BANGALORE, INDIA: Bangalore, the nano hub of India, is poised to host the 2nd edition of Bangalore Nano. The flagship nanotechnology event is jointly organised by the Department of IT and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, in association with Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) and MM Activ Scitech Communications Co.

The event is scheduled on December 12 – 14, 2008 at the Grand Ashok Hotel and the focal theme of the event is 'Nanotechnology in India's future'. The highlights of Bangalore Nano event are international conference, tradeshow, students programme and special events like Research Industry Collaboration Hub [RICH], poster session.

Anand Vasant Asnotikar, Minister for Fisheries and Science and Technology, said, "Bangalore Nano event held last year was a resounding success and I am sure we would be repeating the performance this year also. 'Bangalore Nano 2008', would be an ideal forum for researchers and industry to interact and explore possibilities of applications of nanotechnology in electronics, biopharma, engineering etc. The two-day conference would be of immense value and content to the participants."

"Application of nanotechnology in various products is estimated to be $15 billion and its increased usage and wide applications would touch a trillion dollars by 2015", he added.

Ashok Kumar C Manoli, Karnataka principal secretary for information technology, biotechnology and science & technology said, "The State is geared up to take numerous initiatives for the growth of nanotechnology sector. The State is known for efforts in terms of innovation in the IT and biotechnology sector and will replicate the same for the growth of nanotechnology.

"After becoming an information technology, biotechnology bell-wither, the state is now shifting its focus to nanotechnology. There is a lot of research and innovation done by small companies in India and Bangalore Nano will provide them a platform to showcase the emerging technologies and explore global tie-ups," he added.

Ajay K. Sood, department of physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and member of the Vision group on nanotechnology said, "Nano revolution is already on and almost all countries are making big investments. With five-year nano mission and Rs. 1000 crore outlay by central government, India made a beginning. Bangalore is well placed with active research teams in institutes like IISc and JNCASR and government initiatives like Bangalore Nano."

The event will attract 500 delegates from across the globe. Participation is expected from countries like Germany, France, UK, USA, Australia, Korea and Japan. Leading private sector companies and government R&D organisations doing path breaking work in nanotechnology will be showcasing their technology, services and achievements in the Nano Expo.