologies to develop a device with extraordinarily low detection levels and immunity against false alarms,� said Keith LeJeune, CEO of ICx Agentase.

SMALL TIMES announces best of small tech award winners at nanocon international conference

SMALLTIMES — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 06:00:00 -0800

Santa Clara, CA � Small Times presented its highly respected Best of Small Tech awards at its NanoCon International conference and exhibition today at the Santa Clara Convention Center. This is the sixth annual Small Times awards program, which spotlight the top companies, leaders and the biggest successes in nanotechnology, MEMS and microsystems during the past year. �Each year it gets more and more difficult to judge the best and brightest as the micro and nanotechnology market continues to mature and new products come to market,� said Christine Shaw, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher of Small Times. �It is an honor to recognize the leading companies, and business and research executives who are driving integration of nanotechnology into the commercial pipeline.� Best of Small Tech Award: Advocate The Small Times 2007 Best of Small Tech Advocate of the Year award goes to Dr. Horst Adams of Alcan Technology & Management Ltd. in Neuhausen, Switzerland, whose work has furthered the transfer of nanotechnology R&D results to industrial applications. Adams has established a global R&D network for the development of nanoparticle-enhanced materials and attracted worldclass institutions to it; he has also launched a global �peoples� nursery� for young nanotechnology scientists. Runners-up are Jean-Cristophe Eloy (Yole Developpement), Pekka Koponen (Spinverse Consulting), Scott Livingston (The Livingston Group, Axiom Capital Management), Del Stark (European Nanotechnology Trade Alliance). Best of Small Tech Award: Application Product The Small Times 2007 Best of Small Tech Application Product of the Year award goes to Parallel Synthesis Technologies Inc.�s Silicon Microarray Technology, a micromachined set of silicon pin tools for printing DNA or Protein microarrays. The printing elements produce microarrays with up to 50,000 spots of DNA (of about 250 picoliters each) on a 25mm x 75mm substrate, and are substantially less expensive than traditional technologies. Runners-up are Discera�s MOS1, Polychromix Inc.�s PHAZIR Plastics Analyzer, VTI Technologies� Pressure Sensor � SCP100, and New Scale Technology�s Squiggle Motor. Best of Small Tech Award: Business Leader NanoDynamics Chairman and CEO Keith Blakely led the development of products capable of improving energy, water, and infrastructure globally. During the past year his initiatives have included introduction of the Rev 50H solid oxide fuel cell, and launch of a joint venture with Shell Technology Ventures to apply nanomaterials and nanotechnology to solve some of the oil and gas industry�s most pressing challenges. As a result, Blakely earned the 2007 Small Times Business Leader of the Year award. Runners-up are Kevin Maloney (QuantumSphere, Inc.), David Moxam (Authentix) Klaus Schroeter (NANOIDENT Technologies, AG) and Erich Thallner (EV Group). Best of Small Tech Award: Company FormFactor, Inc. captured the Small Times 2007 Best of Small Tech Company of the Year award for its work to change the approach wafer probe card manufacturers are taking to tackle rising test costs through tighter collaboration with IC manufacturers. The company leverages MEMS technology, which is scalable to shrinking semiconductor geometries. For Fiscal Year 2006, FormFactor�s revenues grew 55% and thus outpaced both the semiconductor and semiconductor capital equipment markets. Runners-up are Authentix, Inc., Discera, Knowles Acoustics and NANOIDENT Technologies AG. Best of Small Tech Awards: Innovator Louisiana Tech. University, Institute for Micromanufacturing professor, Yuri Lvov has worked during the past year to pioneer drug reformulation through polyelectrolyte nano-encapsulation, which has allowed stable nano and micro colloids of important cancer drugs. He extended the same approach for Improvement of cellulose microfibers from recycled paper through polyelectrolyte nanocoating, which has allowed increase of recycled fiber usage in paper. His results are protected with four US patent applications and were widely published in peer reviewed journals. The achievement of this vision earned him the Small Times 2007 Best of Small Tech Innovator of the Year award. Runners-up are Stephen Y. Chou (Princeton University), Paul J. Glatkowski (Eikos, Inc.), Wan- Thai Hsu (Discera) and Daniel Resasco, Ph.D. (SouthWest NanoTechnologies, Inc.). Best of Small Tech Award: Micro/Nano Tool The Small Times 2007 Best of Small Tech Micro/Nano Tool of the Year award goes to a tool that was designed to deliver uniform nanopowder and ultrafine micro powders for thermal spray coating applications. Thermally sprayed coatings have been shown to benefit greatly by the use of nanomaterials, but applications have been limited by the lack of production equipment to deliver nanopowders. Northwest Mettech Corporation�s Nanofeed Liquid Powder Feeder bridges that gap. Runners-up are CytoViva, Inc.�s CytoViva Imaging System, IntelliSense�s IntelliSuite, BioForce Nanosciences, Inc.�s Nano eNabler and Nanonex Corporation�s Nanoimprint System. Best of Small Tech Award: Nanomaterial The Small Times 2007 Best of Small Tech Nanomaterial of the Year award goes to QuantumSphere, Inc.�s QSI-Nano Manganese, a catalyst material used in the cathode of Zinc/air batteries to increase their longevity and power output more than 320%, enabling new power applications. Runners-up are Phiar Corporation�s Metal-Insulator Electronics, nCoat, Inc.�s N01, SusTech�s Thera-med and Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc.�s UNCD Wafers. Best of Small Tech Award: Researcher Rice University�s professor Ching-Hwa Kiang has developed a technique for stretching a protein and following the path to understand the folding pathways. This work is important because protein misfolding may result in malfunction of biological processes and even disease such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and even cancer. Her breakthrough research in this area earned her the Small Times Best of Small Tech Researcher of the Year award in 2007. Runners-up are R. Douglas Carpenter (QuantumSphere, Inc.), Zhihong Chen (IBM�s TJ Watson Research Center), Dr. Claude Gagna (New York Institue of Technology) and Dr. John J. Kasianowicz (NIST). Best of Small Tech Awards: Lifetime Achievement E. Clayton Teague, Director at the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office captured the Small Times 2007 Best of Small Tech Lifetime Achievement award. This award is in recognition of his contributions to the industry throughout his career�which currently involves his directorship of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO), In this position, Dr. Teague serves as a NIST representative to the National Science and Technology Council, reporting to the Office of Science and Technology Policy. He also is serving as Chair of the American National Standards Institute Technical Advisory Group to the ISO Technical Committee on Nanotechnologies. Dr. Teague has a history of contributions to small tech: Beginning with his work on quantum mechanical tunneling in vacuum, he has been working in the some of the fields now known as nanotechnology since 1968. About the Awards This is the sixth year of the prestigious Small Times Best of Small Tech Awards. Each award submission is evaluated by the Small Times� staff and a distinguished panel of industry experts, relative to each category, and the winners are chosen. Awards are based on accomplishments between July 1, 2006 and July 1, 2007. More details can be found in the January/February 2008 issue or online at www.smalltimes.com. About Small Times Small Times magazine is a business publication covering the fast-emerging nanotechnology, MEMS, and microsystems markets. Founded in 2001, it is the leading source of news and analysis about micro and nanotechnology and MEMS, detailing technological advances, applications, and investment opportunities to help business leaders stay informed and make critical decisions. www.smalltimes.com About PennWell Corporation PennWell Corporation is a diversified business-to-business media and information company that provides quality content and integrated marketing solutions for the following global industries: Oil and gas, electric power, water, electronics, semiconductor, contamination control, optoelectronics, fiber optics, information technology, fire, emergency services and dental. Founded in 1910, PennWell publishes 75 print and online magazines and newsletters, conducts 60 conferences and exhibitions on six continents. www.pennwell.com For more information contact: Carol Fronduto Marketing Communications Manager 603.891.9169 carolf@pennwell.com

Nanotech takes on water pollution

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 06:00:00 -0800

Cleaning up contaminated water is big business, which explains all the companies coming up with tiny solutions. By Melanie Haiken, Business 2.0 Magazine (Business 2.0 Magazine) -- Cleaning up contaminated water is big business. World demand for treatment is forecast to increase 6 percent per year through 2009 to more than $35 billion, according to a 2006 report by research firm Freedonia. A new generation of nanotechnology companies is focused squarely on this market, using nanoparticles that form chemical bonds with contaminants and don't let go. Thiol-SAMMS, a powder first developed by Battelle Labs for the Department of Energy, was brought to market last year by Steward Environmental Solutions of Chattanooga, Tenn. It can suck up 60 percent of its own weight in mercury, arsenic, lead, and other metals and is so absorbent that a single tablespoonful has the same surface area as a football field. Steward is rapidly scaling up production. "We've certainly met our investors' expectations," says Steward VP Robert Jones. Meanwhile, a host of water-cleaning products are scheduled to come to market in late 2007. NanoDynamics of Buffalo, N.Y., is set to introduce its "cell-pore" ceramic filters, in which tiny holes are lined with highly absorbent nanocrystals. NanoScale of Manhattan, Kan., is releasing a line of products growing out of the success of Fast-Act -- a chemical cleaner first developed for the military. And there are plenty of treatments still in the lab. Researchers at Rice University have demonstrated "nanorust" -- icroscopic particles of the metal magnetite that bond to arsenic in water and can then be lifted out with an ordinary magnet. Says Richard Sustich, development manager of the WaterCAMPWS research institute at the University of Illinois, "Within five years there's going to be an explosion of new materials that will change the way we do everything."

