Event to accelerate global nano commercialization and build key business relationships between US nano companies and large Japanese corporations.

Silicon Valley-focused nanoSIG and Nikkei Nanotechnology are jointly staging the invitation-only NANO BUSINESS PARTNERING FORUM I in Tokyo, March 17. Twelve North American nano ventures will present business models to 150 top tier Japanese corporations during this specially scheduled forum, which is taking place at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center during Nanotech 2004. The keynote Speaker at the NANO BUSINESS PARTNERING FORUM I will be Dr. Mutsunori Sano, President & CEO, Innovation Engine, Japan.

Bo Varga, Executive Director of nanoSIG, explained, "This FORUM is an unique opportunity for US nano ventures to bring their business models to the attention of the highest quality deal-making business audience in Japan. At the international level, the FORUM will accelerate nano business relationships and transactions between Japanese companies and Silicon Valley firms, as well as other North American nano ventures."

Varga continued," We at nanoSIG have built an extensive nano business networks over the past three years and brought the best foreign nano ventures before a Japanese business audience that is serious about global nano commercialization. The event is further strengthened by the credibility and knowledge base of Nikkei Nanotechnology, which partnered with us to produce this FORUM and support from the Japanese Nano Business Creation Initiative."

The Forum is being managed for the nanoSIG by Silicon Valley Nano Ventures (SVNV), which brings 14+ years of success in building relationships for emerging technology ventures with top tier Japanese businesses. SVNV will also manage the post-forum follow-up in Japan to ensure the success of relationship building and closing transactions. SVNV has a proven track record in relationship building between Silicon Valley emerging technology companies and to tier Japanese businesses. Large corporate clients of SVNV include Analog Devices, Apple, Kawasaki LSI, Hewlett-Packard, Matshusita, Sandisk and Toshiba.

About nanoSIG:

nanoSIG is the leading Northern California based membership organization focused on the commercial development of nanotechnology. Based at Nasa/Ames, the organization is part of a global nanotechnology network and has strong ties with European and Asian counterparts.

nanoSIG delivers education, information, & networking via nanotechnology domain Briefings; Conferences, Meetings, and eMeetings; and Database & Web services. Our Global Activist Network delivers "go to market" strategies for nano business development in Silicon Valley, North America, and globally.

Constituents include academic, corporate and government labs; Angel,Corporate, &VC Investors; nanotechnology entrepreneurs & start-ups; large corporations; and service providers committed to nanotechnology domains.

PRESS CONTACT:
Sandra Kay Helsel, Ph.D.
SK Helsel and Associates - a marketing communications & positioning company
520-325-4636
www.skhelsel.com

nanoSIG CONTACT:
Bo Varga
Co-Founder & Executive Director
650-747-9554
bvarga@nanoSIG.org
www.nanoSIG.org

Silicon Valley Nano Ventures CONTACT:
Chiyoko Ono
Managing Partner
Director, Japan Business Development
650-85107804
ChiyokoO@USnano.biz