Merck extends strategic alliance with Harvard spin-out

Collaboration agreement

Germany-based Merck KGaA and the US nanotechnology co-development company Nano-Terra, Inc have extended their existing strategic alliance, to focus on specific application development for Merck customers, and to move the technical capabilities into the marketplace for commercialisation.

Established in 2007, the alliance develops innovative nanotechnology-based products and solutions based on Merck’s materials. After successfully meeting initial development milestones, the alliance has been extended to 2011.

Harvard University spin-out Nano-Terra will develop novel application techniques for existing Merck materials designed to address market opportunities where smaller (micron and nanometre) feature sizes are required for certain printable electronics components.

The Merck fabrication processes will be based on Nano-Terra’s proprietary soft lithography technology, which was invented and pioneered by Professor George Whitesides of Harvard University, a co-founder of Nano-Terra.

Dr Thomas Geelhaar, Chief Technology Officer Chemicals of Merck KGaA, said: "We were very pleased by the progress made in the initial stages of our relationship with Nano-Terra. We look forward to our continued collaboration with Professor Whitesides and his team, and to building on these developments to create specific products which we believe will provide significant benefits to our customers.”

Vice Chairman of Nano-Terra, Dr Carmichael Roberts, said: "Through its embrace of innovative technologies and applications, Merck continues to underscore its commitment as a pioneer in research and development. We are delighted to extend our working relationship with them and to enhance their exploration of how to best optimise materials to improve products and processes for its customers.