Show Notes 143: Nanomation - Unleashing the Power of Nanomaterials

In this week's episode of the Cambridge Tech Podcast, hosts Faye Holland and James Parton dive into the latest tech news from Cambridge and engage in an enlightening conversation with Teja Potocnik, the founder of Nanomation. This episode is packed with insights for tech enthusiasts, startup founders, and venture capitalists eager to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of technology.

Weekly Tech News Highlights

The episode kicks off with a roundup of exciting developments in the Cambridge tech scene:

• ForefrontRF's New Office Opening: Faye shares her experience at Forefront's office launch, highlighting their innovative tunable duplexer technology aimed at simplifying mobile radio front-end design for various devices. The event showcased the team's pride and growth, setting a positive tone for the week.

• London Tech Week and Cambridge Wide Open Week: Both events are buzzing with activity, offering numerous pitching opportunities and networking for startups. Faye encourages listeners to get involved and follow the action on social media.

• Business Weekly's 35th Anniversary: The hosts celebrate Business Weekly's milestone, recognising their support for the podcast and the tech community.

Interview with Teja Potocnik: Revolutionising Chip Production

In the second part of the episode, Teja Potocnik shares her journey as a founder and the potential of nanomaterials in transforming chip production. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:

• Background and Achievements: Teja, originally from Slovenia, has an impressive academic background in material science and engineering, culminating in a PhD focused on nanomaterials. She has received accolades such as the Female Founders category award at the Wolfson Entrepreneurship Competition.

• What Are Nanomaterials? Teja explains that nanomaterials are materials at the nanoscale, significantly smaller than the width of a human hair. They have unique properties that make them ideal for applications in electronics, including transistors and sensors.

• The Challenge in Chip Manufacturing: With Moore's Law pushing the limits of transistor density, Teja discusses how nanomaterials can offer new functionalities without necessarily reducing size. "Nanomaterials can add new functionalities and specialisations where I think really the future lies," she states.

• Commercial Viability: Teja emphasises the importance of translating cutting-edge research into commercially viable technology. "Getting that into sort of commercially viable technology and mass production has been incredibly difficult," she notes, highlighting the challenges faced by early-stage companies.

• Market Potential: The conversation touches on the vast market opportunities for sensing applications, particularly in the infrared spectrum. Teja aims to lower costs while enhancing functionalities, making her technology appealing to various industries.

• Support from the Cambridge Ecosystem: Teja praises the collaborative spirit within Cambridge's tech community, noting the invaluable connections and support she has received. "Everyone knows everyone, and it's great," she shares, reflecting on the benefits of networking in the region.

Why You Should Tune In

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of nanotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing. Teja's insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field are both inspiring and informative.

To listen and subscribe, search for ‘Cambridge Tech Podcast’ on your favourite podcasting platform or visit cambridgetechpodcast.com.