The Indo-US Nanotechnology Conclave, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Indo-US S&T Forum, has been inaugurated by president Dr A. P. J. Kalam at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi on February 22.

The conclave will be addressed by eminent scientists and academicians from India and the US, apart from Kapil Sibbal, union minister for science and technology, Government of India, and David Mulford, the US ambassador to India. Shyam Sharan, foreign secretary, ministry of external affairs; V. S. Ramamurthy, secretary, department of science and technology; C. N. R. Rao, president, JNU centre for advanced scientific research; Dr Stanley Williams, HP Labs; and Vijay K. Varadan, University of Arkansas are also among those who will address the conference.

Nanotechnology deals with handling molecules with advanced tools to produce products of desired functionality. Presently nanotechnology products include sunscreens, tooth adhesives, nano-silver sprays for wounds, dust water repelling nano-coatings for building glasses, automotive wind shields and tiles.

Having been involved with research and industrialisation in this sector for more than a decade, the US Government has spent about $970 million in 2004 on research. The National Nanotechnology Initiative by the US funds various research projects under NASA and NSF for the universities.

The Government of India has also initiated various research and commercialisation ventures related to nanotechnology. The department of science and technology, through its nano-science and technology initiative, supports R&D and establishes core groups and awareness programmes through seminars and conferences.

The conclave thus assumes a significant role for both countries, as a partnership between the US and India for joint research will make products from nanotechnology, commercially feasible.

It will address issues like the Indo-US partnership in nanotechnology prospects, research directions in nanotechnlogy, nanomanufacturing process and tools, nanoventuring etc.

( www.efytimes.com)