Bangalore to get India’s first nano park by 2011

In order to boost nano science and research technology, Bangalore will host India’s first nano park by 2011, said noted scientist Prof CNR Rao on Friday.

“There have been some delays earlier. But, the Nano Park will come up by 2011. The park will host several industries related to nano science and technology. The park will provide opportunities for cutting-edge research work in these exciting fields,” said Rao. However, he did not elaborate much on the estimated cost likely to be spent on constructing the park.

In fact, in 2007, the state government had identified a 15-acre plot in north Bangalore to build the park. Sources said the park plan got  delayed due to problems.

Rao said this during the announcement of the third edition of Bangalore Nano-2010, India’s premier nanotechnology event, which will be held from December 8. The focal theme of the event is ‘Frontiers of nanotechnology: Impact on India’.

Rao, who is also the chairperson of Vision Group on Science, Technology and Nanotechnology of Government of Karnataka, said that research in the field of nano science and technology had gone up in recent times.

“Nano science and technology is an exciting area. Nanotechnology-related research works have gone up hugely across the world in recent times. However, in India, very few people are engaged in the field. We need to bring in more young people in the area of nano science and research,” said Rao, who is also the honorary president of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research.

“We are making all-out effort to make Bangalore the nano tech hub of India, just like as we have done in IT and BT. The event is an attempt to bridge the gap between research work and industry in the field of nanotechnology,” said Ashok Kumar C Manoli, principal secretary of department of information technology, biotechnology and science and technology.

“Nanotechnology has now started leaving the confines of laboratories and conquering new applications. The fast growing field of nanotechnology presents great potential for various sectors in the areas of healthcare, environment, energy, agriculture, engineering and consumer goods,” added Manoli.

The event will also make an attempt to attract young talents into the sphere of nanotechnology.

The conference has some special programmes ‘Nano for the Young’ and ‘Inspirational Lectures Programme’, to target student community of Bangalore. An expert panel at the event will share with students the key aspects of nanotechnology and opportunities that lie in nano-related research works for young scientists.

Some ‘inspirational’ lecture programmes will also be delivered by experts to encourage young people to join the sphere of nano science. The programmes will be addressed by top scientists.

The event will feature a programme ‘Research Industry Collaboration Hub’ (RICH), wherein eight start-up companies will be pitching for investments or research tie-ups with various countries in the sphere of nanotechnology. RICH will also facilitate podium presentations and one-to-one meetings for emerging entrepreneurs in nanotechnology.