Nanoco Group, a prominent technology company, has recently unveiled its latest innovation – the new wafer device facility, Fab, situated at its Runcorn headquarters. The establishment of this facility is poised to position the company as a pioneer in the technology sector, as it is only the second of its kind in the UK.
Originating as a spin-out from the University of Manchester, the company specializes in the development of materials used in the manufacturing of monitors, TV screens, medical imaging technologies, and early cancer detection. As one of the few companies worldwide capable of producing nanomaterials at the scale necessary for widespread consumer electronics applications, Nanoco is a driving force in the industry.
The introduction of the Fab facility signifies a significant milestone in the company’s ability to provide high-performance materials for use in infra-red sensing applications. This new facility will enable Nanoco to apply its quantum dot materials and other conductive layers to silicon wafers and coupons, thereby streamlining the prototyping and testing of new materials in-house. As a result, this will lead to quicker innovation and preparation for market deployment.
Previously, Nanoco had to source the deposition and testing of materials from various locations around the world. The introduction of the Fab will bring these processes in-house, leading to a substantial reduction in the time required to provide performance feedback. Furthermore, the facility will furnish invaluable data on the performance of materials within the final product stack, which is crucial for demonstrating the tangible benefits of Nanoco’s nanomaterials to potential clients.
The significance of this advancement has not gone unnoticed, with Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, attending the opening event to celebrate Nanoco’s status as a globally impactful science-based business in the region. Since its establishment in 2001, Nanoco has maintained its commitment to the North West, establishing its research and manufacturing headquarters in the city following its spin-out from the University of Manchester. The company has continued to expand its presence, with the Runcorn facility becoming the largest tenant of the Heath Business and Technical Park.
With a diverse workforce comprising individuals of various nationalities, including 28% holding PhDs or being named inventors, Nanoco is driving innovation and expertise in the nanotechnology sector. Co-founder and chief technology officer, Nigel Pickett, expressed his immense pride in the company’s journey from its inception to its current position at the forefront of nanotechnology. The new testing and analytical capabilities brought by the Fab further solidify Nanoco’s standing and commitment to remaining at the cutting edge of the industry.
The unveiling of the Fab facility not only represents a significant advancement for Nanoco but also reaffirms its determination to continue leading groundbreaking innovations in the field of nanotechnology.