Nanotech Briefs� is pleased to announce the winners of the third annual Nano 50� Awards

NanoDynamics Inc. — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 06:00:00 -0800

Nanotech Briefs� is pleased to announce the winners of the third annual Nano 50� Awards, which recognize the top 50 technologies, products, and innovators that have significantly impacted � or are expected to impact � the state of the art in nanotechnology. The winners of the Nano 50 awards are the �best of the best� � the innovative people and designs that will move nanotechnology to key mainstream markets. Nano 50 nominations were judged by a panel of nanotechnology experts. The technologies, products, and innovators receiving the 50 highest scores were named Nano 50 award winners. Nanotech Briefs congratulates all of the Nano 50 winners. Join us as we celebrate these innovators, and the technologies and products they�ve created, at the Nano 50 Awards Dinner at the NASA Tech Briefs National Nano Engineering Conference in Boston, November 14 and 15, 2007. Visit www.techbriefs.com/nano for more information. Congratulations to the third annual Nano 50: Innovators An individual recognized as a leader or pioneer in a specific area of nanotechnology, with a significant background of accomplishments in advancing the state of the art in nanotechnology. Pulickel M. Ajayan Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY Shigeru Aoyama Omron Corp. Japan Olgica Bakajin Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Livermore, CA Zhenan Bao Stanford University Stanford, CA Stephen Y. Chou Princeton University Princeton, NJ Ken Dean Motorola Labs Tempe, AZ Omid Farokhzad Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston, MA Nicholas Leventis University of Missouri at Rolla Rolla, MI Charles R. Martin University of Florida Gainesville, FL Gilles Picard Nanometrix Canada Michael T. Postek National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) Gaithersburg, MD Eric Snow Naval Research Laboratory Washington, DC Francesco Stellacci Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA Thomas Thundat Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, TN Ming Zheng E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. Wilmington, DE Technologies Technology breakthroughs that have, or are expected to have, a significant impact in one or more application areas. Nanoparticle Flux Pinning in Superconductors Air Force Research Laboratory Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH Nanophotonic Integrated Circuit from Dendrimer Applied Research and Photonics, Inc. Harrisburg, PA Controlled Architecture Polymers Arkema France Nanoantenna Arrays Idaho National Laboratory Idaho Falls, ID Nanostructured Device Manufacturing Process Idaho National Laboratory Idaho Falls, ID Single Quantum Dot Nanowire LEDs Kavli Institute of Nanoscience/Philips Research Labs The Netherlands Fabrication of Nanoporous Metal Materials Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Livermore, CA Pathogen-Sensing Nanosensors Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Livermore, CA Microfluidizer High-Pressure Fluids Processor Microfluidics Corp. Newton, MA Modulated Power Spectrum Method of Zeta Potential Determination Microtrac, Inc. Montgomeryville, PA Method for Manufacturing High-Quality Carbon Nanotubes NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD Size-Controlled Metallic Nanoshells and Nanoparticles NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA Scatterfield Optical Microscopy National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) Gaithersburg, MD Single Nanoparticle Optics Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA Network Nanostructured Polymer System Polymate Ltd.-Israeli Research Center Israel Common Platform� Technology Samsung, IBM, Chartered Semiconductor San Jose, CA Low-Temperature Nanomaterials for Fuel Cells University of California, Davis Davis, CA Nanoengineered Superthermites for Shock Wave and Energy Generation University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO Fuel-Powered Artificial Muscles University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX Zerovalent Iron Nanoparticles Process University of Toledo Toledo, OH Polymer Foam Nanocomposites University of Virginia Hampton, VA Printed Electronics Xerox Corp. Canada xGnP-Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelets XG Sciences, Inc. East Lansing, MI Products A product that incorporates nanotechnology in its design and/or operation, with significant current or near-term commercial applications. Ultra-Strong, Stiff, and Lightweight CNT Fiber CNT Technologies, Inc. Seattle, WA Dual Mode Fluorescence (DMF) Module CytoViva, Inc. Auburn, AL RoboMate� Nanopositioning System Discovery Technology International Sarasota, FL Starch Nanospheres EcoSynthetix Lansing, MI NANOSPIDER AntimicrobeWeb� ELMARCO s.r.o. Czech Republic Quanta 3D FEG FEI Co. Hillsboro, OR nanoECR� System Hysitron, Inc. Minneapolis, MN Nanomaterials for Water Cleanup MetaMateria Partners/NanoDynamics Columbus, OH Forte� Nanocomposites Noble Polymers Grand Rapids MI VivaGel� Starpharma Holdings Ltd. Australia Emulsion Aggretions (EA) Toner Technology Xerox Corp. Canada Integrated Circuit SEM Probing Product Line Zyvex Instruments, LLC Richardson, TX http://www.nanotechbriefs.com/nano50_winners.html

Program supports partnerships - Teams to receive $161,823 for ...

NanoDynamics Inc. — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0800

By Rick Moriarty Staff writer Four university-industry teams will receive grants totaling $161,823 for research and development projects with the potential to create 55 jobs in the central Upstate region. The awards are the third round of the Grants for Growth program, operated by the Metropolitan Development Association. A $1 million state grant pays for the program. Companies and university partners can apply for grants of up to $50,000 for innovative and economically beneficial research and development projects. The partnerships must match the grant money. ND Fusion Inc., of Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, will receive $50,000 to work with Clarkson University to develop a chemical reactor for processing renewable feedstock. The process can produce liquids such as biodiesel and solvents. OptiGen LLC, of Ithaca, Tompkins County, will receive $50,000 to team with Cornell University to develop a DNA-based commercial test for cataract disease in valuable purebred dogs. In doing so, they hope to improve analytical approaches to gene discovery in closely related canine populations. E2e Materials, of Ithaca, will receive $25,000 to work with Cornell to bring to market petroleum-free, biodegradable composites that are stronger, lighter and less expensive. The biodegradable materials are made from renewable resources including soy proteins and natural fibers such as bamboo, jute, flax and kenaf. Welch Allyn Inc., of Skaneateles, will receive $36,823 to work with St. Joseph's College of Nursing to develop hand-held electronic medical monitoring equipment and software used to collect and record patient vital signs. The partnerships receiving the grants are putting up a total of $198,645 for the projects. The projects have the potential to generate $10.6 million in revenues for the companies, the development association said. Rob Simpson, assistant to the president of the association, said there will be at least one more round of grants from the program. The application deadline for the fourth round is June 1. The application and supporting documentation are available at: www.essentialconnections. org/gfg Including the grants announced today, the program will have issued 16 grants totaling $675,407, with the partnerships providing $994,775. Industry partners expect to creating 247 jobs as a result of the projects, the association said. Rick Moriarty can be reached at 470-3148 or rmoriarty@syracuse.com.

NanoDynamics Sub-licensee Wins 1st Place in Burton D. Morgan Business Plan Competition

NanoDynamics Inc. — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 06:00:00 -0800

Purdue Announces Winners of Entrepreneurial Competition Purdue University has announced the winners of its entrepreneurial competition. M4 Sciences Corp., which is based at the Purdue Research Park, received $30,000 for its advanced manufacturing technologies that are used in the biomedical, aeronautical and military markets. Taking home a $15,000 prize was onCurrent.com, a startup company that has created an online calendar that helps promote arts and music. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A team that develops advanced manufacturing technologies for biomedical, aeronautical and military markets and a startup company that created an online calendar for arts and music took the top prizes Thursday (Feb. 22) in Purdue University's 20th annual Burton D. Morgan Entrepreneurial Competition. M4 Sciences Corp. won the top $30,000 prize in the Gold (graduate) Division of the business plan presentation contest, which took place at Discovery Park's Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship. James Mann, chief executive officer of M4 Sciences, made the winning presentation, explaining the company's techniques, which are expected to bridge the gap between nanomanufacturing and macromanufacturing with products that require ultra-precise, highly accurate miniaturized components. Team member Brian Gootee is chief operating officer and director of information technology of the company based at Purdue Research Park. M4 Sciences also won $5,000 of in-kind services from Ice Miller, a legal and business services firm based in Indianapolis. The company was awarded an additional $5,000 from Indiana Economic Development Corp. onCurrent.com won the $15,000 prize in the Black (undergraduate) Division for a startup company that created an online calendar that helps promote arts and music and allows users to supply the information. Immanuel Mullen and Christopher Thomas made the winning presentation. They plan to strengthen networking communities across the United States. Other winners in the Gold Division were: * Second place, $8,000 and $3,000 in Ice Miller services: MatrixBio LLC. * Third place, $6,000 and $2,000 in Ice Miller services: AlGalCo. * Fourth place, $2,000: Vis Viva Energy. * Fifth place, $1,500: TranCell Technologies. Other winners in the Black Division were: * Second place, $6,000: RAF Solutions. * Third place, $4,000: NudeLaptops.com. * Fourth Place, $1,500: EcoTrikes. Inc. * Fifth Place, $1,000: Zlin. Judges were John C. Aplin, managing director of CID Capital; Don N. Aquilano, director of Blue Chip Venture Company and managing director of Gazelle Tech Ventures; Carrie Bates, managing partner of Triathlon Medical Ventures; Chaz Giles, strategist and finance manager of FutureWorks Procter & Gamble; Dr. Ken Green, founding partner of Spring Mill Ventures; G. Logan Jordan, associate dean of administration in Purdue's Krannert School of Management; Michael Menefee, professor of organizational leadership and supervision in Purdue's College of Technology; Jennifer Rhodes, partner at Ice Miller; Steve Shade, managing director of Purdue's Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Discovery Park; and Henry J. Suerth, executive education program director in the Krannert School. "In the Gold Division, we saw five viable technology-based businesses," Jordan said. "It wouldn't surprise me to see all of them become growing concerns, and I know Burton Morgan would have been very happy with that result." Richard A. Cosier, Krannert School dean and Leeds Professor of Management, moderated the competition. "The Burton D. Morgan competition has evolved over its 20 years to become a leading student event of its kind," Cosier said. "This year's contestants again reflect the high-technology nature of Purdue University and the Krannert School, and they give us a glimpse into future innovations that will have an impact in our state and beyond. We'd also like to sincerely thank the Burton Morgan Foundation for funding much of the competition." The late Burton D. Morgan was a Purdue alumnus who started 50 companies, six of which have become major corporations, including Morgan Adhesives, one of the world's largest makers of pressure-sensitive adhesives. He also was president of Basic Search Co., an idea-development firm, and wrote several books on entrepreneurism. Morgan established the entrepreneurship competition in 1987 with an endowment gift to Purdue. The Burton D. Morgan Foundation funded the $7 million, 31,000-square-foot Center for Entrepreneurship. Source: Purdue University - http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=22014

