NanoKTN supports EU funding for technology SMEs

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), a UK network for micro and nanotechnologies, is supporting Eurostars, a European funding programme aimed at stimulating SME development in new products, processes and services. The funding, with a project limit of Euro 350,000, is open to emerging technology SMEs with partnerships with two Eurostars participants and a commitment to r&d.

"Creating the right partnership to expand businesses at a low cost is essential to SMEs, especially those in the very early stages of development and programmes like Eurostars are going to be key in the future development of these businesses," said Dr Alec Reader, director of the NanoKTN. "We are committed to assisting our members in making the right decisions to ensure the nanotechnology market continues to grow and bring benefits to UK industry."

The NanoKTN was established by the UK's Technology Strategy Board, which invested nearly £4m in the Eurostars scheme in 2008, supporting 18 SMEs. The 2009 funding round will link British companies with partners across Europe, ensuring that work is carried out in a number of areas including healthcare.

The Eurostars programme addresses a niche market of research and innovation-performing businesses that have at least 10% of their turnover or staff dedicated to r&d. It is a continuous project always open to submissions, with reviews carried out once a quarter. The next closing date for applications is 25 February 2010.