Nanosys draws Micron into Intel NAND research

LONDON — Nanosys Inc., a nanotechnology startup which cancelled an initial public offering of shares in 2004, has announced that it has expanded its work on memory with Intel Corp. and that Micron Technology Inc. has joined the collaboration.

Nanosys (Palo Alto, Calif.) announced in January 2004 that it was working with Intel performing research into chemically- and biologically-sensitive semiconductor materials arranged in nanometer-scale structures including nanowires, nanorods, nanotetrapods, and nanodots, to gauge the potential to create memory devices.

Now Nanosys has announced that it has developed proprietary nanostructures to address high density NAND flash memory opportunities in areas such as consumer electronics, portable storage, and personal communications. The company, which has more than 450 patents and patent applications on nanotechnology, did not disclose the nature of its nanostructures but said that Micron Technology Inc. (Boise, Idaho) has joined the collaboration. Intel and Micron have set up a joint venture company, IM Flash Technologies Inc., to manufacture NAND flash memory for the two companies. Nanosys said its nanotechnology-enabled memory technology is designed to be compatible with current manufacturing processes and equipment, while allowing for higher storage densities, lower cost per bit, and improved reliability.

Despite missing out on a potential $100 million IPO in 2004 Nanosys was able to raise $40 million and keep its research interests moving forward in November 2005.

"Together, Intel and Micron bring an unparalleled set of capabilities that will help accelerate the development and incorporation of our nanostructures into non-volatile memory devices," said Calvin Chow, Nanosys' chief executive officer, in a statement.

"Our collaboration with Nanosys is part of our extensive R&D efforts to extend the technology roadmap for non-volatile memory," said Ed So, director of California technology and manufacturing at Intel, in the same statement.

"Micron has taken on a leadership role in NAND technology and Nanosys' technology offers a very practical and promising approach towards addressing the continued scaling needs of the fast-growing non-volatile memory market," said Frankie Roohparvar, vice president of NAND Development at Micron, in the same statement.