NanoDynamics� Presented With 2006 Advertising Award from Nasa Tech Briefs

NanoDynamics Inc. — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 06:00:00 -0800

Advertisement received highest readership for all of 2006. NanoDynamics� was also honored with individual highest readership awards for the months of March, June and September.

Awards laud leadership, advancements in technology

Joelle — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 21:00:00 -0800

Monique Curet THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH TechColumbus bestowed its annual TopCAT awards last night to those selected as technology leaders in 2006 in central Ohio. The event, held at the Greater Columbu Convention Center, recognized organizations and individuals in 12 categories. Dr. John Barnard, president of Columbus Children�s Research Institute, was named Executive of the Year among companies with more than 50 employees. Barnard, a pediatric gastroenterologist, was cited for "stimulating tech transfer and business development." The Columbus Children�s Research Institute also garnered an award in another category, Outstanding Technology Team among companies with more than 50 employees. The institute�s Center for Childhood Cancer Bioinformatics Group was recognized for its dedication "to increasing cure rates and decreasing side effects in therapy through information technology." J. Richard Schorr, president of MetaMateria Partners, was named executive of the year among companies with fewer than 50 employees. TechColumbus noted that Schorr "has built MetaMateria around the idea of accelerating the development and commercialization of advanced materials technology," and it increased the company�s work force from three in 2002 to more than 25 today. TechColumbus is a nonprofit organization that promotes the formation and growth of tech companies. The group also gave TopCAT awards to: � Anna Lee Tonkovich, manager of the Technology Development Center at Velocys Inc.; named Inventor of the Year for her inventions that accelerate chemical reactions. � Optimum Technology, a software company that works with law enforcement and other public agencies; recognized for excellence as a Minority Owned Enterprise. � Lake Shore Cryotronics, which developed nanotechnology used in household appliances, multimedia systems, computing and medical instruments; awarded Outstanding Product of the Year among companies with more than 50 employees. � HTP Inc., with a software product focused on the healthcare industry that improves efficiency, profitability and service quality; awarded Outstanding Product of the Year among companies with 50 or fewer employees. � Integrated Mobile Inc., which developed software and services to help businesses control wireless costs; named Outstanding Startup Business. � OCLC Online Computer Library Center introduced a public Web site that makes it possible to search 10,000 libraries� catalogs; recognized for Outstanding Service of the Year among companies with more than 50 employees. � Recentris developed the Collaborative Electronic Research Framework, allowing research-and-development companies to manage information and record-keeping; recognized for Outstanding Service of the Year among companies with 50 or fewer employees. � ECNext, which provides an e-commerce platform that allows businesses to sell directly to end-users; named Outstanding Technology Team among companies with 50 or fewer employees. � Dr. Gail Besner, a professor of surgery and pediatrics and a surgeon at Columbus Children�s Hospital, whose research could affect the health and survival of premature babies; named Outstanding Woman in Technology. mcuret@dispatch.com

POTSDAM'S NDFUSION PLANT WILL GET $50,000 GRANT FOR CHEMICAL REACTORS

Joelle — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 20:00:00 -0800

By BENJAMIN RAY TIMES STAFF WRITER POTSDAM -- The NDFusion plant on Maple Street will receive some help from the state to develop its chemical reactors. The company will receive $50,000 from Grants for Growth, a program that partially funds joint projects between universities and industry that will create jobs in Central and Northern New York. NDFusion, which opened Tuesday at 147 Maple St., will employ four and will use technology researched at Clarkson. Engineering associate professor Roshan J.J. Jachuck is working on a chemical reactor at the plant that will result in a more efficient way to make biodiesel. "It's certainly a good match," said S.V. Babu, director of Clarkson's Center for Advanced Materials Processing, which will work with NDFusion when needed. "This is an exciting opportunity and the beginning of our expansion into the local economy." Grants for Growth offered $50,000 for startup costs. The university and NanoDynamics ^�Inc., a Buffalo-based nanotechnology company that owns NDFusion, are matching the grant. Scientists at the plant are working on the creation of chemical reactors that can be used to make liquids, particularly biodiesel and solvents. Instead of being created in tubes, the diesel is put in the reactor and spun very quickly. A thin film inside the reactor keeps the liquid at a uniform temperature, and that plus the quick spinning means the diesel is created faster and is of higher quality than diesel made using traditional methods. "We're trying to create job growth and this will help with that," Mr. Babu said. The grant is one of three from the current and third Grants for Growth round. So far in the three rounds, 15 awards totaling more than $638,000 have been given out for startup industries. The program is part of the Metropolitan Development Association's Essential New York Initiative

CLARKSON SEEKING MORE ROOM TO RESEARCH ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Joelle — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

By BENJAMIN RAY TIMES STAFF WRITER POTSDAM -- Clarkson University professors and students researching alternative energy are fast running out of room to work. So the school is considering a $5 million addition to the Science Center that would connect it to the library and provide more classrooms and work areas. Clarkson is applying for an Empire State Development Corp. grant to pay for the project. James R. Pratt, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said Empire State was chosen because the research could lead to job creation. The most recent examples of this are ZeroPoint Clean Technology, which specializes in creating fuel from biological waste, and the NDFusion plant that opened Tuesday and creates more efficient ways to make biodiesel. Both plants use technology developed or researched at Clarkson. "The more work we do, the more demand there is for space," Mr. Pratt said. "It's a good problem to have." Construction would begin next summer. The third floor of the Science Center is wider than the first two floors, with columns supporting it on the outside of the building. The first phase of the project would wall in this space and turn it into classrooms. Then, the two-story addition would connect that space to the library's first two floors, with the main entrance facing south. The first floor of the addition would include labs and offices, with classrooms and a computer lab going on the second floor. Engineering distinguished professor Philip K. Hopke said professors have been talking about moving some research to Walker Center, which eventually will be used as a test site for alternative energy, but the Science Center plan will help alleviate the research space problems. "We certainly hope we can continue to build the quality facilities we've been able to over the years," he said. "This will give us more space and we'll be able to hire more faculty and do more research." Mr. Pratt said the university someday will renovate the library, and moving some of its computers to the addition is a minor first step. In addition, the building will be green if the budget allows it, with floor-to-ceiling windows, solar panels and off-the-grid electricity. Cranbury, N.J., architects Berkowsky & Associates Inc. are designing the addition, as they have done with previous Clarkson projects.

