The project will be led by Associate Professor Nan Zhang, whose career uniquely bridges academic research, industrial translation and entrepreneurship in micro/nano manufacturing and nanomedicine. At University College Dublin (UCD), Dr. Zhang established a state-of-the-art micro manufacturing facility and founded MiNAN Technologies, a UCD spin-out company commercialising microfluidic device prototyping and manufacturing. Through MiNAN Technologies, he has navigated the full commercialisation lifecycle including IP licensing (one PCT), investor engagement, customer acquisition and industrial partnerships.
Dr. Zhang is also the co-founder of NanoFormiX, a Commercialisation funded project currently under process of registration and will be established in May 2026, through which the MiNano-Form microfluidic platform is being commercialised for high throughput formulation of nanoparticles for gene therapy and vaccine development. Two PCT patents have been filed, covering the nano-formulation devices and mixing cartridges with an invention disclosure form submitted on nanoparticle purification. He is also directing customer discovery and involving funding raising. This experience will help the NanoMind-GenAI spinout team.
