The central issue for the Alliance during this visit was the re-authorization of the 21st Century Research and Development Act. This Act, whose passage in 2003 established America as the leader in nanotechnology research, is up for renewal. Over the years Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, China, India and most recently, Russia have begun their own aggressive and well-funded nanotech initiatives. By some estimates, Asia now leads the world in nanotech funding.

“Nanotechnology addresses some of humanity’s most pressing challenges including the quest for renewable energy, clean water and the cure for cancer. It is no surprise that there is such interest in this technology from the global community,” said Aatish Salvi, Vice President of the NanoBusiness Alliance. “We haven’t seen a technology race this intense or this close since the Apollo Project. Given how much America’s economy relies on innovation and technology leadership we cannot afford to not re-authorize this act and lose our position as the world leader in nanoscience.”

The tour also included a Nanotechnology Product Showcase that enabled 20 nanotech companies to demonstrate and explain their developments to members of Congress and their staffs. These included nanotechnology-enabled products ranging from a lightweight, chemically resistant uniform to energy-saving coatings that insulate windows to diagnostic applications for phosphate control in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Alliance members also met with officials from the EPA to express their support for the Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program and their commitment to sharing information with the EPA through the channels it provides.

NanoBusiness Alliance members will next gather for their annual NanoBusiness 2008 conference, being held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City from May 4 – 6. For information, please contact Vincent Caprio; vince@nanobusiness.org.

About The NanoBusiness Alliance

The NanoBusiness Alliance is the industry association for the emerging nanotechnology industry. Through its extensive network of leading startups, Fortune 500 companies, research institutions, non-governmental organizations and public-private partnerships, the Alliance shapes nanotechnology policy and helps accelerate the commercialization of nanotechnology innovations. The NanoBusiness Alliance has offices in New York, Chicago, Connecticut and Washington, DC