In the past two decades the nanotech community has progressed from theory to the commercialisation of nanotechnology. Advances in the nanotechnology have the potential to reshape every aspect of industry and commerce offering business and consumers more efficient solutions to life's challenges and significant profit potential to investors who recognize the possibilities.
Today there is a widely accepted definition of nanotechnology; the design, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlled manipulation of size and shape at the nanometer scale (atomic, molecular, and macromolecular) that produces at least one new or superior characteristic or benefit.
But moving from the science to commercialisation of nanotechnology is about more than just throwing money at research and hoping some of it will get lucky and find a rare entrepreneur who understands both the complexities of the technology and how to market it. Investors need to have an understanding about which sectors are likely to benefit from the science; like clean energy and healthcare and when those profits are likely to materialize. Some ideas come too early for widespread acceptance or offer profits in the too-distant future. Portfolio managers need to match the development and commercialization of the product with the investment horizon of the investor.
Today there is a widely accepted definition of nanotechnology; the design, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlled manipulation of size and shape at the nanometer scale (atomic, molecular, and macromolecular) that produces at least one new or superior characteristic or benefit.
But moving from the science to commercialisation of nanotechnology is about more than just throwing money at research and hoping some of it will get lucky and find a rare entrepreneur who understands both the complexities of the technology and how to market it. Investors need to have an understanding about which sectors are likely to benefit from the science; like clean energy and healthcare and when those profits are likely to materialize. Some ideas come too early for widespread acceptance or offer profits in the too-distant future. Portfolio managers need to match the development and commercialization of the product with the investment horizon of the investor.