Special Sessions

Nano 101: A Nanotechnology Primer
April 19, 7:30a.m.

The impact of nanotechnology is being felt by a surprisingly wide variety of industries, from the obvious ones such as semiconductors to the not so obvious ones such as forestry and textiles. Nanotechnology is providing opportunities for growth and advancement with the promise of new and better products. This session is intended as an introduction to this exciting field of nanotechnology and is for all audiences. The fundamental question, “What is nanotechnology?” will be addressed, and examples of nanotechnology as it is being used today in a range of applications will be explored.

Huge numbers of nanotech patents are being filed and granted in the U.S. and abroad, creating “patent thickets” in some sectors of nanotechnology where it is difficult to launch a product. Given this fragmented IP landscape and a limited start-up budget, what strategies are generating the biggest valuations for nanotech companies today? This panel will present a range of perspectives from industry experts on strategies that can be employed today to generate greater return on nanotech IP investments.

• Understanding the nanotech IP landscape
• Filing patents where it counts
• Trade secrets v. patenting for nanotech
• Monitoring patent activity of competitors - why it helps
• Aligning patent claim strategy and business objectives

In back-to-back presentations, two industry leaders with great depth and breadth of experience helping start-up nanotechnology companies transition to the next level of commercial success will share insights and critical considerations for young companies.

Please join M+W Zander and IDC Architects for this information-rich session that will include case studies and lessons learned.

We can’t miss the opportunity to highlight some of the outstanding early-stage research at Pennsylvania universities – among the leading nanotech research centers in the U.S. Join us for featured presentations from:

Carnegie Mellon University
Drexel University
Lehigh University
Pennsylvania State University
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pennsylvania