CLARKSON RESEARCH GOES COMMERCIAL

Joelle — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 08:00:00 -0800

By ROBERT SNOW POTSDAM - Clarkson University officials said in teaming up with Nanodynamics they have achieved one of the university's goals - to bring research from the laboratory into the commercial market. Over 40 people were on hand to witness the fusion of research and the commercial market - the official opening of ND Fusion, a branch of Nanodynamics developing Clarkson technology for commercial use. "It's extremely symbolic, this is the embodiment of that activity," Clarkson President Tony Collins said. "This is a very visual and public (example) of our vision for the future." The university president said the university has a vision, "to take some research activity at Clarkson and develop it into the commercial marketplace," he said. But, it takes people to make those visions more than just ideas, according to Collins. That is where Dr. Roshan Jachuck, a Clarkson professor, and Nanodynamics CEO Keith Blakely come into the picture. For Blakely, starting small businesses like ND Fusion began with a bit of wisdom he heard decades ago, the statement that in the United States no one starves to death. Blakely said with that wisdom he took a risk. He resigned his position in the company he worked at and started a company, ART, which grew from a two-person operation in 1984 and after 20 years hired 325 individuals. He said it's not BMW, not even a major employer in western New York, but the impact of that business are things he said he can point to today in areas such as medical coding technology. Yesterday's event wasn't just a ribbon cutting for a huge operation, Blakely said, but a company similar to the one he started over 20 years ago. "There's not a lot to it today, there may not be a lot to it in six months, there may not be a lot to it in a year," he said. But he hopes to some day become a leader in the nano-materials and bio-fuels industries. "The impact of what will go on here will be felt in corners all over the world," he said. Aside from the technology being developed, Blakely said he hopes ND Fusion can lead by example in motivating other would-be entrepreneurs to decide to take a chance to do something. "My hope is that it will lead to some attitude changes... for people to begin even very modest initiatives," he said. "I'm enthusiastic with the possibilities. I think it's very exciting technology coming out of Clarkson University. This region should be very proud of the kind of academic and research institution we have here." What ND Fusion will be doing is refining technology developed at Clarkson to make it a marketable product. Jachuck invented the technology being used at ND Fusion which uses rotating tubular technology. The devices are designed to refine chemical reactions into a continuous process. "What this is replacing is taking a big pot, putting chemicals in it, stirring it up and hoping for the best," Jachuck said. Blakely said one of the things that makes the United States more competitive in the world market is the ability to transfer technology research done at universities to the commercial market. ND Fusion will be using Jachuck's technology to focus on refining bio-diesel which, Blakely said, has a tremendous interest globally. He added in Potsdam within 12 months Nanodynamic's investment in ND Fusion will be over $1 million. While ND Fusion is a successful initiative spawning from Clarkson technology, Center for Advanced Material Processing (CAMP) Director S. V. Babu said more important is the economic development it's created, development right in Potsdam just a stone's throw from the university. Babu added that was the New York State office of Science, Technology and Academic Research's (NYSTAR) intention in providing funding for the CAMP building, that the technology developed there could be turned into economic development out in the community. But another part of the equation was bringing in Jachuck. Babu said NYSTAR provided a $375,000 grant to get the renown doctor in at Clarkson and his expertise in process intensification has opened new windows and doors for research at CAMP. And now with Nanodynamics becoming a major investor in CAMP, the same as IBM and Corning, Babu said things are looking bright for the future. "We have high expectations for the future," Babu said. St. Lawrence County Director of Economic Development Ray Fountain said there may be future developments like ND Fusion using Clarkson technology around the county. "By combining our efforts with those of Clarkson and the Potsdam Development Office, we are more likely to see successful projects like this one coming to St. Lawrence County," Fountain said. "We're working to diversify our economy with developing technologies. New ideas like those offered by ND Fusion are hopefully a peek into the future of what will be accomplished in St. Lawrence County."

NanoDynamics expands to northern NY

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 09:00:00 -0800

NanoDynamics Inc. has opened a new research facility in Potsdam. The Buffalo-based nanotechnology company opened ND Fusion, a new subsidiary in Potsdam, will focus on a variety of industry applications including nanoparticle synthesis, biofuel production, pharmaceutical intermediates and other areas. The site will be supported by an existing relationship with Clarkson University, which is developing a reputation as a leader in nanotechnology research and in technology transfer of alternative energy sources. NanoDynamics has worked with Clarkson's Center for Advanced Material Processing (CAMP) for four years, including work that led to the commercialization of nanometal powders. The ND Fusion technology is based on a patent-pending rotating tube reactor that creates chemical processes that are cleaner, safer, smaller and cheaper.

NDFusion facility opening next week

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 07:00:00 -0800

NANOTECHNOLOGY: Clarkson professor to aid in work on biodiesel reactors at Potsdam plant Date: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 Dateline: POTSDAM By BENJAMIN RAY TIMES STAFF WRITER A Buffalo-based nanotechnology company will open a plant next week that will use research developed at Clarkson University.Roshan J. Jachuck, engineering associate professor, will work with three other scientists at the plant opening Tuesday at 147 Maple St. The NDFusion plant is owned by NanoDynamics Inc., which turns nanomaterial research into commercial use. The science of nanomaterials looks at items at the atomic level; 1 nanometer is the length of 10 atoms. Scientists who work at this scale can create items such as high-energy batteries and computer chips with vast amounts of memory by manipulating the items' unique properties. Mr. Jachuck's research involves the creation of reactors used in making biodiesel. Liquid is added to the rapidly spinning reactor to create a very thin film, which helps the materials used to make biodiesel heat up quickly and consistently. The process is faster, cheaper and more space-saving than current methods of biodiesel manufacture, he said. "We can make biodiesel spin so fast that we can convert feedstock into product in seconds," he said. "Things that normally take hours, we can do in a few minutes." Scientists at the plant will continue research on this method and make the reactors, using Clarkson's Advanced Materials Processing lab if necessary. The process also could help pasteurize milk and create solvents. Using the reactors is a better method than using tubes and beakers, Mr. Jachuck said, because the product is uniform throughout and companies will save time and money in manufacturing. "What will last in the market is a product that is energy efficient," he said. Clarkson and NanoDynamics have worked together before on the creation of nano-sized metal powders. The Buffalo plant produces these powders as well as golf balls and portable solid oxide fuel cells all enhanced with nanotech research. NanoDynamics Director of Marketing Dana Hammer-Fritzinger did not return a call seeking comment. The building at 147 Maple St. used to house Waste Stream Management.

COMPANY TO DEVELOP JACHUCK'S WORK

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 05:00:00 -0800

By ROBERT SNOW POTSDAM - A professor's work previously done in a Clarkson University laboratory could become a commercial machine of the future as a Buffalo company moves into Potsdam to develop the invention. NanoDynamics has signed on to take the work of Clarkson Professor Roshan Jachuck to the next level by establishing a commercial facility in the old Wastestream site on Maple Street. "We cultivate the most promising candidates to bring to market," NanoDynamics Director of Marketing Dana Hammer-Fritzinger said. The new Potsdam-based subsidiary of NanoDynamics will be called ND Fusion. Hammer-Fritzinger said for now they'll only employ a couple of people. "We have 4,500 square feet. It's a humble beginning," she said. What they will be doing is taking a machine Jachuck invented at Clarkson to further developing and market it for commercial use. "What we hope to do is continue to work in conjunction with Dr. Jachuck to do the research and look at the application and market and building the equipment to generate these small size reactors," Hammer-Fritzinger said. She explained if someone wants to open a biofuel plant using a new substance as the product, they could then approach ND Fusion to design the best way to make that product and even build the machines to make it. The machine they'll be developing for commercial use integrates "rotating tubular technology" which spins tubes around quickly to create a thin film. Hammer-Fritzinger said there are many applications for the technology from making biodiesel fuel to Tylenol. Furthermore, the process is continuous and Hammer-Fritzinger said it takes less energy for the finished product. She added everything created will come out with the same uniform composition. "It is much safer, the quality is better and the product is more consistent," she said. One example she said was how the technology can be used to pasteurize milk faster so it takes less energy. Hammer-Fritzinger said milk is pasteurized in large tanks and heated at around 70 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. However, using the spinning tube technology that same pasteurization can be done considerably faster. "With this technology we can do it at the same temperature but instead of taking 30 minutes it takes 2 seconds," she said. When considering how much energy it will save not having to heat a vat for 30 minutes, Hammer-Fritzinger said it equates to a huge reduction in equipment and energy costs. Another example of the application is with biodiesel which the Potsdam facility will likely focus on. Hammer-Fritzinger said the fuel today is made in batches with giant reactors and propellers. Aside from having to make the product, the plants use a huge amount of water during the process and a great deal of waste. The ND Fusion technology can be used to reduce the size of a large biodiesel plant to the size of the bed of a pick-up truck. "With the same output because it's continuously producing, not on a batch basis," Hammer-Fritzinger said. She added because of the properties of the technology everything can be done much faster and in lower volumes but done continuously. It's a "greener" or cleaner way to produce the biodiesel because it does so without as much water and energy. The technology can even be used to create safer chemicals. Hammer-Fritzinger said about 90 percent of organic chemicals are made out of petrochemicals. She said the petrochemicals are broken down into chemicals like Benzene and Toluene. Those are further refined to produce fine chemicals and adhesives. Jachuck's invention can be used to create the same chemicals using cellulose from renewable resources such as wood, starches and other plant-based materials. Those chemicals could be done before using vat-based processes but Hammer-Fritzinger said it wasn't cost effective. With the ND Fusion technology it can now be done economically. ND Fusion will be officially opening their new facility on Dec. 5.

