- Up to Euro$3 billion allocated to Russian State Corporation, RUSNANO, for Nanotechnology related activities: Singapore Nanotechnology companies are invited for cooperation.
- Russian companies can also leverage on Singapore's Nanotechnology landscape and commercialization expertise to bring their technologies to market.
Singapore, 4 March 2009 - Singapore companies looking to position themselves well for the economic recovery should consider collaboration with Russian companies in commercialization of Nanotechnology, and vice versa. Industry experts shared this valuable tip and more with the local business community today at the Russia-Singapore Nanotechnology Conference 2009.
Singapore has a unique opportunity to collaborate with the Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies (RUSNANO), through capitalizing on its vast financial recourses and substantial accumulated knowledge of the Russian Nanotechnology market potential, as well as utilizing existing synergy between the two countries to develop economic ties. RUSNANO serves as an instrument of Russian Government State policy in the Nanotechnology field where their key priority is the commercialization of Nanotechnology projects with high business potential and/or social benefit.
RUSNANO was allocated euro3 billion by the Russian Government to help commercialize Nanotechnology innovations and start large scale production of Nanotechnology products. To date, RUSNANO has received thousands of applications from Russian Nanotechnology rights holders for future investment purposes. About 1,000 applications are in various stages of review by RUSNANO experts, which demonstrates the broad landscape and the scope of Russian Nanotechnology sector.
In his welcome address, RBI CEO Dr. Sergey Obrezanov said, "The projected commercial value of available Russian Nano innovations is measured in Tens of Billions of US Dollars. Russian Business Incubator "Futurus" has been building a strong foundation for a broad and deep cooperation with RUSNANO and will hopefully become a bridge between our countries for a sustained two way traffic of Nano innovations."
Mr. Sergey Mostinskiy, Director of International Cooperation Department, RUSNANO, also told participants that RUSNANO is also looking into co-investing in various projects by supporting projects financing through various schemes and non-financial support in the areas of infrastructure, managerial and administrative aspects (for more information on RUSHNANO's activities, please refer to the details under Annex)
The conference, jointly organized for the first time by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Russian Business Incubator "FUTURUS" (RBI) and SingNano (managed by NanoGlobe) is the first in a series of SBF-RBI activities in 2009 to create awareness of the Russian market (please refer to the Annex for more details) after both organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 14 January 2009.
Leading Nanotechnology businesses and industry experts shared with about 150 participants, including businessmen, industrialists, private equity investors, government officials, and academics from the Nanotechnology. ICT. Manufacturing and Utilities sectors, an in-depth and broad perspective on how they can leverage on R&D and business opportunities with Russia.
On its part, the Russian delegation learnt about business opportunities in Nanotechnology in Singapore. Some examples include utilizing Nanotechnology to value-add current products and enhance the manufacturing processes - which translate into better quality products and possibly an increased market share. These outcomes will in turn result in potential cost savings and profits for companies. Instead of holding back, the current economic downturn could be an opportune time for companies to consider investments in Nanotechnology, boosting their productivity and efficiency to prepare for the eventual upswing. The event also signifies mutual dedication from both Singapore and Russian governments and private sectors to build synergy in Nanotechnology commercialization efforts. Companies from both sides stand to gain significantly from business collaborations.
During his welcome speech, SBF CEO Mr. Teng Theng Dar told the participants that while some Singapore-based businesses have either held back plans or cut back on investment and employees to cope with the current economic climate, others have bucked the trend by increasing their investments in R&D and market research to better understand the customers'requirements.
"I urge companies with financial capability not to lose sight of potential opportunities because of the present circumstances. Such companies should continue to invest in research and development, not only in technology, but also in marketing in order to deliver winning products and services to customers," Mr. Teng added.
Singapore offers world-class R&D infrastructure and talent for product development, and government agencies such as the National Research Foundation (NRF), EDB, SPRING Singapore and A*STAR provide assistance and support to firms' endeavors to innovate.
As a gateway to Asian markets, Singapore is an ideal location for investors in the Nanotechnology business. Today, the Nanotechnology business landscape in Singapore is a thriving one with a mix of at least 50 MNCs and SMEs involved in the area, says EDB. This is in addition to a strong network of research organizations comprising the various university labs and research institutes.
According to EDB, the sector employs at least 1,000 Nanotechnology research scientists and engineers here, and is further supported by a growing number of Nanotechnology service companies that actively nurture the sector by providing private funding, business matching, incubation and consulting. Based on SingNano's data, over 70% industry participants, who include Singapore industry leaders, have indicated an increased awareness and interest in Nanotechnology.
