Nanoco strikes lighting deal with Osram

MANCHESTER-based nanotechnology firm Nanoco has struck a development agreement with light bulb manufacturer Osram.

The company makes quantum dots – tiny fluorescent particles of semiconductor material which have the ability to emit light. They are in demand by the makers of electronic goods because they consume less power than existing systems.

In an AGM statement it said the deal, which will run until September, will focus on the best way of combining its quantum dots into LEDs for general lighting.

In January Nanoco agreed a deal with US conglomerate, the Dow Chemical Company, which gave it exclusive worldwide rights for the sale, marketing and manufacture of its quantum dots for use in electronic displays.

Chairman Anthony Clinch said it had shipped a “substantial amount” of samples to potential customers and was hopeful of signing its first order from the display industry.

He added: “In the year ahead, we look forward to continued progress in all of our key target markets including display, LED general lighting, solar and bio-imaging.”