Though India lags behind countries like the United States, China and Japan in the field of nano, it had not missed the bus and could catch up, provided more investments and manpower were made available to promote it, according to leading nano scientist, C N R Rao.
"We have already made a beginning," Rao, who is the National Research Professor and chairman of the science advisory council to the prime minister, said on the eve of the two-day Bangalore Nano event.
What was required was a concerted effort to encourage more young talent to get into the field, sensitise the industry to various commercial opportunities presented by nano science, and technology and investments to boost research and applications of nano science in various fields, he said.
The current budget of Rs 1,000 crore earmarked to boost nano science and technology by the government would provide the necessary impetus to nano science and technology. However, additional investments would further help in boosting nano science and technology in a big way, he opined.
"We have not yet missed the nano bus, but must hurry. If we do not do it in two to three years, it might be too late. But as of now, we can still join the nano race," said Rao.
He said quite a few individuals were doing outstanding work in this field in the country, apart from some small groups like the Indian Institute of Technology-Mumbai, the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore that were working in the field.
The global nano market was estimated to be around 8-10 billion dollars per year. The market could witness a dramatic change once the electronic industry begins to witness the commercial application of nano, he said.
Speaking about the field that India could enter when it came to commercial application of nano science and technology, Rao suggested that India foray into manufacturing sensors.
Citing examples of multinational firms tapping Indian brain power to conduct research and development in the field and exploiting the results for commercial applications, he said the same can be done by Indian companies, who could invest in R&D and try to explore business applications of research.
He said a handful of companies like Tata and Reliance had displayed an interest in the field. But there was room for more such companies to get into the fray. Percolation of nano science to the lower level and getting young school students interested in the field, as well as training manpower in this field could also augment the process of helping India get on to the nano path.
The maiden Bangalore Nano event would provide a platform for the industry and nano scientists and technologists to interact, he said.
A total of 18 papers on the potential commercial applications of nano technology would be presented at the event. Four hundred delegates, including those from Australia, China and Germany and 400 students from 23 institutions, would participate in the event. A representation from the European Union would also be there at the event.
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