NanoMed 2006, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

With keynote presentations from UK and international industry and academia, NanoMed 2006 took place on 27th and 28th June 2006.

We were treated to a fascinating discussion of emerging technology for an aging population on Day 1 and, that same afternoon, we heard presentations on a range of new medical technologies, all based on emerging nanotechnologies, and a fascinating discussion of ethical issues relating to the use of energing technologies.

Day 2 began with presentations of research from international speakers and moved on to presentations of technology and business opportunities from regional small and large healthcare companies.

The conference ended with a business plan competition, "Angels' Den", in which three entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of venture funding professionals and to the audience. All entrepreneurs received valuable feedback on their inventions and suggestions for next steps towards funding, and, after much discussion, a winner was chosen.

The winner, Profesor Sudipta Roy, presented "EnFACE", a new technology to be applied to development of new replacement joints and implants. The panel complemented her on her clear focus on the market opportunity, whilst still continuting to develop the technology. She won coaching sessions with two of the panel members, a free journal subscription and entry to next year's conference.

EnFACE was funded by Cenamps, as part of its BioNano Programme, which funded scientists in the 5 NE of England regional Universities to develop innovative solutions to biomedical industry needs.

Nanomed 2006 was sponsored by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, with partner Cenamps and endorsed by The Institute of Nanotechnology. Additional sponsors were the Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (CELS), Harrison Goddard Foote, Newcastle City Council - City Technology Office and media partner, Dove Medical Press.

Dr. Amanda McMurray
NanoBio Commercialisation Manager.