Company

The Westaim Corporation has investments in two high-potential sectors, medical nanotechnology and flat panel display technology. Westaim’s strategy is to create value for shareholders by partnering with established commercial leaders for effective market penetration of its technologies and maximum return on investment. Westaim's technology investments include iFire Technology and NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals.

iFire Technology has patented a developmental flat panel display technology based on thick dielectric electroluminescent (TDEL) technology, which features low-cost and high-performance potential.

iFire's proprietary TDEL technology is expected to offer unique performance advantages and a thin and light package with a potential manufacturing cost advantage due to its simpler structure and fewer, less complex processing steps. TDEL technology may be suitable for the flat panel display, signage and specialty lighting markets with its low-cost and high-performance potential.

NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals is one of the first companies to successfully launch a medical product based on nanotechnology. Advanced wound care products with the company’s SILCRYST™ coatings are sold by Smith & Nephew plc under an exclusive license in over 30 countries under its Acticoat™ trademark. NUCRYST is also developing innovative pharmaceutical products to address medical conditions that are characterized by both infection and inflammation. The company has developed its nanocrystalline silver in a powder form for use as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, referred to as NPI 32101.

NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals completed an Initial Public Offering of common shares in 2005. The Westaim Corporation owns approximately 75 per cent of NUCRYST's outstanding shares.