PALO ALTO, Calif., June 10 -- Nanosys Inc. announced it has signed exclusive licensing agreements for worldwide rights to a broad set of intellectual properties covering nanocomposite solar cell materials and technologies developed by two leading nanotechnology centers: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Columbia University. The licensed patents cover important aspects of nanocomposite solar cells based on inorganic semiconductor nanomaterials such as nanocrystals, nanorods and nanowires, Nanosys said. Stephen Empedocles, Nanosys cofounder and director of business development, said, "These broad-reaching patents cover some of the most fundamental aspects of nanocomposite solar technology based on inorganic semiconductor nanomaterials, substantially strengthening our position in this field. Combined with our latest $38 million financing and our recent partnership with Matsushita Electric Works, these licenses will help us accelerate this technology into the market." Nanosys and Matsushita Electric Works are jointly developing and incorporating anocomposite solar cells into building materials for residential and commercial facilities in Asia. Nanosys said it is also establishing corporate partnerships in other solar markets and other areas of the world. For more information, visit: nanosysinc.com