As a semiregular feature, IBO highlights funding announcements that are expected to drive investment in analytical instruments and laboratory products. This installment includes announcements by two firms and the UK government.

IBM announced this month a five-year, $3 billion investment to develop the next generation of semiconductor-chip technology. One project is “7 nanometer and beyond technology,” which will draw upon materials science, including the study of nanomaterials. Other projects aim to develop alternatives to silicon-chip technologies, such as silicon nanophotonics, carbon nanotubes and graphene.

Wal-Mart announced investments last month in quality control. It will increase its food-safety spending in China to $48.2 million from 2013 to 2015, compared with $16.1 million over the previous three-year period. Areas of investment include supplier audits and DNA testing of meat products and, according to Reuters, the use of two mobile labs. The company has 7,000 suppliers and 400 facilities in the country.

The UK launched this spring the five-year, £375 million ($625 million = £0.60 = $1) Newton Fund for international research collaborations with 16 developing nations, including Brazil and China. Administered by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, the Fund will disperse £75 million ($125 million) annually for building scientific expertise, creating collaborations and developing new technology solutions.