Alternative Energy Suppliers Look to Nano-Manufacturing

Joelle — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:00:00 -0800

Paula Doe, SEMI -- 10/17/2006 Semiconductor International Developers of fuel cells, solar cells and next-generation lithium ion batteries are looking to new nano-manufacturing technologies to enable their smaller and cheaper solutions to generating energy. �The real issues now in the alternative energy world,� said Ged McLean, president and CTO at Angstrom Power (North Vancouver, B.C., Canada), �are all about nano-manufacturing.� McLean�s company is looking for ways nano-manufacturing can improve its microstructured fuel cells. High-profile thin-film solar cell suppliers Nanosolar (Palo Alto, Calif.) and Konarka Technologies (Lowell, Mass.) are counting on nanostructured materials to enable printing their low-cost thin films on flexible substrates. And Angela Belcher�s group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, Cambridge, Mass.) is now focusing on getting its viruses to assemble alloys for electrodes for lithium ion batteries with much higher energy density. SEMI is bringing these and other leading nanotechnology researchers and users together with the electronics process technology supply chain at its NanoForum, Oct. 30-Nov. 2 in San Jose, to discuss manufacturing issues in nano energy, biomedical, defense and electronics markets. �I�m firmly convinced that exposing the semiconductor world to the wide range of things going on in the nanotechnology world � and vice-versa � will be a very good thing for both sides,� said Alan Rae, vice president of marketing and business development for NanoDynamics (Buffalo, N.Y.) and chair of the committee organizing the meeting. �There are lots of things you come across being applied in another area and suddenly realize, �Wow, I see where this can be used in my area.�� Belcher�s group is now applying its biological self-assembly technology to making better batteries. She says her group has improved its genetic engineering in the past year to now be able to change multiple peptides on the virus�s coating � allowing them to assemble alloys instead of just single materials. �We�re able to make larger modifications now and still have it remain stable,� Belcher said. The main focus of her work with MIT colleagues Paula Hammond and Yet-Ming Chiang is now on energy applications like battery technology, ultracapacitors and solar cells, where low-cost assembly of highly ordered material could significantly improve energy density and reduce size and weight. �I like starting with a simple system, where things don�t have to be perfectly aligned,� she said. �We�re working on a problem we think we can solve.� The current proof of concept work could lead to a working thin-film battery prototype in two years or so. Work on engineering the viruses to serve as the scaffolds for assembling III-V semiconductors like InGaN for the absorbers for solar cells is less further along, since the materials are less compatible with biological processes. So far, the group has made a self-assembled polymer electrolyte that can be simply coated with a metal oxide anode, and it�s now working on a metal phosphate cathode coating to complete the battery. The anode is made by coating the substrate with long, thin rod-shaped viruses that are genetically engineered to bind to cobalt and gold. The viruses repel each other slightly so they arrange themselves into a tightly aligned monolayer, and coat themselves with metal ions from solution, effectively making a closely packed network of nanowires. Belcher says energy densities are 2-2.5� better than current electrode materials. In fuel cells, performance could also be much improved, according to Angstrom Power�s McLean, by nanoscale engineering of the catalysts and their support structures. His company makes microstructured fuel cells that use an array of thin pillars of proton exchange membrane to create a large surface area for reaction. It closed on $18M in equity funding in September, and has demonstration projects from the Vancouver airport to the Royal BC Museum using its fuel cell flashlights and rechargers for standard two-way radios and PDAs. �Catalysts are now made by bucket chemistry, and it�s impossible to know how much of the catalyst is actually being used, or how much is really needed for the reaction,� said McLean, noting that engineering catalysts on a 5-10 nm scale and manufacturing nanostructures is a huge area that�s ripe for development. �I hope a lot of people come up to me after the talk with suggestions of future R&D on how to solve some of these problems,� he added. High-profile and well-funded solar cell ventures Konarka Technologies and Nanosolar also count on new nanomaterial technologies to print their low-temperature solar films, whether with cold sintered nano crystals of TiO2 coated with light-absorbing dye; or quantum dots, nano templates and nanoparticle ink for CIGS thin films. These low-temperature technologies could mean much of the thin-film photovoltaic market will use printing equipment, not conventional vacuum deposition tools, in coming years. In fact, market researcher NanoMarkets (Glen Allen, Va.) projects printed thin-film photovoltaics will ramp sharply over the next several years to surpass vacuum deposition in dollar value by 2012. Directly before the NanoForum meeting, leading professors will update industry on nanoelectronics developments in the university world at Nano U, and there will be a workshop on global nano standards. For the complete agenda, see www.semi.org/nanoforum.

Having a ball at the Semicon show

Joelle — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 21:00:00 -0800

Commentary: The buzz is strong, plus an unusual nanotech application By John C. Dvorak Last Update: 6:20 PM ET Jul 14, 2006 BERKELEY, Calif. (MarketWatch) -- In the semiconductor industry there are a number of pure trade shows and some of the most respected are the Semicon shows promoted around the world by SEMI, the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials Industry Association. If you are about to build a $2 billion chip fabrication plant you'd be at this show looking at manufacturing and testing equipment you'd need to buy. This is usually an excellent show for analysts and reporters trying to gauge the pulse of the industry. I can assure you that this week's Semicon West show in San Francisco was not only jumping with an expected 40,000 showgoers, but the mood was upbeat. If there is ever to be a new tech boom you can be certain that it is reflected in advance at this event. Unfortunately, the lead time for any market shifts based on the show gestalt is at least a year and a lot can change in a year. That said, it seems like something is up and investors should take note. And there is even an unusual frivolity that was on display at the show with the emergence of microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS, and nanotech makers showing off new materials. There was also one unique product that got everyone's attention: a high-tech, yet USGA legal, new concept golf ball! Every Silicon Valley CEO and VP who attended this show wants these new golf balls. And from talking to a lot of executives, most need them to improve their game. Thus enters the NanoDynamics NDMX ball. NanoDynamics specializes in metal particle development and has recently invented a fuel cell technology that uses those little tanks of propane to deliver energy. But the attention getter is the hollow metal-core golf ball it designed and now sells. Golf continues to be the executive game of choice amongst people in the high-tech business and I can assure you they will flock to this ball. Sales may not impact the likes of Wilson, Nike or Titlist in a market estimated to be $4 billion a year, but the company thinks that if it can grab 5% of the market that's a whopping $200 million. The idea behind the ball is that by distributing the mass of the ball close to its outer diameter, the ball will spin more slowly than a conventional ball, reducing the tendency to hook or slice. And because of the hard metal making up the hollow sphere inside it should better resist flexing when struck by a club head. Today's golf balls are typically made from a solid piece of polymer with a shell around that. Upon impact the average golf ball will flex for a moment and undoubtedly take a few microseconds to pop back into shape. This should be minimized with the new ball. One executive visiting the NanoDynamics booth, where the ball was on display, was thrilled to learn that the new ball reduces hooks and slices by some small percentage. I asked him why he doesn't spend more time working on his swing instead of worrying about the ball. He gave me a look and left. I took this to mean I was absolutely right and he was headed to the golf course to take my advice. While the ball may have seemingly trivialized the employment of technologies related to nanotech, I think it may signal new thinking. Some of the newest of the high-tech thinking will find its way into seemingly mundane products like golf balls and manage to improve things in unforeseen ways. After all NanoDynamics also sells nanotubes and other materials that will be the basis of future products that will benefit us all. More importantly this emerging high-tech field of nanotech and its related material science will become the hot ticket if any IPO mania reemerges from the technology scene in the years ahead. These new balls drive home the point. Copyright � 2006 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved.

Higgins Announces $2 Million for NanoDynamics in Buffalo

Joelle — Mon, 29 May 2006 21:00:00 -0800

Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that he secured $2,000,000 in federal funding for NanoDynamics Inc, a leading company in the rapidly growing field of nanotechnology, located along Buffalo's Outer Harbor. The funding will be used for the design and construction of a fuel cell system operating through the use of methane gas, a by-product of many water treatment facilities. The technology can be used to ensure that water treatment facilities can operate without grid power in an emergency situation or due to terrorism. The funding was included in the Energy & Water Appropriations bill in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Biomass and Biorefinery Systems Research and Development program passed by the House of Representatives last night. The Energy & Water Appropriations bill will now proceed to the Senate. "Keeping Western New York's water clean in times of natural emergency, natural disaster, or terror attack is critical," said Congressman Higgins. "We cannot always depend on traditional electricity sources to power the machinery to keep our water clean. The availability of an independent energy source which will continue to keep our water clean during an emergency is essential. Congressman Reynolds and I both know the crucial role of clean water and the importance of this type of research to our region; I applaud NanoDynamics for their cutting edge research and for making Buffalo a leader in this field." "This investment is great news for Western New York's economy and alternative energy research," added Congressman Reynolds. "Over the past two weeks in our area we have seen investments in a new ethanol plant, a Bio-reactor, and now this program which will assure safe and continued water supply during emergencies is critical to economic development and continued job creation. I am proud to have worked with Congressman Higgins on this critical investment." The availability of clean water is critical to our nation. The single most significant expense in operating a water treatment facility is electrical power. Without power, for any extended period of time, these facilities would be unable to address the industrial and residential needs of our communities. One by-product of waste water treatment is methane gas. Many, if not most, water treatment facilities burn this gas and recover little, if any, value from its heat. Recent advances by NanoDynamics in the use of nanotechnology and nanomaterials have resulted in a solid oxide fuel cell technology which is capable of operating on a wide range of hydrocarbon fuels, including methane. Fuel cells generate electricity without noise, without external power sources, and are environmentally friendly. The waste products of a fuel cell are heat, water, and carbon dioxide. This project is intended to design and construct a demonstration fuel cell, enabled by nanotechnology, which can be fueled by the "waste" methane gas being generated in a water treatment facility; generating "free" electricity for the facility and providing the potential of fully independent operation in the time of power disruption - due to natural emergencies or terrorism.

Can Nanotechnology Cure the Slice?

Joelle — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 18:00:00 -0800

Listen in RealAudio Golf's governing body has given its approval to a new ball that's said to fly 30 to 50 percent straighter thanks to a hollow steel core made possible by nanotechnology. The United States Golf Association has said it's ok to use the NDMX golf ball from NanoDynamics in tournament play. That means golfers can use it without incurring a penalty for using disallowed equipment. USGA-banned equipment sells poorly. NanoDynamics says the NDMX ball will help golfers who curve the ball too much to the left or right, but is not necessarily a good fit for better golfers who like to intentionally bend the ball. At about $60 per dozen, the ball is expensive.

