It's tough to make big bucks with tiny technology

Article by: THOMAS LEE , Star Tribune
Updated: June 28, 2009 - 1:28 PM

Three firms have licensed nanotechnology from the U of M - with varying results. But the long-term potential remains promising.

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wbgleasonJun. 29, 09 7:16 AM

Which expresses appropriate pessimism about some of the hype surrounding nanotechnology. But make no mistake about it - nanotechnology is going to produce new materials with unique and useful properties. This is a perfect example of the research that should be done at universities. The universities should be doing their job of basic research and fundamental applications. There are people outside the university - in industry - who are much better at translating these fundamental discoveries into useful products and services.

obamanation2Jun. 29, 09 7:53 PM

Good luck. The barriers are huge. Industrial applications carry much less liability and shorter approval times. Proof that it works is also easier in industry because people are all unique models that often have different outcomes. Sucess for nano medical applications will most likely come from $billion plus companies that either internally develop or that buy small concerns. The U should target bigger outfits for licensing their nanotechnologies, IMO.