A Deep Dive Into Nanomaterials:

Unraveling the Impact of Tiny

Structures
Executive Summary
Pace Ventures

1. Nanomaterials are sparking a revolution in modern industries.

Nanomaterials’ nanoscale dimensions and distinctive properties
make them a promising area of research and development,
through which they play an increasingly vital role in shaping the
future of technology and innovation.
2. The manipulation of nanomaterials at the atomic level offers a
myriad of applications across industries. In healthcare,
nanomaterials are revolutionizing diagnostics and molecular
imaging, drug delivery systems, and regenerative medicine. They
also play a role in climate technology, enabling developments such
as renewable energy resources, sustainable agriculture, water and
soil treatment, and automotive battery technology.
3. The field of nanotechnology, however, faces several
challenges before wider adoption will be seen. These include
the scalability of the materials for large-scale commercial
adoption, safety and toxicity studies, and an outdated regulatory
environment.
4. Corporations are demonstrating cutting-edge research and
applications in the field, but startups are not lagging behind.
After years of research and specialization in nanotechnology, many
startups are challenging the status quo, leading breakthroughs,
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 and disrupting conventional practices.
5. Nanomaterials are at a tipping point, and with each
advancement, we edge closer to a future shaped by the
remarkable possibilities these materials offer.

Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of investment opportunities, one
revolutionary frontier has captured the attention of savvy investors and
visionaries alike: nanotechnologies. Steve Jurvetson, founder of DFJ
and investor in SpaceX, Tesla, and Skype, proclaimed in the early
2000s that nanotechnologies would be “the next great tech wave.”
While the industry has not seen broad commercial adoption to date, we
stand at a potential tipping point as corporations and startups commit
substantial resources to bring solutions to the market at more feasible
unit economics.

To start with, let’s dive into Nanomaterials 101:

Nanomaterials are materials characterized by their nanoscale

dimensions, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers in size and
corresponding to the dimensions of a protein, a DNA strand, or a virus.
To put this size into perspective, one nanometer is about as long as a
fingernail grows in one second, while a sheet of paper is about 100,000
nanometers thick. On a comparative scale, if the diameter of a marble
ball was one nanometer, then Earth’s diameter would be about one
meter!
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 Figure 1: Size comparison of nanomaterials (Image credit: Wich Research Lab)

Nanomaterials exhibit distinctive physical, chemical, and biological

properties from their larger-scale (also referred to as “bulk”)
counterparts, including a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which
makes them sturdier, more durable, and more conductive. Their small
size also allows for precise manipulation and control at the atomic or
molecular level, enabling the development of innovative materials with
tailored properties and a wide range of applications across multiple
fields. The discovery of nanomaterials can be traced back to the
pioneering work of Nobel prize physicist Richard Feynman in 1959, who
first discussed the potential for manipulating matter at the atomic and
molecular scale. Since then, the field of nanomaterials has continued to
evolve, with new materials being discovered and developed on an
ongoing basis, driving innovation and revolutionizing numerous
industries with their remarkable properties.

Before diving into the applications of nanomaterials, let’s take a closer

look at their technical features.

Nanomaterials: A Deeper Dive Into Their

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 Classifications
The dimensionality and base constituents of nanomaterials determine
their characteristics and physico-chemical properties, where even the
smallest change in the nanoparticles’ configuration remarkably alters
their features and uses.

Consider, for instance, gold nanospheres and gold nanorods. They are
both composed of gold atoms, but differ in their structure: gold
nanospheres are spherical in shape, while gold nanorods have an
elongated rod-like structure. Their shapes influence the way electrons
interact with light at the nanoscale, which leads to different optical
properties. Gold nanospheres predominantly absorb and scatter light in
the visible region, giving them a vibrant color, such as red or blue. On
the other hand, gold nanorods absorb and scatter light in the near-
infrared region. This unique property makes gold nanorods valuable in
various biomedical applications, such as cancer diagnosis and
photothermal therapy, a noninvasive treatment where near-infrared
light can penetrate deeper into biological tissues and thermally ablate
cancer cells.
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 Figure 2: Scheme of the most common gold nanoparticle morphologies (Image Credit: MDPI)

The potential for creating new nanomaterials is virtually limitless as

long as we have the ability to manipulate atoms and molecules at the
nanoscale. For this reason, nanomaterials are often categorized based
on classifications of either their dimensionality or material composition.

