Proposal for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Mission

The Government is embarking on plans for launching a Nano Science and Technology Mission (Nano Mission) with estimated public investment of Rs. 1000 crore over the next five years to further intensify its promotional efforts in this area. As part of the Nano Mission it is planned to launch a variety of educational and HRD programmes, R&D programme, establish centers of excellence, promote institution-industry linked projects through increased public private partnerships, promoting entrepreneurship through establishment of business incubators, etc. The Nano Mission also plans to make special efforts for development and commercialization of nano technology, not only through public private partnerships but also by encouraging and enabling the private sector to invest in, and leverage, this sunrise technology.

Realizing the immense potential of nanotechnology, countries across the world have been making substantial public investment for promoting this area. For example, with the launch of National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) in 2000, the government expenditure of USA increased from $ 1 billion in 2005. Public investments in the European Union, China and South Korea were of the order of $650 million, $100 million and $200 million respectively.

Various Ministries/Departments of Government of India such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Council of Scientific and industrial Research (CSIR) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have been supporting R&D in Nano Science and Technology. DST launched a special nano Science and Technology initiative (NSTI) in October, 2001. The NSTI has been focusing on research and development in nanoscience and technology in a comprehensive manner so that India can become a significant player in the area and contribute to the development of new technologies besides carrying out basic research at the frontier of knowledge. The programme supports R&D projects strengthening of characterization and infrastructural facilities, creation of centre of excellence, generation of trained manpower, joint projects between educational institutions and industry for application development etc.

This information was given by the Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Kapil Sibal in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

Source : Press Information Bureau
Date : December 18, 2006