Cambridge NanoTech (CNT) is an interesting example of how a successful project research university was used to create a small business that designs and manufactures equipment for the study of a new class of chemical reactions called atomic layer deposition (ALD). Business model CNT is particularly interesting, because university researchers / founders developed a product that was specifically designed to serve other researchers of the University rather than move immediately to the commercial, high production volumes. Their product has been specifically designed to be inexpensive and easy to use, flexible and have a very short delivery times, which made it very attractive to university researchers operating major research projects (typically on the order of millions of dollars / year). Large profits made possible by the lack of competition and high sensitivity value associated with the presence of these technical features as the commercial machines of this type are usually a significant part of a million dollars. After a successful launch in 2005, the company has serious friction between the co-founders of which will be resolved when one of the founders bought another. In 2010, the company is profitable, but faces increasing competition and the need to develop their business. The company is considering a number of different strategies. "Hide
by Ian Woodward, David Kiron Source: HBS 19 pages. Publication Date: May 14, 2010. Prod. #: 610083-PDF-ENG
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