By IANS,
Bangalore : Tech-savvy Karnataka is set to promote Bangalore as a nanotechnology hub to replicate its success in information technology (IT) and biotechnology (BT) sectors, with novel initiatives to attract investors, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, a top official said here.
“We have initiated a number of measures to accelerate the growth of the nanotechnology sector on the lines of IT and BT sectors. Efforts are on to replicate the success in IT and BT sectors in terms of innovation, investment and job creation,” Karnataka secretary for IT, BT and science and technology Ashok Kumar C. Manoli told IANS late Wednesday.
As part of its effort to showcase India’s IT hub as a premier destination for the nanotechnology industry, the state government will host the second edition of “Bangalore Nano” Dec 12-14.
To be organised in association with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), headed by prime minister’s scientific advisory council chairman C.N.R. Rao, the three-day event will hard-sell Bangalore as a nano hub for stakeholders from India and abroad.
The focal theme of the event will be “Nanotechnology in India’s Future” to create opportunities for innovators, researchers, academia, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and enterprises to showcase the latest advancements in the sunrise sector.
“Application of nanotechnology in diverse products is estimated to be $15 billion. Its increased usage in a range of applications and products has the potential to generate a trillion dollars by 2015,” Manoli said.
A nano exposition during the event will provide an opportunity for the industry and the research community to explore possibilities of nanotech applications in electronics, biopharma, engineering and allied fields. A two-day conference will enable the stakeholders to interact and network on collaborations and partnerships.
“After becoming an IT and BT bellwether, the state is shifting focus to nanotechnology. Many Indian small and medium companies have done research and innovation in the emerging knowledge area for product development and applications in daily use,” Manoli said.
According to Ajay K. Sood, state nanotechnology vision group member and Indian Institute of Science professor, India has made a modest beginning with a five-year nano mission and Rs.10 billion outlay by the central government for development of nanotechnology.
“Nano revolution is on the world over with several countries making huge investments in developing products and applications using the cutting-edge technology,” Sood said.
In tune with the focal theme, the event will focus on nanotechnology and its impact on India’s future with special attention on industry and manufacturing, energy and environment, food and agriculture, electronics and chemicals.
The event is expected to attract 500 delegates from the world over, including Australia, Britain, Germany, France, Japan, Korea and the US.
Indian private firms and state-run research and development organisations doing path-breaking work in nano science and nanotechnology will also showcase their domain expertise, services and achievements at the nano expo.