Impact of Collaboration in Nanotechnology Research – An...

Impact of Collaboration in Nanotechnology Research – An Industry Perspective

Brian A. KorgelDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Texas Materials Institute,

Center for Nano- and Molecular Science and TechnologyThe University of Texas at Austin

korgel@che.utexas.edu

10 m

In Nano…

Knowledge and knowledge creation occurring primarily at the university

Industry knows how to create commercial products

•To solve societal challenges, the fundamental science needs to impact industry

•University is not equipped to develop products for the commercial sector

How to bridge this gap?...

Founded out of UT Austin in 2001 by Korgel and ARCH Venture Partners (Clint Bybee, Paul Thurk); (85 employees) Recently acquired by DuPont

An Si-based LED

The Start‐up…

From lighting to solar…a company focused on energy sustainability

Founded out of UT Austin in 2007 by Brian Korgel and Paul Thurk to develop semiconductor nanowire technologies

IP and technology acquired by large chemical company in 2011

Impact of Collaboration in Nanotechnology Research – An Industry Perspective

Pros

‐Leverage capabilities of academic/industry

‐Access to sources of research support that require industry/university collaboration

‐Visibility and networking 

‐Student training (relevance to industry)

Cons

‐Research at university may not be directly relevant to industrial needs (Inefficient use of financial resources)

‐Can be a distraction: goals of university and industry are not necessarily aligned