Karnataka government has now allotted 14 acres for the establishment of the first Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences. The Union government funded initiative under the Nano Mission, is expected to receive Rs. 100 crore. The state government has now provided the land at Tumkur district.
The state is now keen to encourage the research in nanotechnology where companies will look to focus on areas like water purification, medicine and health care.
The Centre will have the Indian Institute of Nano Science & Technology. There will also be the Nano Incubation Centre supported with the related infrastructure including common facilities.
The state government also formed the Vision Group on Nanotechnology headed by Prof. CNR Rao, FRS, National Research Professor; Linus Pauling Research Professor; Honorary President, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), who was awarded Bharat Ratna in 2013.
At the just concluded Bangalore India Nano 2014, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah in his inaugural said that the state has provided the requisite ecosystem for development of the industry, research and development. This has led to the development of knowledge based industries like information technology, IT enabled services, chip designing, animation and gaming, biotechnology and a large base of research and development institutions.
“I requested Prof Rao to intervene and ensure that the department of sciences and technology, to hasten the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences development work. The state government has enhanced budgetary support from the current financial year as recommended by vision group on science and technology.” he said.
Given the enabling nature of nanotechnology and its ability to coverage with other technologies, it has the potential to address key development related challenges in diverse sectors like energy, water, agriculture, health and environment. A significant spin-off of nanotechnology is development of diagnostic sensors and lab-on-a-chip technology, which may soon become an important part of efforts to improve global health, stated the Karnataka CM.
“I call upon the scientists to come-up with tangible energy security, water purification, medicine and health care, besides, waste management. The ultimate purpose of all science and research should be to address the huge challenges faced by the common man in these areas. Our government proposes to establish a state-of-the-art Nano Park in Bengaluru, ,” said the Karnataka chief minister.
“Karnataka has the distinction of bringing out policies for information technology, biotechnology , semi-conductor, animation , electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) for the first time in the country to give impetus for the growth of these sectors. Globally, these are recognised to be among the top 10 techno policies. Bengaluru has always been a trend-setter in encouraging new wave of industrial development,” he said.
According to Prof. Rao, Bengaluru has come a long way in science and technology and the city is now being recognised as the only one in Asia as a platform for nanotechnology. India has become the 3rd country for nano tech followed by USA and China. I strongly believe that Bangalore has a bright future in nano tech.”