Mr.Jonathan Kua, Director of New Businesses Group at the Singapore Economic Development Board: "Nanotechnology is an important area for any advanced economy to focus on as it has the potential to greatly enhance products and services in many industries. EDB together with other agencies will continue to support Nano R&D, manpower training and commercialization ofapplications across different industries. However, this is an area where partnerships are key -- so we look forward to fruitful discussions between Singaporean and Russian companies as well as institutions."
Russia's strengths in scientific and technological capabilities and its large consumer and industrial market will enable it to partner Singapore businesses to transform Russian innovations and technology into profitable products. Local companies can also tap on the Singapore-based RBI, which will be a key partner in helping them find the required innovative assets and plan projects successfully in Russia.
Dr. Lerwen Liu, Director of NanoGlobe Pte. Ltd, shares, "Nanotechnology has enormous commercial potential and it acts as an enabler that provides innovation impacting almost every industry. The event focus is on Special Topic: Nanotoxity and Standarization, Functional Nanomaterials, Clean Energy Technology, Medical Technology and Nanoelectronics/ICT. The key of the event is to exchange information between Russia and Singapore as well as to bridge Russia-Singapore R&D and commercialization partnerships. "
The whole-day seminar also had other Nanotechnology industry experts from RBI, RUSNANO and Singapore-based Nanotechnology firms giving their insight on the Nanotechnology market potential.
For more information on upcoming RBI-related events, please contact:
Renee Koh
Assistant Director, Americas, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Oceania,
Singapore Business Federation
Email: market.amea@sbf.org.sg
Tel: 6827 6866
About Singapore Business Federation
The Singapore Business Federation is the apex business chamber that champions the interests of the Singapore business community in trade, investment and industrial relations. It represents more than 15,000 companies as well as the local and foreign business chambers and key national and industry associations from business sectors that contribute significantly to the Singapore economy.
For more information, visit
www.sbf.org.sg
About the Singapore Economic Development Board
The Economic Development Board (EDB) is the lead government agency responsible for planning and executing economic strategies to enhance Singapore's position as a global hub for business and investment. We are the one-stop agency that facilitates and supports local and foreign investors in both the manufacturing and services sectors as they seek more value-creating operations, higher sustainable returns and new business opportunities.
Singapore commands global leadership positions in many areas. EDB is expanding and extending existing industry clusters, as well as exploring new growth areas to create good jobs and secure Singapore's future competitiveness. Our emphasis is on capital-intensive, knowledge - intensive and innovation - intensive activities. EDB is constantly identifying new business areas to develop both in terms of new technologies as well as new consumer demands, such as 'clean and green' focus - environmental technologies, urban solutions and clean energy, lifestyle, healthcare and wellness. EDB is also expanding our geographical reach, such as Middle East, in addition to North America, Europe, Japan, China, India and ASEAN.
For more information please visit
www.sedb.com
About Russian Business Incubator
The RBI "FUTURUS" being a private entity was established in 2007 based on the interstate Protocol of intentions signed between EDB of Singapore and RosSEZ as well as FASIE of Russia. It serves as a gateway for Russian enterprise and R&D organizations to expand into Singapore and to the international markets. It aims to support the international commercialization and export of Russian technologies, promote Russian R&D and facilitate Russian enterprise to grow and access international markets through Singapore.
For more information, visit
www.futurus.sg
About SingNano
SingNano is a network organization to bring together policy makers, academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, industrialists, investors and the public to discuss and explore industry developments and trends. SingNano is managed by NanoGlobe, supported by EDB, SPRING and ASTAR. SingNano aims to bring together policy makers, academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, industrialists, investors and the public to:
- Promote Nanotechnology policy, R&D and business
- Foster Nanotechnology Industry growth in Singapore
- Facilitate Nanotechnology education to the general public as well business community
- Provide information services and business matching to its members
- Represent Singapore in global nanotechnology business leadership forums
For more information, visit
www.SingNano.org
For media queries please contact:
1. Genette Koh
Executive Corporate Communications
Singapore Business Federation
Tel: +65 6827 6874
Email: corpcomm@sbf.org.sg
2. Amelia Sng
Senior Officer, Communications, Singapore EDB
Tel: +65 68326628
Email: amelia_sng@edb.gov.sg
3. Slava Kichatov
DCEO Economics & Finance, RBI "FUTURUS" Pte. Ltd.
