November 24, 2004 – To accelerate the development of software tools that enable the design of nanomaterials and nanodevices, Accelrys Inc. has announced the launch of the Accelrys Nanotechnology Consortium. The consortium will also enhance nanotechnology R&D by fostering collaboration between scientists and engineers.

The Consortium provides a project framework and a detailed scientific proposal that addresses the challenges of rational nanomaterials and nanodevice design.

Members of the Nanotechnology Consortium include industrial researchers, academic experts, and Accelrys scientists, who are focused on developing, validating, and applying simulation to a particular research area.

Members receive software, the right to provide formal input into Accelrys product plans, access to regular meetings at which experiences and ideas are shared, and dedicated application support. The Consortium also offers early access to cutting-edge technology.

The consortium’s charter members include Corning Inc., Fujitsu, e2v Technologies, Imperial College, London, and Uppsala University, Sweden.

“Close partnership and collaboration with industry is essential for Accelrys to develop software and services that help solve critical research problems,” said Mark J. Emkjer, president and CEO of Accelrys.

“Consortiums bring industries together and provide the opportunity to drive solutions into the market,” said David Morris, VP of R&D at Corning Inc. “We are excited about both the potential increase in the efficiency and effectiveness of our own R&D efforts, as well as the opportunity to fulfill the promise of enhanced rational design software tools.”

The Consortium is an ongoing program, organized into phases of three years. The first phase runs from July 1, 2004 to August 31, 2007.