NDMX Has Its First Tournament Winner!

Joelle — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 18:00:00 -0800

George Toskey, Device Packaging Marketing Manager for Dow Corning became the first golf tournament winner to play the new NDMXTM hollow metal core golf ball. The event was played on 16 January 2006 at the Hapuna Golf Club, Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii and was held in conjunction with SMTA Pan Pac Microelectronics Symposium. Mr. Toskey held onto his lead despite winds gusting to as much as 40mph during the early afternoon. Mr. Toskey said the NDMXTM ball made a big difference in his game; "I did feel like I was hitting the ball off the tee much straighter than I typically do." The other comment on the new, high-tech ball? "I really liked the sound it made off the driver; like it was really getting a wallop!" added the lucky winner.

NanoDynamics CEO Provides Testimony Regarding Nanotechnology Safety and Health Concerns

Joelle — Tue, 17 Jan 2006 17:00:00 -0800

would like to thank Chairman Boehlert and the Committee for giving me the opportunity to submit this testimony for the hearing on nanotechnology environment, health and safety (EHS) issues. I hope that these hearings lead to greater understanding of the true EHS issues of nanotechnology, and that they help to dispel the many myths and misperceptions that already are developing about this new and dynamic field. Most importantly, I hope these hearings lead to an understanding of why it is crucial to support EHS research in nanotechnology at an early stage. NanoDynamics is a fully integrated technology and manufacturing company using nanoscale engineering to improve the lives, health and safety of our customers. We have always taken our environmental responsibilities seriously. As a father whose children will be using nanotech products, as the CEO of a company that is on the forefront of their production and as a researcher in the field, the development of responsible and fair EHS guidelines for nanotechnology is a matter of great importance in my life. Today, nanotech research holds the promise of significant breakthroughs in nearly every industry, through thousands of products and multiple methods of production. This breadth of application and the fact that the same nanomaterial may behave differently based on its size and use is the primary challenge in creating a unified system at the corporate and government level for ensuring EHS safety. For example, aluminum particles at 500 nm work well for soda cans while aluminum particles at 5 nm make a great explosive. Another complication is that nanoscale products have been with us for a thousand years-nanoparticles of gold that give Venetian stained glass its color, carbon black in inks and pigments, and silvers used in the early photo-graphic processes. Even the combustion of gasoline in vehicles produces carbon-based nanoparticles. This means that any policy governing nanoparticles and materials may have far-reaching implications that will impact existing and established industries. Nanotechnology holds the potential for a safer, cleaner and better world. Our goal should be to provide EHS guidelines that will allow us to reap the benefits of that technology in an environmentally responsible fashion. From an EHS perspective, it is clear that we must drastically reduce uncertainty surrounding environmental, health and safety issues of nanomaterials. This is important not only for the safety of the public, but also for the success of nanotech industries that depend on consumers not harboring unfounded or ill-informed fears that will keep them from buying nanotech products. Today, not enough fundamental toxicity research has been done on nanoparticles to decisively determine what hazards they may pose to workers, the public and the environment-or how such hazards, should they exist, might be mitigated. The EHS guidelines we produce to address this must cover all aspects of dealing with nanomaterials, including safe manufacturing, storage and packaging, and disposal and recycling. What's Needed to Develop Guidelines: > Increase Overall Federal Support for EHS-Focused Research in Nanotech-A massive level of investment is going into nanotech development-$8.6 billion in combined government spending, corporate R&D and venture capital worldwide in 2004, up 10% from 2003. By most measures, the United States leads in nanotechnology today, including: absolute public sector spending, patents issued, corporate R&D spending and scientific publications. In contrast, ~$40 million or 3.7% of the 2006 National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) budget is allocated to researching the health and environment implications of the technology. This clearly is not sufficient to keep pace with the rate the technology is progressing. While the optimal amount of EHS funding could be the subject of a study unto itself, we believe that a significant increase to the level of ~10% of NNI funding is well founded. This reflects the view that potential costs of future litigation expenses, increased health care costs and lost productivity can be avoided with sufficient investment at this juncture. > Support EHS Compliance Efforts in Emerging Businesses- The majority of the research that is being performed with government funding tends to be focused on supporting basic research at academic institutions (i.e. labs and universities). Since this basic research is not focused on producing publicly consumable products, there is no impetus to examine all the EHS implications of the technology- particularly those involving manufacturing, disposal and recycling. Private corporations like NanoDynamics, on the other hand, have taken a voluntary approach and invested their own capital in being responsible corporate citizens. The costs of characterizing new nanomaterials and maintaining compliance, however, can be prohibitive for emerging companies. We recommend that the government provide incentives for EHS research in the private sector and, in particular, focus on helping emerging nanotech businesses perform the work required to examine the EHS implications of their innovations and make them compliant with EHS guidelines. These incentives can take the form of more or better funded federal centers that provide equipment and ser-vices required to investigate the properties of nanomaterials and particles, or grants that emerging businesses can acquire to fund research into reducing the toxicity of their products. > Coordinate Individual Agencies to Develop EHS Policies for Nanotech-Since nanotechnology spans various industries, we do not recommend that there be a separate or central agency to oversee EHS concerns in this area. Rather, existing agencies concerned with EHS in those industries (e.g., FDA for pharmaceutical and agricultural nanotech applications) develop their own policies and guidelines. This will allow EHS guidelines for a particular nanomaterial or nanoparticle to be appropriately placed in context of the application in which they are used. We do recommend that a central interagency coordinating program be implemented to coordinate the efforts of the various agencies as they develop their policies and ensure that there is communication among the agencies and consistency in the policies they develop. > Promote Public Education around EHS and Nanotech-The public's primary source of education on EHS and nano-tech today is Hollywood movies and science fiction novels. Unsurprisingly, the viewpoint they present is entertaining but fundamentally alarmist and not based in fact. The impact, however, is that U.S. consumers are being educated to view nanotech products as harmful without having a clear understanding of their actual behavior. This bias will make it difficult for corporations with nanotech products to succeed in the U.S. marketplace and eventually will force U.S. companies to go abroad to succeed. This is in addition to disadvantaging the American public by denying them the quality of life they could enjoy through the use of nanotech products. We recommend allocating funding to public education projects that provide a correct and rational evaluation of the risks and benefits of nanotechnology. Economic Implications: In the process of following these recommendations, it is important that we keep in mind the implications EHS policy may have on the U.S. economic climate for nanotech innovation. Having a global economy means that the United States is competing not just to attract innovation and investment from abroad, but to prevent that same innovation and investment from leaving the country. As we develop our policies, we must attempt to not unduly burden innovators, researchers and corporations that are involved in nanotechnology development. Japan, Singapore, Germany and the U.K. have invested significantly in nanotech development and are actively attempting to attract the innovations and technologies being developed in U.S. institutions and funded by U.S. taxpayers. Losing companies to these foreign territories because of cost-of-compliance issues would mean we were foregoing the job creation and economic benefits of our investment in nanotech. Precedent shows us that a wise investment in research today could save a far greater cost in the future. Asbestos, an extremely effective fire retardant, was installed in millions of homes, businesses and schools. While asbestos was an important innovation that allowed us to save lives and make industrial progress, it came at a high cost that could have been avoided by paying attention to and investing in EHS research early in its development. When considering the health care, legal, social and quality-of-life costs that were incurred as a result of not making this investment, it becomes evident that investing in early EHS studies pays for itself many times over and is in the economic best interests of the public, industry and government. Government's Role: Today, the federal government is the largest single investor in nanotechnology research. As such, it must take the lead in identifying the appropriate gaps in EHS information and organize appropriate, objective and economically sound studies to assess the risks and rewards of nanomaterials processes and applications. As I mentioned earlier, less than 4% of the NNI budget is devoted to researching health and environmental implications. Given what's at stake, that investment is insufficient. Nanotechnology is new, untested and has the potential to end up in one of its many applications in the majority of American households. Given this, we should consider spending as much as 10% of our research budget, or $100 million annually, during the first several years to learn about the potential impact of these materials. To put the investment in perspective, note that Standard and Poor's has estimated the cost of liability for asbestos alone could reach $200 billion. U.S. companies are in the forefront of this revolution, leveraging our technological prowess to create a new and vibrant manufacturing sector that promises to stimulate job growth at all levels. An investment in EHS will engender the same level of trust from the global market that American pharmaceuticals enjoy and give us access to international export markets and foreign investment. The innovation sparked by this boom will lead to a cleaner environment, higher quality of life and economic development for all. Our technological competencies can be leveraged both to understand the risks of nanotechnology and to harness the potential of these exciting materials and processes. It only requires that we make appropriate, informed, and timely investments in the right areas to reap the maximum benefit.

