A*STAR paves way for real-world nanotechnology products

SINGAPORE — Singapore nanotechnology supplies and manufacturers have been brought together for the first time to accelerate productisation of nanoimprinting, a technology that imbues ordinary surfaces with unique properties for applications in sectors like consumer care, biomedical devices, optics, filtration, displays and maritime.

Nanoimprinting technology is capable of producing adhesives that leave no sticky residue, “skins” that keep medical instruments germ-free, new anti-reflective protectors for displays or surfaces that prevent barnacles from attaching to ships.

A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) and its partners launched a new Nanoimprint Foundry that will develop, test-bed and prototype specially engineered plastics and surfaces for the specific purpose of commercialising the technologies. Possible applications of nanoimprint technology include dry adhesives, aesthetic packaging, contact lenses, biomedical cell scaffolds, anti-frost surfaces and anti-bacteria materials.

The multi-party investment will bring together national research organisations, suppliers and manufacturers spanning the nanotechnology value chain, and government agencies to promote the technology.

The Foundry is part of a masterplan spearheaded by A*STAR to push translational research and accelerate commercialisation of home-grown technologies. In partnership with other A*STAR research institutes, IMRE will work with companies like Toshiba, EV Group, NTT Advanced Technology, NIL Technology, Kyodo, micro resist technology GmbH, Nanoveu and Solves Innovative Technology to produce prototypes for real-world products and applications.

The Foundry and its partners will also work closely with Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) and SPRING to promote its nanoimprint applications to industry as part of the plans to build up Singapore’s high-value manufacturing capabilities.

“We can help companies develop up to 20,000 samples for proof-of-concept and pilot production allowing manufacturers to shorten the product cycle but minus the heavy capital R&D investment”, said Dr Karen Chong, the IMRE scientist who is heading the Foundry. Dr Chong added that the Foundry will be a one-stop shop for companies seeking to conceive, design and develop solutions for new, revolutionary products based on the versatile nanoimprint technology.

“The Foundry gives us the tools for creating real products that target industry end users and ultimately consumers”, explained Mr Masayuki Yagi, Director & General Manager, Advanced Machinery Business Unit, Toshiba, Japan on why the company chose to participate in the initiative.

“Toshiba Machines and the Foundry will aim to deliver innovative engineering solutions based on nanoimprint and be the best partner for leading industries”.

According to Mr Koh Teng Kwee, Director of Solves Innovative Technology: “I am sure IMRE’s nanoimprint technology and know-how is now ready for industrial adoption. In my opinion, IMRE is able to provide everything needed for a new product realisation involving nanoimprinting.”

“There is a billion-dollar, virtually untapped market for new advanced nanotechnology products that can make use of what the Foundry has to offer,” said Professor Andy Hor, Executive Director for IMRE, adding that the initiative will hasten the industrialisation of nanoimprinting in this lucrative market segment.

In consumer care, for example, the global market for contact lenses — where nanoimprint technology can be used to produce new functionalities like multi-coloured lenses — is expected to grow to US$11.7 billion (S$14.7 billion) by 2015.

“The Foundry is the first one-stop shop to pull different value chain partners together to offer solutions based on nanoimprint through equipment, moulds, materials and applications to end user companies”, said Dr Tan Geok Leng, Executive Director of A*STAR’s Science and Engineering Research Council which oversees a number of the research institutes dedicated to the physical sciences and engineering.

“The new Foundry is part of Singapore’s strategy to create a new, advanced high-value manufacturing sector to support its growing knowledge-based economy.”

“As part of EDB’s vision to position Singapore as an Advanced Manufacturing Hub, we will continue to work with companies to co-create and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies. We see this new Research Foundry as one of the key infrastructures to strengthen nanoscale-manufacturing capabilities in Singapore”, said Mr Yi Hsen Gian, Director (i3), Economic Development Board of Singapore.

The Foundry was launched on today (Sept 30) during a ceremony that also saw collaboration agreements signed between A*STAR and its industry partners.