To illustrate dimensionality, there are for example:

Zero-dimensional nanomaterials, whereby all dimensions (x, y,

z) are at the nanoscale; hence no dimensions are greater than 100
nm. They include gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, and
fullerenes; and
Two-dimensional nanomaterials, which hold two dimensions
outside the nanoscale. This class exhibits plate-like shapes and
includes graphene sheets, nanofilms, and nanolayers.
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 Figure 3: Nanomaterials classification based on dimensionality (Image credit: ResearchGate)

In terms of material composition, the main macro-classifications are the

following:

Carbon-based nanomaterials have carbon as their main

constituent, and exhibit unique electrical conductivity, high
strength, and high electron affinity. They most commonly take the
form of hollow spheres (fullerenes) or tubes (nanotubes).
Metal-based nanomaterials possess characteristics such as
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 strong plasma absorption and outstanding optical properties. It is
also possible to mix two or more nanoparticles, through which
even rare earth metals can change the main element
characteristics and properties.
Semiconductor nanomaterials have piezoelectric, metallic and
non-metallic properties for which they find applications in
photocatalysis, photo optics and electronic devices. Their unique
characteristic lies in their ability to regulate electrical conductivity
by manipulating their size, composition, and structure.
Polymeric nanomaterials are typically organic-based and
manufactured using natural and synthetic polymers, and can be
used for technological improvements in drug delivery and other
biomedical applications.
Lipid-based nanomaterials are generally spherical, and have a
solid lipid core and a matrix containing soluble lipophilic
molecules. Lipid-based nanoparticles have various applications in
the biomedical field, such as drug carriers and delivery, and RNA
release in cancer therapy.

For more information, we recommend the following reviews on

nanomaterial dimensionality and material composition.

Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities: Advances in the Creation of New

Materials, Synthesis and Fabrication
Nanomaterial synthesis and fabrication has witnessed remarkable
advances, revolutionizing the way we design, engineer, and manipulate
matter at the atomic and molecular levels. This progress has unlocked
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 countless possibilities, enabling the creation of materials with tailored
properties and unprecedented functionalities.

At the core of this progress lies the development of innovative

synthesis techniques, through which researchers have pioneered
innovative methods to precisely control the size, shape, composition,
and structure of nanomaterials. Novel fabrication techniques, like 3D
printing at the nanoscale, permit the creation of intricate structures
with remarkable detail and complexity. Through precision engineering,
nanomaterials are constructed with customized characteristics and
properties, which are essential for high-accuracy applications like
targeted drug delivery or nanoscale imaging of environmental
contaminants.

Furthermore, the integration of nanomaterials into existing technologies

has been realized through advances in nanomanufacturing processes
such as self-assembly techniques, helping researchers achieve large-
scale production of nanomaterials. These scalable approaches not only
facilitate industrial adoption but also lead to cost reduction (see Figure
4), making nanomaterials more accessible for a wide range of
applications.
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 Figure 4: Yearly Price of Monolayer CVD Graphene on Copper, Reached 2 €/cm² in 2020 (Image Credit:
Graphenea)

Challenges: Safety Concerns, Outdated

Regulations, and Manufacturing and Scalability
While opportunities are plenty, nanomaterials also present certain
challenges, primarily the following three:

1. Safety concerns arise both in the pharmaceutical and

environmental industries, as nanomaterials could increase
toxicity levels. Nanomaterials used for medical purposes could
evade the immune system and accumulate in specific tissues,
occasionally forming masses that the body may not easily
recognize or control (source). Effects of nanoparticles like zinc
oxide, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, and carbon nanotubes have
been associated with cell death, production of oxidative stress,
DNA damage, and induction of inflammatory responses within the
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 body. Similar conclusions have been drawn for the use of
nanomaterials is environmental settings, where the accumulation
of certain nanoparticles in the soil has reduced the rate of
photosynthesis and transpiration of plants (source).
2. The regulatory environment is challenging and outdated: the
research is advancing faster than what regulators can keep up
with, hence startups and corporates often have to adhere to
outdated safety and risk profiles.
3. The manufacturing and scalability of nanomaterials have proven
to be costly and a technical challenge. Therefore, in order to make
the unit economics work for a venture case scenario, there must
be evidence that customers will be willing to pay for premium
pricing.