Nano World: Power for soldiers, sat phones

Joelle — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 16:00:00 -0800

By CHARLES Q. CHOI NEW YORK, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Nanotechnology-based power sources are expected to emerge in the next two years that could dramatically reduce the weight that soldiers carry and boost how long satellite phones can last, experts told UPI's Nano World. Fuel cells generate electricity by reacting fuel with oxygen. NanoDynamicsTM in Buffalo, N.Y., is developing fuel cells that employ nanotechnology to help supply power for longer times at less weight and size than batteries or conventional fuel cells. One 50-watt solid oxide fuel-cell prototype, roughly the size of a loaf of bread, is composed of roughly 20 percent nanomaterials and can generate some 3,000 watt-hours of electricity from just 5 pounds of propane. A conventional solid oxide fuel cell given that little propane would generate only one-half to one-third as many watt-hours. The prototype, "originally designed for a combat soldier, could replace about 35 pounds of batteries," said Keith Blakely, chief executive officer at NanoDynamicsTM . He and others discussed their devices at the NanoCommerce & SEMI NanoForum conference in Chicago last week. NanoDynamicsTM essentially takes conventional fuel-cell components such as their membranes, electrodes and catalysts and miniaturizes them, increasing fuel-cell power density. Unlike conventional fuel cells, which use hydrogen gas, their prototypes use propane gas, "the kind you find at camping stores," Blakely said. NanoDynamicsTM has programs with the U.S. Army to develop a fuel cell until the end of 2006. "It may not be that a 50-watt system makes sense for a soldier, but maybe a 200- or 250-watt system to recharge batteries for a platoon," Blakely said. NanoDynamicsTM is also developing a second-generation nanotechnology-based fuel cell with 60 percent nanomaterials, for 50-watt systems only three-quarters of an inch long, and a third-generation device made of 80 percent nanomaterials. "We are based on operating at about 800 degrees C, so it's not a pocket device," Blakely cautioned. "But for a soldier on a three-day mission dealing with the weight of batteries or a wheelchair on a back of a van, it could replace a lot of weight." Burnaby, Canada-based Tekion is developing nanotechnology-based fuel cells for phones and computers. Tekion's fuel cells do not use hydrogen either, but formic acid instead, the same kind bees and ants use in their venom. "Formic acid isn't flammable," said Tekion President and Chief Executive Officer Neil Huff, while being considerably reactive at the same time for relatively high power generation, "which is key to making devices smaller." They currently employ nanoscale catalysts and membranes and hope to miniaturize the rest of their components as well. Initially, Tekion is targeting satellite phones and hopes to have its first product out in 2007. "Satellite phones are larger devices, so they give you more space to work with," Huff said. Moreover, "satellite phones are typically used off-the-grid, so our batteries could help them operate for extended periods of time." -- Charles Choi covers research and technology for UPI. E-mail: hitech@upi.com � Copyright 2005 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Leading Nanotechnology Powerbroker Mark Modzelewski Joins NanoDynamics as VP

Joelle — Wed, 22 Jun 2005 21:00:00 -0800

PRWEB) - New York, NY (PRWEB) June 16, 2005 -- NanoDynamics, Inc., a leader in the development and manufacturing of advanced nanomaterials and nanotechnology-enabled products, announced today that noted nanotechnology business visionary F. Mark Modzelewski is joining the firm in the newly created position of Vice President of Strategic Opportunities. In his new role, Modzelewski will be responsible for the identification and formation of new strategic partnerships, corporate relationships, licensing deals, joint ventures, and acquisitions, as well as furthering the Company's government funding and contracting opportunities. "We are very excited to have Mark join us," said Keith Blakely, CEO of NanoDynamics. "Having Mark come over from Lux Research, a firm that has been of great help in shaping our business strategy, allows us to accelerate our plan to establish NanoDynamics as one of the leading nanotechnology-enabled product companies in the world. Mark brings tremendous business, financial, and government-sector experience, and has been one of the leading advocates of the potential for nanotechnology," Blakely added. Modzelewski founded and is executive chairman of The NanoBusiness Alliance, whose purpose is to advance the emerging trillion dollar business of nanotechnology. He also co-founded and served as managing director of Lux Research, a premier research and advisory firm focusing on the business and economic impact of nanotechnology and related emerging technologies. This spring, Mark served as a visiting professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lally School of Business teaching technology entrepreneurship. In 2003, Modzelewski launched, and continues to advise, the Benet Group, a private equity firm focused on bio-nanotechnology companies, that builds start-ups from raw science working with leading university and government researchers. Modzelewski is a member of the Nanotechnology Technical Advisory Group to The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). He is among the most well-known figures in the technology field and was recently recognized by Forbes as one of nanotech's top "powerbrokers." Before starting the NanoBusiness Alliance, Modzelewski was vice president of business development for Opion, a surveillance and marketing technology company, and a director of Niehaus, Ryan, Wong, New York, heading strategic communications, investor relations and issues-management efforts for a host of leading technology companies. Prior to entering the private sector, Modzelewski was an appointee in the Clinton Administration, serving as special assistant in the offices of HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros and Secretary Dan Glickman of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Modzelewski earned his law degree at the University of Denver College of Law. "Keith has put together a world-class team and a product-focused approach that is truly helping to drive nanotechnology from the lab to the marketplace," said Modzelewski. "Helping start Lux Research and being part of its growth and success was an incredible experience and I am looking forward to continuing working with the team at Lux in the future." "Mark's unique perspective has helped deliver valuable insights to many of Lux Research's clients," said Lux Research CEO Peter Hebert. "We're excited to continue our work with him as a client at NanoDynamics." About NanoDynamics NanoDynamics, T Inc., is a leader in the field of nanotechnology and manufacturer of superior nanomaterials. With proprietary technologies and a wealth of human capital, and broad experience in commercializing emerging technologies, the company is uniquely positioned to economically produce high quality nanomaterials in commercial quantities. NanoDynamics' high-quality nanomaterials and nano-enabled products are already making possible revolutionary advances in a wide range of products and industries, including electronics, semiconductors, fuel cells, transportation, energy, biotechnology and consumer products. For more information, please visit: www.NanoDynamics.com . About Lux Research Lux Research is the world's leading nanotechnology research and advisory firm. It is dedicated to helping clients make better decisions to profit from nanoscale science and technology, through its analysts' unique expertise and unrivaled network. Its clients include top decision makers at large corporations, portfolio managers and analysts at leading financial institutions, CEOs of the most innovative start-ups, and visionary public policy makers About the NanoBusiness Alliance The NanoBusiness Alliance is the first industry association founded to advance the emerging business of nanotechnology and Microsystems. The NanoBusiness Alliance's mission is to create a collective voice for the emerging small tech industry and develop a range of initiatives to support and strengthen the nanotechnology business community, including: research and education, public policy, public awareness, public relations, and promotions and industry support.

Nanotechnology Will Soon Help you Improve your Golf Game

Joelle — Thu, 16 Jun 2005 21:00:00 -0800

If you are the kind of guy who reads Design News, we can predict with certainty that nanotechnology will not help you beat Tiger Woods - ever. But it may soon help improve your handicap. Engineers working on golf equipment see nanotech as a way to fine-tune stiffness, strength, and weight in ways that influence the energy transfer between club and ball as well as the path taken by the ball as it flies down the fairway. Some of these efforts focus on the club itself, but nanotech has also started to turn up in golf balls. One such design comes from NanoDynamics Inc., whose patented NDMX ball features a large hollow metal core. In the first commercial version of the ball, this core is surrounded by a layer of elastomer and a thermoplastic cover, usually an ionomer. The company has also created two-layer ball designs with just the metal core and plastic cover. "In theory, you could even have a hollow metal sphere be the entire ball," notes Doug DuFaux, a director at NanoDynamics. Regardless of how many layers, nanotechnology comes into play in the core. NanoDynamics has applied its expertise in thermal and mechanical processing to reduce the grain size of the proprietary metal alloys it uses for the core. DuFaux says these nanostructured metals have grain sizes as small as 50 nm, with the actual size depending on which of several materials the company uses. The upshot of reducing grain size from micron-to nano-scale is improved impact strength. "If you decrease grain size, hardness goes up and you lose ductility," DuFaux says. With golf balls, he continues, that's exactly the point since ductility results in less efficient energy transfer. Once NanoDynamics engineers had a metal core that could hold up to the impact of the golf club - more than 2,000 lbs on average - they focused on influencing the balls flight. The hollow metal sphere allowed them to craft a ball that carries more of its mass further from its center of rotation, increasing the moment of inertia. The higher MOI, in turn, reduces the ball?s spin rate. By reducing the tendency to spin, a ball's sensitivity to off-axis strikes, which can cause hooks and slices, likewise diminishes, according to DuFaux. In general, he says, each one percent increase in MOI translates to a one percent increase in accuracy, and NanoDynamics has ball designs whose MOI is at least several percent higher than traditional balls. DuFaux acknowledges that spin reduction is something of a balancing act: you want it low enough to ward off off-axis spin but not so low that the ball won?t generate lift. To help preserve lift, NanoDynamics did have to tailor the dimple pattern of its ball to its specific spin characteristics. So does the new ball deliver on its promises? It's too soon to tell. The first NDMX ball came out just last month. Until you get a crack at one, you may have to improve your game the old fashioned way - by working on your swing at the driving range.

