In an attempt to give impetus to nano technology, the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) will be setting up a nano foundry in either Bangalore or Hyderabad.
The foundry, which is expected to cost Rs500 crore will aim at developing nano products from nano designs. Participating at ‘Nanotechnology: A Key Tool in Attaining Developmental Goals, Part II’ on the inaugural day of the third edition of Bangalore Nano on Wednesday, Dr W Selvamurthy, chief controller, R&D, DRDO said that the foundry’s primary aim is to develop three products — nano composites, nano electrodes and bio-sensors,which would come up in a couple of years.
“The nano foundry project will be a cluster with the partnering of IITs and other academic institutions of India. The R&D facilities for nano technology can be used by the industry and academic institutions for research purpose,” Selvamurthy said.
He added that nano technology had several applications from agriculture to defense and that the DRDO had already invested Rs200 crore for developing nano technology applications.
“We have already hired new people for the nano projects, including 15 non-resident Indians who have considerable experience in nano technology. They will join DRDO as full time employees,” he said.
On the developmental activities undertaken by various DRDO laboratories in the country, he said that nanocomposite coatings developed by an Ahmednagar lab would be used in several anti-corrosive industrial applications. Similarly, the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical lab at Bangalore was developing several bio-sensors that could revolutionise medical diagnostics and ensure the safety of the soldier during war, he said.
He added that DRDO, along with the pharmaceutical company, Cipla, would undertake production of nano particle drugs that could be directly sent to the lungs. These drugs were originally developed for soldiers posted at high altitudes.
On the occasion, MK Bhan, secretary, department of biotechnology, said that a strong scientific force, technology innovation, and product innovation are needed for the nano industry to flourish in India.