Tel: +65 97739457
E-mail: vfk@futurus.sg
4. Lerwen Liu (PhD)
Director, SingNano (NanoGlobe Pte Ltd)
LabTel: +65 6874 1327
Tel: +65 6408-8000
Fax: +65 6408-8001
Email: lerwen@nano-globe.biz
website: www.nano-globe.biz
ANNEX
As Singapore's apex business chamber, SBF has been proactively assisting Singapore companies to venture overseas to seek opportunities in new markets. SBF has previously organized business networking events and seminars to promote business opportunities between both countries. These were followed by business missions to Moscow and St Petersburg in September 2005 and to Moscow in June 2008. SBF remains committed to playing a pivotal role in facilitating the market development efforts of Singapore companies in Russia.
ROADMAP & PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES 2009
Collaboration between SBF and RBI: to build awareness and generate interest in the Russian Market
1. 4 March 2009
Topic: Nanotechnology and biotechnologies
2. May 2009
Topic: Green and Renewable Energy
3. July 2009
Topic: Exporter's toolkit for the Russian Market
4. September 2009
Topic: Advanced and innovative medicine with a special accent on oncology
5. November 2009
Topic: Innovative Infrastructure
*exact date/time & topics to be confirmed
EDB'S ROLE IN NANOTECHNOLOGY
One new business area in which Singapore aims to develop is the new technology-enabled industries and nanotechnology is one such technology area.
The EDB sees Nanotechnology not as an industry by itself, but rather as a broad class of technologies that can enhance and add value to Singapore's existing industries. Singapore provides such nanotechnology companies with a quality and secure environment to develop capabilities in Asia. Companies are attracted to Singapore by the solid base of quality R&D talent, the availability of world-class R&D partners and Singapore's secure IP regime. For example, companies like BASF and Bosch were attracted here because of the good base of research at our institutes, such as A*STAR's Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) and NTU's NanoFrontier.
The nanotechnology landscape in Singapore is quite diverse, with a mix of small and large companies involved in nanotech innovation. All in all, there are about:
- 50 companies
- 10 research institutes
- A myriad of university labs led by dedicated nanotech initiatives at our 2 universities
- A total of about 1000 researchers and engineers in the field of nanotechnology.
SINGNANO'S ROLE IN NANOTECHNOLOGY
- Events - SingNano organized monthly SingNano seminar for Nanotech start-ups in Singapore and from overseas to promote Nanotech R & D partnerships and fund raising.
- Database - SingNano compiled a database of Energy Players in Singapore and in the process of compiling the full Cleantech and Medtech database together with NanoConsulting Pte Ltd. Their final goal is to produce a complete database for Nanotech Ecosystem in Singapore by June 2009.
- Business Consulting Services - NanoGlobe provides global Nanotech strategic support for Singapore government, business development for start-ups/SMEs and investment advisories for investment companies.
About corporation
The Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies (RUSNANO) was established under the Federal Law
No 139-FZ in September 2007. The mission of RUSNANO is to advance Russia into the pool of the world's leaders in the field of nanotechnologies. The priority of RUSNANO is commercialization of nanotechnology projects with high business potential and/or social benefit. The Corporation has 130 billion rubles (about $5 billion) under management, provided solely by the Russian Government.
RUSNANO is an instrument of state policy in the field of nanotechnology, with the main tasks of: gaining a substantial part of the world's market share of nanotechnology-based products: creating a place for worldwide discussion of the global nanotechnology community: providing a major contribution to the world stash of knowledge in nanotechnologies.
The Corporation actively supports infrastructure and educational projects which are aimed at supporting the investment projects being realized by the Corporation.
Stable and Reliable Partner
RUSNANO acts as a venture investor in nanotechnology-based projects. Its financial contribution in early-stage technology companies reduces risks borne by its partners - private investors. The Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies invests in start-ups at the initial commercialization stage when attracting the private capital is difficult. The corporation's main instrument is an equity investment. It also can provide investment loans, make loan guarantees and facilitate leasing for it investees. In the vast majority of its companies the Corporation holds a minority share (under 50%) leaving the rest to founders and private capital in order to ensure that the project is realized with maximum efficiency. The Corporation does not aim to maximize its profit and is ready to exit once the private capital is able to carry out the project on its own.
The Corporation supports only the most competitive projects. RUSNANO organizes the scientific, technical and investment due diligence at its own expense. The Corporation takes part in a long-term investment projects lasting up to 10 years and provides maximum administrative support to its investees.
Main Areas of Activity
RUSNANO employs a number of instruments to support its core activity:
- Foresight-based roadmaps
- Infrastructure programs
- R&D projects
- IP protection
- Educational projects
- Market development
- Certification, standardization and metrology
- Provision of nanotechnology products safety
- Popularization and public communications
- Information services
- Participation in legislative improvement
- International cooperation
- Establishing a place for discussion of nanotechnology development in Russia (Nanotechnology International Forum), etc.
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