Nanomaterials Promise Innovative Solutions

Joelle — Thu, 16 Jun 2005 21:00:00 -0800

In today's rapidly changing packaging environment, board assemblers find themselves caught between two converging trend lines. On one hand, the move to lead-free assembly requires reflow temperatures as high as 260�C and higher for rework temperatures. Many existing components and systems - such as optical modules, certain low-cost connectors, and some advanced semiconductors - simply can't cope with that much heat. On the other, the use of thinner stacked die, thinner bond wire, and smaller pitch devices that require careful alignment, or include low-temperature materials in their construction, is increasing in MEMS, optoelectronics, flash memory, and other devices. Nanotechnology will help packagers meet these challenges in the near term and beyond. Nanomaterials provide a number of processing options that can enable packagers to reduce the process temperature at assembly using tools such as lower temperature alloys, enhanced adhesives, and novel attachment approaches. In nanomaterials, surface energy is high relative to the bulk material and the ratio of surface-to-volume. For example, as the diameter of a particle is reduced by 50%, the area is reduced by 75%, but the volume is reduced by 87.5%. As a result, particles less than approximately 20nm are reactive. For example, the melting point of tin is reduced dramatically in the nano range. Now under development are nano-sized interconnect powders whose properties will allow a low initial fusion temperature. However, once the alloy is formed and macro-crystalline, the powders will solidify and their properties will revert to that of the "normal" alloy. Most conventional isotropic adhesives use relatively large (several microns) silver flake in a resin base - typically epoxy - and have limitations in terms of conductivity, strength, and moisture resistance. They generally cure in the 120� to 175�C range, much lower than the reflow temperature of solders. Conversely, anisotropic adhesives are largely based on gold-plated polymer spheres dispersed in a resin. As the resin shrinks on curing, the conductive surfaces pull together and the spheres compress between them. Nano-sized fillers have an advantage over conventional fillers, which generally need to be in physical contact before conductivity is significant. They can be effective, even if not in direct contact. Using nanomaterials, we have the opportunity to lower the filler loading in adhesives and to create conductive materials with curing temperatures less than 130�C that may be strong and in some case translucent or transparent for displays or UV-curable adhesives. As nanotechnology moves into industrial products, other phenomena are opening up lower-temperature assembly opportunities. Non-conductive adhesives such as underfills can be used in die attach and other interconnect applications. Shrinking the polymer pulls the bump towards the pad. Unfortunately, the conventional 500-nm-size fillers needed to modify CTE and other characteristics of the adhesive can interfere with the direct connections between bump and pad. Nano-sized materials may also be applied directly by inkjet or screen printing to write conductors on to surfaces. On evaporation of the transport medium, the silver can cold-weld to itself, even at room temperature, if the particle size is small enough. The preparation of materials suspended in alcohol or other process fluids allows ready incorporation into inkjet formulations. Mechanical fasteners based on carbon nanotubes, such as conductive hook-and-loop and other types of fasteners, offer other connection possibilities to replace conventional interconnections. The strong, entangles loops of a nano-sized hook-and-loop system promise thermal and electrical conductivity, compliance, and strength calculated at up to 30 times the strength on conventional adhesives on an area basis. Arrays of hooks that can entangle other hooks or a nanotube mat can be synthesized by doping or other techniques. The future of electronics assembly looks quite different as development of nanomaterials and structures continues. Low-temperature assembly becomes possible using techniques ranging from altering the basic properties of metals, to enhancing the structure of adhesive composites and creating totally new structures ands interconnect mechanisms. The creative use of new materials will help assemblers meet the processing challenges they face.

Nanodynamics plans to create 325 jobs here

Joelle — Thu, 16 Jun 2005 21:00:00 -0800

By FRED O. WILLIAMS News Business Reporter 6/17/2005 Nanodynamics, a Buffalo company whose development projects include fuel cells and high-tech golf balls, stands to receive $4.6 million in state incentives linked to the creation of 325 jobs, sources said Thursday. According to officials close to the deal who spoke on condition of anonymity, the 50-job company will carry out the expansion over five years, as it launches production at its site on Buffalo's waterfront. Gov. George E. Pataki plans to be in Buffalo today for an announcement regarding job creation, spokesman Kevin Quinn said. He wouldn't confirm the agreement with Nanodynamics. Sen. Charles E. Schumer also plans to attend the announcement at the Nanodynamics plant at 901 Fuhrmann Blvd. Schumer steered the company toward state job development resources, he said in an interview Thursday. "These are the kind of high-tech jobs with the potential to expand beyond the 325," he said. "Western New York is looking for new, cutting-edge technology, and nanotechnology is one of those." In addition to creating jobs, the company is to invest nearly $10 million for machinery and improvements at its factory. According to officials, the state incentives include a $1.6 million capital grant and nearly $3 million in Empire Zone benefits, such as tax credits linked to investment. Founded in 2002, Nanodynamics is developing technologies based on properties of tiny materials, some measured in mere atoms. Among the products it develops are metal powders for industrial uses. Nano-materials are also part of the company's drive to develop clean-energy fuel cell generators and next-generation golf balls whose reduced spin makes them fly straighter. In May, the company was awarded a $2 million federal grant to develop a methane gas-powered fuel cell, for backup power at water treatment plants. Nanodynamics' chief executive is Keith A. Blakely, the founder of a Buffalo company formerly called Advanced Refractory Technologies that was bought by a unit of Tyco in 2001. e-mail: fwilliams@buffnews.com

Letter From the Editor (Small Times Magazine)

Joelle — Thu, 16 Jun 2005 21:00:00 -0800

Here's some advice for 2006: always try to anticipate who is gunning for your tailpipe. Rick Snyder, co-founder and chief executive of the venture capital firm Ardesta, offered that pointer during a presentation at the NanoCommerce conference that Small times and partners held in Chicago last November. Snyder has helped launch many micro and nanotech-related companies, including Small Tines. As the former president and now chairman of Gateway Inc., he knows what it's like to spot an object looming ever closer in the rearview mirror. Later that day, Kurt Peterson told attendees what it feels like to watch a competitor zoom by you. The winner of small Times' 2005 Lifetime Achievement award was listing some of the microsystem community's successful commercialization efforts during his acceptance speech at a luncheon ceremony. Peterson's own contributions, developed through two of the startups he created, included blood pressure monitors that use MEMS sensors and portable pathogen detectors. But there were failures as well, he cautioned. Take his experience as the architect of MEMS sensors targeted for the automotive industry. He described one day at the office when he received a fax describing a MEMS accelerometer from the semiconductor company Analog Devices Inc. He rushed the paper over to his boss. "What do they know about MEMS?" was the dismissive response. ADI knew enough to capture the airbag market in the 1990s. Last year, ADI announced that it had shipped its 200 millionth internal sensor. In the meantime, Peterson's company had faded into obscurity. In this issue, we've focused on here-and-now nanotechnology products. We've highlighted key consumer markets where nanotech has made inroads: cosmetics, textiles, construction materials, sporting goods and electronics. How many companies in those markets had glanced over their shoulders to find a nanotech startup at their bumpers? How many have overlooked the threat? Suppliers of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and other materials may have noticed that Oxonica, Nanophase Technologies and other nanomaterials specialists are leaving them in the dust in the cosmetics markets. Oxonica and Nanophase provide nanoscale additives to products such as sunscreens that allow lotions to appear transparent but still block out damaging ultraviolet light rays. The golf ball industry may see a change in its leader board as well. NanoDynamics has devised a golf ball whose hollow metal core reduced hooks and slices. The balls meet the industry's standard for size and weight. NanoDynamics began selling the balls late last year, which could be the beginning of the end for traditional golf ball makers. Are they looking? But as Donn Tice exemplifies, it takes more than technology to get and hold a lead. Tice heads up Nano-Tex, whose nano-based fabric additives have helped rejuvenate the textile industry. Clothing manufacturers use Nano-Tex's products to give their brands pizzazz, whether it's slacks that don't stain or shirts that don't wrinkle. The company now works with dozens of mills and its name is paired with retailers like Eddie Bauer and Lands' End. Nowadays Tice hears the roar of other nanotech companies that have a bead on Nano-Tex's tailpipe. And he has a strategy for widening his lead: His sales team is targeting the big boxes, convincing retailers like Target and Bed Bath and Beyond that they need to stock Nano-Tex-enhanced clothing, napkins, pillows, and other home furnishings. Create demand among the decision-making buyers, he argues. Anticipation, it turns out, is only the first step. Next you need to outmaneuver them on the track.

NanoDynamics growing in Buffalo, Pittsburgh

Joelle — Thu, 16 Jun 2005 21:00:00 -0800

Tracey Drury Business First NanoDynamics Inc. has unveiled expansion plans for its Buffalo and Pittsburgh operations, and is receiving incentives from New York state and Pennsylvania to support those efforts. In Buffalo, where the the nanomaterials manufacturer is based, the company will receive about $1.6 million in grants, tax breaks and Empire Zone credits from Empire State Development Corp. The capital investment and job creation incentives are tied to the company creating 400 jobs in the next five to seven years at its site on the waterfront on Fuhrmann Boulevard. A few weeks ago, Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo, announced the company will receive a $2 million federal appropriation through a Congressional energy and water bill to develop a fuel cell system for water treatment facilities that will operate through the use of methane gas. In Pittsburgh, the company will receive $1.1 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to create a new division in the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse with up to 50 employees over five years. The unit will explore the uses of NanoDynamics' nanotechnology and nanomaterials in the life sciences area for applications such as antimicrobial or biocidal surfaces. The company is developing the life sciences facility in Pittsburgh partly because of a relationship with a professor at the University of Pittsburgh. NanoDynamics has licensed some technology developed by the professor, who will continue to develop and commercialize the technology. NanoDynamics currently has about 60 employees locally focusing on nanometal powders, fuel cell technology and other research. Plans call for adding another 20 to 25 by the end of the year, said Keith Blakely, CEO. Founded in 2002, the company also has about 10 employees at a facility in Columbus, Ohio. � 2005 American City Business Journals Inc.