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Let's Get Small
Nanotechnology event attracts business, government and academia in support of redoubled R&D
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Business New Haven
3/3/2003
By: BNH
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NEW HAVEN - Some 100 industry figures including CEOs, researchers, representatives of Yale University and the University of Connecticut, as well as government leaders attended the Connecticut Nanotechnology Initiative's kick-off event, a half-day summit held February 21 at Yale.
The organizing group's efforts are focused on establishing Connecticut as a leader in the research, development, commercialization and application of nanotechnology.
An independent collaboration between industries, universities and government representatives, the Connecticut Nanotechnology Initiative works to accomplish the following four main objectives:
- Provide a platform in Connecticut for education about nanotechnology and promotion of the field;
- Create a forum for sharing information about nanotechnology research and applications
- Promote collaboration and communication between differing industries and research universities to capitalize on nanotech interdisciplinary applications
- Facilitate technology transfer and the commercialization of nanotech discoveries.
The kickoff event was keynoted by Lt. Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who said it was state government's job to educate, build awareness and create a "web of understanding" about nanotechnology.
"The nanotechnology industry will help Connecticut restructure its economy," Rell said. "Nanotechnology applications - and implications - are incredibly far-reaching, and what we begin today is critically important."
Rell added that the pursuit of nanotechnology provided a potential "win-win" for Connecticut.
"We have the best universities, best scientists and renowned research facilities," she said. "We have the highest skilled workforce in the country. We have venture capitalists that like to invest in forward-looking, transforming opportunities. And, we're home to industry leaders like General Electric, Pfizer, United Technologies and more."
Explained Wayne Martino, co-founder of the Connecticut Nanotechnology Initiative: "Nanotechnology will be an enabling technology that will have a significant impact on many industries including medicine, biotech, electronics, aeronautics, defense, transportation, environment and energy. While many nanotechnologies applications are in research and development at business and universities, Connecticut companies are already utilizing nanotechnology in their products."
The event included an open forum about the future direction of nanotechnology in the state as well as a showcase of how Connecticut-based companies are utilizing nanotechnology in their products.
John Burdick, executive vice president for corporate development at Inframat Corp. in Farmington said that his company, in partnership with UConn, had developed a new nanocoating for jet engines that was projected to demonstrate an exceptional operating life as much as 150 percent greater than the best technologies presently on the market.
The director of product marketing for the Brookfield-based Photronics Inc., Andy Zanzal said his company was examining ways to leverage the advances in material sciences into further improving the technology services that Photronics provides to semi-conductor companies.
"These advances are expected to enable our customers to accelerate the way they incorporate nanotechnology advancements into the products and services that they sell globally," said Zanzal.
"Connecticut is well-positioned to be a leader in the nanotechnology sector," added Susan Duncan, co-founder of the Connecticut Nanotechnology Initiative. "Our state is home to burgeoning biotech, pharmaceutical, fuel cell, aeronautics and defense industries, world-class research, academic institutions a well-educated workforce, funding sources and a culture of innovation."
Nanotechnology is heralded by its proponents as a potential latter-day Industrial Revolution. The National Science Foundation predicts that nanotechnology will be a $1 trillion dollar global market within ten to 15 years.
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