Market Trends
From drug diagnostics and therapeutics to manufacturing and
sustainable agriculture, nanomaterials exhibit unique properties across
numerous industries (source). The market is driven by technological
advancements, rising government support, private sector R&D funding,
and strategic international alliances, and is fueled by increasing
demand for device miniaturization (source). The global
nanotechnologies market was valued at $111.25 billion in 2023 and is
projected to reach $288.71 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of
14.5% (source).
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 Figure 5: Nanotechnology Market Size (Image credit: Precedence Research)

In 2021, healthcare accounted for approximately 30% of the global

nanotechnology market and established its dominance as the largest
sub-sector. This segment’s growth can be attributed to the widespread
utilization of nanotechnology in various medical advancements,
including the development of nano-diagnostics, imaging technologies,
nano-biosensors, cell repair, and targeted drug delivery applications.

When considering the share of the nanotechnology market by industry

sector in 2023, healthcare is still in the lead, but climate tech is now in
third place (referred to as materials and resources in the chart) and
gaining relevance on an annual basis.
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 Figure 6: Deal Count in Nanomaterials Sector, 2023 (Image credit: PitchBook)

Nanotechnology Funding and Research

Leaders
A cursory look at the leading sectors within the nanotechnology market
reveals that a wide range of applications and use cases characterizes
this market.

Not surprisingly, governments and private sector agencies worldwide

are increasingly investing in nanotechnology. From 2007 to 2011, the
European Union invested approximately €896 million in
nanotechnology-related research. As previously mentioned, the global
investment in nanotechnology is estimated to be nearly a quarter of a
trillion USD, with startups like Sila Nanotechnologies, a battery
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 materials company, raising $590M, and C4V, a lithium-ion battery
manufacturer, raising $347M in their recent funding round. Notable
contributions have been made by China and the USA (source). The
latter, through the National Nanotechnology Initiative, has invested over
$38 billion to date to support research of nanoscale matters, solidifying
its position as a global frontrunner in government investment in
nanotechnology (source).

Alongside the USA and China, Brazil, and Germany are expected to
lead the nanotechnology industry in 2024. As awareness about the
field grows, funding for nanomaterials has seen a steady increase.
Higher allocations of public funding towards nanomaterial research and
growth in financing for nanomaterial-related startups signify the
growing importance and potential of nanotechnology in various
industries.

A Breakdown of the Market

Nanomedicine
Nanomaterials have emerged as powerful tools in nanomedicine,
revolutionizing diagnostics and imaging, drug delivery systems, and
regenerative medicine, with active engagement of major
pharmaceutical multinationals like Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

Molecular imaging enables advanced and non-invasive visualization

of cellular functions and biological processes in vivo, which allows for
early detection of genetic abnormalities, tumors, and accurate disease
diagnosis at early stages. To achieve effective molecular imaging, a
contrast agent with high sensitivity is necessary, and nanoparticles with
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 controllable magnetic properties, optical properties, and long
circulation times have been extensively studied as contrast agents for
this purpose (source).

In addition, some nanoparticles have intrinsic properties suitable for

multimodal imaging, a technique that generates signals from various
modalities simultaneously. These multifunctional nanoparticles don’t
only improve diagnostic precision, but also mitigate drug side effects
by combining different nanomaterials, functional molecules, and
targeting agents. For instance, iron oxide nanoparticles conjugated with
optical or radio isotopes are used in optical and nuclear magnetic
resonance imaging, as well as drug delivery for certain medical
applications.

In targeted drug delivery systems, nanoparticles can act as

nanocarriers and transport therapeutic agents to the targeted locations
in the body, enhancing the drug delivery efficiency while minimizing
toxicity to nontarget cells, tissues, or organs (source). Common
nanocarriers include polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based carriers, gold
nanoparticles, dendrimers, and carbon tubes, which are used
depending on the features — such as charge, size, and solubility — of
the pharmaceutical substances they carry (source). Some nanocarriers
also deliver medication to the brain for tough-to-treat illnesses,
including tumors and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, through
their exceptional ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (source), which
inhibits 98% of conventional pharmaceuticals from leaving the
bloodstream and entering the brain (source). Moreover, nanoparticles
can be conjugated or loaded with drugs to provide additional
functionalities like controlled release, improved stability, prolonged
circulation time, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
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 Figure 7: Nanocarriers holding therapeutic substances (Image Credit: Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock.com)

Nanomaterials also offer great potential for applications in

regenerative medicine, including biomolecule delivery, tissue
engineering scaffolds, cell tracking, and stem cell therapy, and have the
potential to address various tissue diseases affecting bone, muscle,
cardiovascular, and neural systems. As part of tissue regeneration,
nanotechnology plays a crucial role in recreating nanoscale tissue
features and repairing or replacing damaged tissues to restore their
normal function. In this regard, researchers are actively developing
smart bandages for acute wounds designed to incorporate embedded
nanofibers that are capable of releasing coagulants and antibiotics
(source, source).

