ANN ARBOR, Mich. and FREMONT, Calif., April 30 -- Ardesta LLC and NanoGram announced they have begun a strategic relationship to accelerate commercialization of unique nanomaterials in medical, energy storage and other markets. As part of this relationship, Ardesta has made an equity investment in NanoGram's parent company, NeoPhotonics. NeoPhotonics is leveraging its proprietary nanomaterials platform to develop planar integrated optical components, while NanoGram is focused on applications for its intellectual property outside of telecommunications and photonics. Ardesta will work to identify and pursue applications for the NeoPhotonics' core technology outside of the optical space. The partnership also involves technical development and direction and joint advisory board status.