Nanotechnology has captured the imagination, and research dollars, around the world, in applications ranging from health to materials science to the environment. Spanish research institutes, technology centers and businesses are moving ahead in the field as well; there are more than 450 Spanish groups involved in research at the nano scale.

One of the Spanish research centers delving into this growing trend is Ascamm, an institution with extensive background in materials and manufacturing for automobiles and health. In the field of nanotechnology, Ascamm has registered six patents, developed 15 new high-tech products, and created three spin-off companies: Neos Surgery and Hexascreen in the health and biotechnology sector; and Plastiasite, an information and communication services company.

To aid in developing the future of automobiles, Ascamm is taking part in a consortium of research centers and companies that are bringing nano-scale science to the automotive world, through the Spanish project known as nAUTO. Pilar Blanc, Ascamm external relations manager, explains that the project focuses on creating novel materials that will help reduce weight, costs, and energy consumption in vehicles, and predicts that this project “will create a new generation of auto parts with the improved functions and features, parts that will be key to improving industrial competitiveness.”

The nAUTO project includes the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, and a number of automotive supply companies coordinated by the Spanish automaker SEAT.

Nanotechnology has captured the imagination, and research dollars, around the world, in applications ranging from health to materials science to the environment. Spanish research institutes, technology centers and businesses are moving ahead in the field as well; there are more than 450 Spanish groups involved in research at the nano scale.

One of the Spanish research centers delving into this growing trend is Ascamm, an institution with extensive background in materials and manufacturing for automobiles and health. In the field of nanotechnology, Ascamm has registered six patents, developed 15 new high-tech products, and created three spin-off companies: Neos Surgery and Hexascreen in the health and biotechnology sector; and Plastiasite, an information and communication services company.

To aid in developing the future of automobiles, Ascamm is taking part in a consortium of research centers and companies that are bringing nano-scale science to the automotive world, through the Spanish project known as nAUTO. Pilar Blanc, Ascamm external relations manager, explains that the project focuses on creating novel materials that will help reduce weight, costs, and energy consumption in vehicles, and predicts that this project “will create a new generation of auto parts with the improved functions and features, parts that will be key to improving industrial competitiveness.”

The nAUTO project includes the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, and a number of automotive supply companies coordinated by the Spanish automaker SEAT.