Karnataka sets the nanotechnology vision at India’s Biggest Nanotechnology Event

After seven successful editions, the 8th Bangalore India Nano strikes namma Bengaluru promising yet another exciting chapter. Hosted in association with the Department of IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka and Vision Group on Nanotechnology, the event inaugurated today promises to offer the attendees a spectrum of engagements.

The inaugural saw Bharat Ratna Prof. C.N.R. Rao, FRS, Chief Mentor, Bangalore INDIA NANO

Shri S.R. Patil- Hon’ble Minister for IT,BT,S&T, Government of Karnataka, Prof. Dr. Clement Sanchez-Chair, Chemistry of Hybrid Materials College de France - UPMC, Paris, Ms. V. Manjula- IAS,Principal Secretary, Department of IT,BT,S&T, Government of Karnataka, Prof. A.K. Sood- FRS, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Dr. H. Honne Gowda- Special Director (Technocal), Dept. of IT, BT and S&T take the dais. The dignitaries took this opportunity to address the audience on the popularity and significance of this event not only at the national but at a global level and the advancement that Nanoscience has brought about across sectors to create solutions for society’s needs.

Shri S. R Patil, said “I am extremely heartened to be present here. This is perhaps the only event of its kind to be conducted for the last eight years consistently. The government’s endeavor is to make the State a citadel of technology, development and application. The government will continue to create a positive ecosystem of innovation to enable companies to set up shop in the state of Karnataka.”

Prof. C.N.R. Rao added, “I am happy to be a citizen of this state that has focused on this frontier area of science. Earlier known as only Bangalore Nano, the event is now aptly called the Bangalore India Nano. Indeed, Bangalore has given birth to India. Nanotech has made significant developments in the field of medicine. Right from the treatment and cure of diseases, there have been extraordinary solutions. It is time India produces path breaking results. I urge young India to participate in the Nanotech revolution and bring greater laurels to the country.”

A key highlight of the inaugural was the presentation of the Prof. C.N.R. Rao Bangalore INDIA NANO Science Award to Prof. Dr. V. Ramgopal Rao - P. K. Kelkar Chair Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Chief Investigator for the Centre of Excellence in Nanoelectronics project at IIT Bombay for the exceptional work carried out in the Nano electronics space.

Another exclusive feature of this edition was the launch of India’s first CVD Reactor by Prof. CNR Rao as part of the Product and Technology exhibition. Showcasing innovative nanotechnology adopted by over 45 distinct exhibitors in Nanotechnology and Allied Sectors, this novel tradeshow observed participation from 14 organizations under DST NANO MISSION Pavilion, Institutes of National Importance like IITs, NIT, IISc, INST along with other corporates.

The inauguration was followed by two Keynote Lectures. The first lecture conducted by Prof. Dr. Clement Sanchez focused on how mankind has evolved using tools from stones to copper, iron, glass and now designing and applying nano materials across sectors. The second lecture led by Prof. Young Hee Lee, Professor of Physics, Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea gave an insight on the introduction of new materials for semiconducting by synthesizing in labs. In addition, he took the audience through the Nano carbon world and the characteristics of CNT and Graphene.

Day 1 also comprised of two essential sessions Clean Water Technology and Healthcare solutions. The Clean Water Technology enlightened the attendees on new nanotechnology based solutions that are needed for sensing and remote monitoring to ensure that solutions are functioning and people are benefiting. The Healthcare session covered recent results on the development of CNTs using biological receptors such as aptamers, antibodies and binding proteins.

The day concluded with an awards function where the Bangalore India Nano Innovation award 2015 was bestowed to Indian OIL R&D Center for their innovation “NANOCUT”, a High Therm Indane Cutting Gas for high temperature Industrial applications in metal cutting segment. In addition, the winners of the Malhotra Awards for young researchers was announced as part of the awards function.

Day 2 of the Bangalore India Nano 2016 will have a fantastic line-up of speakers and in addition, will offer exclusive audience engagements. The Poster Walkway of Discovery- presentation by 120 researchers and graduate students from leading institutes across India, Research Industry Collaboration Hub (RICH) Presentations and Valedictory Function, Nano SparX Awards & Poster Awards would be some of the highlights for the day.