Category: Investment/Entrepreneuring

Michael Kanellos of CNET News.com writes of a recent lecture by venture capitalist and Foresight Senior Associate Steve Jurvetson: "Nanotech will tap nature's potential, investor says". "Speaking at the Hot Chips conference at Stanford University, Jurvetson asserted that nanotechnology–the ability to make products on the molecular level–will usher in the next great wave of innovation despite the recent cancellation of Nanosys' high-profile initial public offering. That revolution will occur, in part, because scientists will be able to harness or imitate the power of nature."

Chris Thompson writes "CrainTech.com reports that the first International Nanotechnology Business Idea Competition is now accepting submissions from researchers and entrepreneurs interested in winning more than $75,000 in prize money. The competition is targeting (but isn't limited to) researchers who haven't yet developed a business plan. The competition is sponsored by Case Western Reserve University and the Nano Network. Rules and regulations are available at the Nano Network web site The winners will be announced in October as part of NANO Week, which features the Cleveland Clinic's NanoMedicine Summit."

Christine Peterson writes, commenting on the news that Nanosys files papers for IPO. "Nanosys is one of the most prominent nanotech startups, and is planning an IPO, despite having no products: 'We do not anticipate that our first products will be commercially available for at least several years, if at all.' This is probably the beginning of the nano 'boom', which in venture capital cycles is eventually followed by a 'bust'. Let's just hope that it's a normal cycle and not an immense dot.com-style boom/bust."