The government is embarking on plans for launching a nano-science and technology mission with an estimated investment of Rs 1,000 crore over the next five years to further intensify its promotional efforts in the area.
Science and technology minister Kapil Sibal, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, said, as ?part of the nano mission, it is planned to launch a variety of educational and HRD programmes, research and development programmes, establish centres of excellence, promote institution-industry linked projects through increased public private partnerships and promote entrepreneurship through the establishment of business incubators?.
The nano mission also plans to make special efforts for development and commercialisation 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.
Realising the immense potential of nano-technology, countries worldwide have been making substantial public investment in this area. DST launched a special nano-science and technology initiative (NSTI) in October 2001.
The NSTI has been focusing on research and development in nano-science 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.