Single-walled carbon nanotubes within the bandage are able to identify

and monitor infections in the wound by detecting concentrations of
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 hydrogen peroxide — produced by white blood cells in the presence of
pathogenic bacteria. A miniaturized wearable device will monitor the
smart bandage and wirelessly detect signals from the embedded
carbon nanotubes. These signals will be transmitted to a smartphone-
like device, which will automatically alert the patient or healthcare
provider. Scientists envision the device as a tool to diagnose infections
at an early stage, reducing antibiotic use and avoiding extreme
measures such as limb amputation (source).

Figure 8: The smart bandage held by tweezers (Image credit: Negar Rahmani)

Furthermore, 4D printing has emerged as an intriguing application for

tissue regeneration, as it allows for the creation of “smart scaffolds”
that can mimic the dynamic nature of natural tissue repair. While 3D
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 printing can produce complex tissue scaffolds, it falls short in
replicating the dynamic changes that occur during tissue regeneration.
By introducing nanomaterials into 4D printing, smart nano-bioinks can
be developed to enhance these dynamic effects in printed bio-tissues.
Although only a limited number of smart materials have been explored
for 4D printing, rapid advances in the field hold great promise for
biomedicine and are revolutionizing tissue regeneration (source).

Environmental Treatments
Nanotechnology has shown significant potential in addressing
environmental challenges such as water treatment, soil contaminant
treatment, and hazardous waste management. Multinationals like
Dow Chemical Company and LG Water Solutions have explored
nanotechnology-based solutions for desalination and water
purification, including the development of advanced nanofiltration
membranes for enhanced water treatment processes.

Developed nations are increasingly recognizing the effectiveness of

nanotechnology in addressing environmental issues, particularly in
water and cell cleaning technologies, drinking safety measures, and the
detoxification of contaminants from the environment, such as heavy
metals, pesticides, and solvents. Nanofiltration — often performed
through graphene, nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, polysulfone, or
polyamide — is employed for the detoxification of the contaminants in
water solutions. This process utilizes pressure to separate
contaminants from water streams, and selectively filters molecules
based on size and charge, including pesticides, viruses, bacteria, and
other pathogens (source). Instead, immobilization and adsorption
processes are used to eliminate metal contaminants from soils. Iron (II,
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 III) oxide nanomaterials, in particular, exhibit an exceptional ability to
absorb and immobilize heavy metals like cadmium and arsenic from
various environmental sources.

Renewable Energy
Nanotechnology is increasingly integrated into renewable energy
sources, particularly in solar, hydrogen, biomass, geothermal, and tidal
wave energy production. Solar collectors, in particular, have gained
significant attention. Research has focused on upgrading solar
collectors through the nanoengineering of various components such as
flat solar plates, direct absorption plates, parabolic troughs, and wavy
plates and heat pipes. The use of nanofluids has become common in
these devices to improve their efficiency. In addition, cell doping, a
common method of modifying the new cell’s nanomaterial, introduces
specific impurities or additives into the nanomaterial structure to
enhance its electrical properties (source). Nanotechnology-based solar
devices have lower costs and less complex manufacturing, however,
there is still a need to explore the full potential of nanomaterials in the
design and manufacturing of solar panels to maximize their cost-
effectiveness and efficiency.

Sustainable Agriculture
Nanomaterials have also greatly contributed to sustainable
agriculture by enhancing crop production, improving soil quality, and
play a role in the processing and transport of agricultural products.
Global agricultural science and technology company Syngenta has
been actively researching nanotechnology for crop protection, seed
treatment, and precision agriculture. German chemical company BASF
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 has also been researching nanotechnology applications in agriculture,
including nanoscale delivery systems for agrochemicals.

Nanotechnology has introduced precision farming techniques — the

distribution of nutrients and agrochemicals to plants in a nanoparticle-
meditated manner — to improve nutrient absorption and disease
detection in plants (source). Nickel ferrite and copper nanoparticles, for
example, have strong anti-fungal properties used to increase the
efficiency of disease management.

In addition, nanoherbicides and nanopesticides contain polymeric and

inorganic nanoparticles, and effectively manage weed and pests,
leading to increased crop productivity compared to their free herbicide
and pesticide counterparts. For example, polymeric nanoparticle
poly(epsilon-caprolactone) contains atrazine, a commonly used
herbicide, and has demonstrated control of the targeted weed species,
reduced genotoxicity, and decreased azatine mobility in the soil
compared to standard atrazine (source, source).

