By IANS,
Bangalore: The fifth edition of Bangalore Nano 2012, the premier nanotechnology event Dec 6-7, will focus on business opportunities in the sunrise sector, which helps in improving the quality of life and environment, a Karnataka government official said Tuesday.
“Nano will explore business opportunities in nanotechnology, healthcare and medicine, aerospace and defence, electronics and MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems), food and agriculture, energy and environment and water management/solutions,” Principal Secretary, Science and technology I.S.N. Prasad told reporters at a preview of the upcoming trade show.
Organised by the state government in collaboration with the industry and academic associations, the two-day annual event will enable experts, scientists, researchers, industry and start-ups to deliberate on the future of nanotechnology and its applications to improve manufacturing, processing and discovering new products and solutions.
As the new frontier of science, nanotechnology deals with manipulation of materials, devices and structures in atomic and molecular scale less than 100 nanometres.
“As one of the most innovative technologies of the last decade, nanotech has made inroads in crucial areas for the betterment of humankind, with major benefits in manufacturing, water purification systems, energy conservation systems, better food production methods for nutritious foods and infrastructure pre-fabrication,” Prasad said.
According to renowned scientist C.N.R. Rao, nano-applications can bring about a paradigm shift healthcare, environment, energy, agriculture, ICT, engineering and consumer goods sectors.
“The government’s ‘Nano Mission’ will bring about a sea change and unfold huge opportunities for Indian & multi-national firms to invest in the niche sector.
“India’s strength in core technology and biotechnology will fuel the growth of nanotechnology. With sound policies and government support, nanotechnology will flourish in India during this decade.” Rao pointed out.
Rao is also chairman of the scientific advisory council to the prime minister and president of the state-run Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research located here.
Besides trade expo, the event will have plenary and conference sessions on a range of issues pertaining to research, technology development, skills requirements, risk factors, regulatory and governance structures, investments and collaborations between academia and industry.
“Over 100 international and domestic firms are expected to participate, with over 100 delegates from Australia, Japan, US and other countries,” Prasad said.
The event will also feature a ‘poster session’ for scientists and researchers to share their innovations and research in nano-science and nano-technology with industry, research institutes and venture capitalists.
Startups in the field will be allowed to make presentations on nanotechnology innovations that are commercially viable in the research-industry collaboration hub (RICH) programme.