Nanosys Named A Red Herring Top 100 Company
Award recognizes 100 private companies in North America that drive the technology industry's future

Palo Alto, California, 12 May 2005
Nanosys Inc. today announced that it has been named one of the Red Herring 100 Private Companies of North America. Red Herring editors have included Nanosys in a select group of emerging private companies chosen by a careful analysis of financial data and subjective criteria such as the technology, business model, management, financials, and funding. This recognition for Nanosys follows its recent selection as a Top 100 Innovator by Red Herring.

“Five years after the dot-com bubble burst, innovation and entrepreneurship are thriving. The companies on this list are proof,” said Red Herring editor-in-chief Joel Dreyfuss.

"Nanosys is proud to be included in this select group of emerging private companies," said Larry Bock, Executive Chairman of Nanosys. "We feel our innovative blend of technology, intellectual property and business strategy will drive the development of products and have a major impact in many industries".

Red Herring's lists of private companies are an important part of the magazine's tradition of identifying new and innovative technology companies and entrepreneurs. Companies like Google and eBay were spotted in their early days by Red Herring editors as those that would change the way we live and work.

Red Herring's editorial staff rigorously evaluated more than 900 private companies through a careful analysis of financial data and subjective criteria, including quality of management, execution of strategy, and dedication to research and development. Peter Garcia, Chief Financial Officer of Nanosys will be presenting their business model and strategy at the Red Herring Spring conference on May 18 at 3:45pm PDT . Red Herring Spring will take place May 17-19 at the Monterey Plaza Hotel in Monterey , California.

About Nanosys
Nanosys, Inc. is a leader in the development of nanotechnology based products utilizing high performance inorganic nanostructures. Nanosys has built one of the broadest technology platforms in the industry with more than 350 patents and patent applications covering fundamental areas of nanotechnology , at multiple levels, from basic nanostructures to functional devices to end applications. Based in Palo Alto, Calif. and privately held, Nanosys collaborates with industry leaders including Sharp, Dupont, Intel, Matsushita Electric Works and SAIC to develop revolutionary high-value, high-performance products for computing, optoelectronics, communications, energy, defense and the life and physical sciences. Additional information on Nanosys can be found at www.nanosysinc.com

About Red Herring Spring
Red Herring Spring is an invitation-only event for CEOs, select senior executives, and Venture Capitalists. Themed ‘The Dynamics of Disruptions', Red Herring Spring 2005 will bring together executives from mostly private companies. These executives will be joined by senior executives from public companies and Venture Capitalists. Please contact Sean Raman at 650.428.2900 or email sraman@redherring.com if you would like to request an invitation to Red Herring Spring.

About Red Herring
Red Herring is the weekly magazine technology entrepreneurs, investors and industry observers read to stay ahead of the curve and to be better informed about the global marketplace. Red Herring covers technology, innovation, financial strategies, important personalities and trends that are transforming the world of business with unique insight, opinion and forward-looking analysis. Readers turn to Red Herring for knowledge to make strategic decisions, build companies and create a competitive advantage for their businesses. Red Herring articles, blogs, research and event information can be found online at www.redherring.com .