Few Indians working on nanotechnology: C.N.R. Rao

Bangalore: Water-powered cars, synthetic skin and artificial photosynthesis: the possibilities of nanotechnology are plenty. But this emerging field has few takers in India, observed C.N.R. Rao, honorary president of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Research (JNCASR) on Friday.

“Worldwide nanotechnology is seen as an exciting new area of research, but not many Indians are working at the cutting edge of this field,” he said. Prof Rao added that the specialisation promised solutions in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and environment.

He was optimistic that the much-delayed Nano Park, planned in the city, will become a reality in 2011. “Procedural delays, not money, have been the problem,” he told presspersons.

Bangalore Nano

The third edition of Bangalore Nano — an event that aims at bringing together scientists, industry, academia and the Government — will be organised on December 8 and 9, said Karnataka IT/BT secretary Ashok Kumar Manoli.

The theme this year is “Frontiers of Nanotechnology: Impact on India”. The event, comprising exhibitions, discussions and lectures, has over 400 registered delegates.

This year, a new award has been instituted to recognise an “Emerging Entrepreneur”. At the “Research Industry Collaboration Hub”, eight start-ups would be pitching for investments, Mr. Manoli said. “Nano for the Young” has been designed for children. Bangalore Nano is organised by the Department of IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, JNCASR and MM ACTIV Sci Tech Communications.

Pitching for technology:Eminent scientist C.N.R. Rao and Secretary for Information Technology and Biotechnology Ashok Kumar Manoli addressing a press conference in Bangalore on Friday.

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http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/04/stories/2010120451600500.htm