The new process also does away with the need for a (relatively) thick substrate to grow the nanowire on, making it cheaper, more flexible and transparent.
Another breakthrough is the transparent conductor made of a mixture of silver nanowire and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which was able to replace the opaque metal electrode used in the past.
Park, Lieber and several other noted nanotechies comprise the scientific advisory team and provide patents and consulting sessions. (The founders hold 20% of the company.) Bock wants Nanosys to build nanowire enabled modules--say, for a simple biosensor--which corporate partners could plug into more complex products.