NanoHoldings' network of universities and scientists, most of them with physics backgrounds, means other innovations that show promise could be further developed outside of the company and eventually co-financed through DSM Venturing or possibly acquired by DSM.

Broadcom is reportedly in talks to add embedded processor developer Broadlight to its stable of acquisitions.

Social commerce company Lockerz has acquired travel services website Off & Away.

Group-buying company Lokaly has been bought by Singtel-backed group buying technology firm Dealised.

The Intel Capital-backed memory storage chip manufacturer is reportedly a potential target for Apple, with $400m to $500m being offered.

Juniper Networks-backed content delivery company Cotendo is reportedly about to be acquired, with rival Akamai facing competition from AT&T and Juniper as potential buyers.