Nanostartup program was established in 2017 in order to support the establishment and growth of Iranian knowledge-based companies active in the field of nanotechnology. During the first round, the program was run in form of an event aimed at providing various training courses which are necessary for developing Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of an idea. This round was followed by a competition and participants who get higher ranks (ranked one to three), were accepted to International Nanotechnology Olympiad.
In order to reach the pre-determined goals, the second round focused mainly on development of ideas, technologies and businesses. As a result, ideas were proposed by university students and graduates. Then, business and technical mentors of the program examined the idea form and guided the team in order to reach a feasible and attractive idea. Technology readiness level of entering teams ranged between 1 and 2. However, at the end of each round the teams were able to make a prototype or minimum viable product (MVP).
The Nanostartup program seeks to accelerate technical and business development of the proposed ideas. Reducing technical, business and financial risks in the early stages of a startup's financial cycle (Seed & Pre-Seed) are considered as other functions of the program. Nanostartup is in fact an innovative model for the growth of capable and specialized teams in the field of nanotechnology that intend to offer their knowledge-based nanotechnology products.
The program will provide the materials a Nanostartup team needs to develop its idea. When a team is able to make its prototype or MVP, the program connects the team to other governmental supporting programs, investors or customers to reach higher TRLs.
This program seeks to support all eligible teams. All interested teams can take part in National Nano Competition (NNC) and present their ideas and develop their ideas with the help of Nanostartup program. Sufficient information on nanotechnology and entrepreneurship is also needed in order to enter the program.
Even if a team owns no idea, the program provides eligible teams with feasible and attractive ideas. The program will provide accepted teams with business and technical mentors and consultants. Also, all needs for performing the tests will be met through the laboratory network grants. The successful teams of Nanostartup could present their product at annual Nano Festival to visiting governmental officials, investors, accelerator representatives, etc.
199
