The South African government will invest R450-million in the creation of national nanotechnology infrastructure and research in the next three years, assisting its initiatives of reducing unemployment and halving poverty by 2014.

To fast track the opportunities that this technology, which has the potential to provide better efficiencies in energy use and solve major health problems, offered the Nanotechnology Strategy had been launched by Science and Technology deputy minister Derek Hanekom.

Known as “the technology of the very small”, nanotechnology enables scientists to manipulate materials and particles that are a billionth of a metre or about 1/80 000th of the diameter of a human hair.

Speaking at the launch of the strategy, Department of Science and Technology (DST) programme director Pontsho Maruping explained that the Nanotechnology Strategy aimed at drawing upon the existing strengths of the national innovation system, while promoting the need to enhance its research infrastructure and developing a workforce for the nanotechnology business.

The rollout of the strategy would focus on the establishment of geographically-distributed characterisation centres, the creation of research and innovation networks, which would enhance collaboration and capacity building initiatives aimed at developing human resources.

The South African Nanotechnology Strategy would not only contribute to economic growth and meeting the 2014 goals, but also towards enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global arena.

Hanekom explained that governments in Europe, the US and Japan were spending over $600-million a year on nanotechnology, while the developing world, especially India, Brazil and China, had also committed resources towards creating national nanotechnology infrastructure and research.

“The effective application of nanotechnology can contribute towards eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, improved environmental sustainability, as well as greater success in the fight against HIV/Aids and other diseases,” he said.

( www.engineeringnews.co.za)