Nanoclays and zeolites, instead, enhance fertilizers for soil nutrient

management and fertility restoration. Smart seeds — seeds with
biotechnological and genetically engineered traits — and seed banks —
which conserve seed specimens of plant species to preserve genetic
diversity — are designed to improve agricultural productivity and
efficiency. Carbon nanotubes have been shown to significantly improve
germination and plant growth by entering the hard seed coat of
particular seeds, while various other nano-treatments are available to
enhance the germination index of plants (source).

Automotive Industry: Energy Storage and

Conversion
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 The automotive industry is also embracing nanotechnology to
revolutionize energy storage and conversion. Tesla and Samsung SDI,
two of the leading players in the automotive industry, have improved
electric vehicle batteries by using carbon nanotubes.

The application of carbon nanotubes in vehicle battery design provides

a larger surface area than traditional materials, which allows for a ten-
fold increase in power output, a five-fold boost in longevity, and an
increase in charge capacity to three times larger than regular batteries.
When placed in a lithium-ion battery, carbon nanotubes expand their
energy-generating surface area, and form a dense and conductive
network within it, thereby enhance performance even when the battery
ages or undergoes damage (source). Nanotechnology also improves
energy storage in fuel cells through nanoscale catalysts, improving
performance and energy conversion efficiency (source).

Companies in the Field

While multinational corporations show clear signs of innovative
nanotechnology research and adoptions, emerging companies are not
lagging behind. Many are challenging the status quo, spearheading
breakthrough advancements, and disrupting conventional practices.
Let’s explore some early-stage startups in health tech and climate tech,
the pillars that excite us the most.

Nanomaterials find utility in health across three primary areas:

molecular imaging, diagnostics, and therapy; targeted drug delivery
systems; and regenerative medicine.

Molecular Imaging, Diagnostics, and Therapy

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 → QDI Systems, a Dutch spinout from the University of Groningen,
offers medical imaging devices using quantum dot technology. The
company’s devices are X-ray sensors that offer high-precision X-ray
imaging at reduced radiation doses, enabling doctors to get high
contrast and resolution mammograms.

→ US-based company Bikanta has developed a nanodiamond-based

medical device for diagnostics and optical imaging at the molecular and
cellular levels. By overcoming technical limitations, the device enables
fast and accurate cancer detection, improving diagnosis and treatment
outcomes for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses.

→ RNA Guardian, a UK-based biotechnology company, is actively

developing a proprietary technology focused on the detection and
monitoring of precancerous conditions from RNA-binding proteins.

→ Italian seed company Diamante leverages nanotechnologies to

produce plant-based pepitide drugs designed for the diagnosis and
therapy of autoimmune diseases. They utilize plants as bioreactors to
produce nanoparticles based on modified plant viruses, which enable
the development of novel tools for autoimmune disease therapy.

→ Kimialys, a French seed startup, works in biodetection for the

development of rapid diagnostic assays. The company provides
biochips and nanoparticles for biosensors, coated with proprietary
surface chemistry, which increases their sensitivity and specificity to
deliver accurate, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic tests.

Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

→ Optima Nanomed is a UK-based, pre-seed biotech company that
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 develops inorganic nanomaterials for precise drug delivery, enhanced
drug properties, and targeted transportation from blood circulation to
the diseased tissues. Their platform technology employs data-driven
matching analysis to identify optimal nanomaterials for specific drugs.

→ Nanoligent develops nanotechnology-based treatments for

metastatic cancer using self-assembling protein nanoparticles that
selectively target and kill metastatic cells by binding to over-expressed
CXCR4 protein receptors. Through this approach, the company
provides more effective and less harmful cancer treatments compared
to traditional drugs.

→ UK-based, series A nanotechnology company SomaServe

specializes in the production of self-assembly polymers for intracellular
delivery. They encapsulate therapeutic agents in polymer nanovesicles
that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and selectively target tissues
and cell types to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

→ Torskal is a French-based, seed stage biotech company that

designs gold nanoparticles for cancer therapy using green chemistry.
They leverage green nanotechnology to develop non-toxic and eco-
friendly nanomaterials for treating both surface and deep cancers.

→ Seed company Sixfold Bioscience has developed an RNA delivery

platform to conduct cell and gene therapeutics. They utilize
nanoparticles to deliver therapeutic, diagnostic, and targeting
molecules to disease-afflicted cells, including in hard-to-reach areas
like the brain.

Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering

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 → Anavo Medical, a Swiss seed stage company, develops a
nanoparticle-based pharmaceutical product that accelerates wound
healing and reduces complications in skin grafts by utilizing bioactive
nanoparticles with anti-inflammatory and neo-angiogenic properties.

→ US-based seed stage company Cayuga Biotech develops

biomimetic therapeutics by harnessing the body’s natural healing and
hemostatic capabilities. Their technology includes a clinically-ready
drug for life-threatening bleeding and discovery-stage therapeutics for
conditions such as bleeding disorders, non-healing wounds, and
severe burns. Through their technology, the company aims to increase
survival rates and minimize disability from trauma.

The applications of nanomaterials in climate technologies are

multifaceted; let’s explore some approaches below.

→ UK-based Series A FabricNano, one of our portfolio companies,

develops enzymes by leveraging nanotechnology and biotechnology to
replace petrochemical products, agricultural feed, and plastics with
bio-based alternatives.

Water and Soil Purification and Treatment

→ Nanoseen is a Polish nanotechnology company specializing in water
purification and desalination solutions. Their approach converts
seawater, salt water, and wastewater into clean drinking water without
requiring pressure or energy, providing a sustainable solution to the
global drinking water shortage.

→ CrayoNano, a Norwegian early-stage company, manufactures light-

emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit ultraviolet light. Their diodes feature
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 patented vertically aligned nano-wires on graphene which emit UV-C
radiation, a well-studied disinfectant against bacteria, viruses, and
mold. Their miniature UV-C device integrates into systems for water
treatment, surface disinfection, air disinfection, and food processing.

Figure 9: CrayoNano’s UV-C LED for water treatment (Image Credit: CrayoNano)
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 Figure 10: CrayoNano’s UV-C LED for food processing and preservation (Image Credit: CrayoNano)

Sustainable Agriculture
→ Infrascreen, a Swiss seed company with expertise in
nanotechnology, develops light filters that enhance greenhouse climate
management. Their sustainable solution doubles the efficiency of
energy-saving screens, enabling greenhouse growers to significantly
minimize radiative heat losses, resulting in lower operating costs,
reduced carbon emissions and more sustainable agricultural practices.

→ US-based early-stage company Unibaio specializes in

biodegradable nano-encapsulation technology. Through their
approach, particles encapsulate the active ingredients of pesticides
and release them into plants over time, increasing the efficacy and
reducing application doses. Unibaio creates micro-nanocapsules
tailored to specific crops and pests, allowing agricultural businesses to
reduce their reliance on toxic chemicals while activating the innate
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 defense system of plants, stimulating their growth and improving their
overall health and well-being.

Energy Harvesting in the Automotive Industry

→ Nanom, an Icelandic seed stage company, is introducing a
groundbreaking battery technology that utilizes nanoparticles to make
batteries significantly more efficient than conventional lithium-ion
batteries. Their patented batteries possess an impressive lifespan,
lasting 9 times longer than nickel-iron batteries and lithium-ion
batteries, while also being 5 times lighter, offering improved energy
density, faster recharge rates, and enhanced battery disposal
capabilities (source).

→ Series A company E-magy operates a nanotechnology materials

company that supplies nano-porous silicon for high-energy lithium-ion
batteries. Their materials are created through an efficient silicon
crystallization process, followed by industry-standard post-processing
steps, offering automotive companies cost-effective batteries for
electric vehicles with extended range and rapid charging.

The Way Forward

We find ourselves on the brink of a thrilling era in materials science,
where cutting-edge synthesis techniques and advances in
nanomanufacturing promise remarkable advancements. The precise
manipulation of nanomaterials, controlling their size, shape,
composition, and structure, holds tremendous potential for tailored
applications across diverse industries.

As the field of nanotechnology progresses, collaboration and

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 partnerships with private entities, governments, and research
institutions will be instrumental in driving innovation, addressing safety
considerations, and ensuring responsible development and integration
of nanomaterials. This represents a large opportunity for early-stage
companies and startups to harness research support and innovation
stemming from various industries. The profound impact of
nanomaterials on industries and society is eagerly anticipated, and with
each advancement we edge closer to a future shaped by their
remarkable capabilities.

We want to hear from you!

We are curious to hear your thoughts and ideas. If you’re working on

nanomaterials for healthcare or climate tech applications, please reach
out to us.
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