North Carolina is a world leader in nanotechnology, the transformational science of custom-building ultra-precise materials, medicines and devices molecule by molecule to shape the clothes, treatments and machines of our future. To explore emerging practical applications in this rapidly evolving field – and help turn revolutionary concepts into new jobs and businesses – the state will host the second annual Nanotechnology Commercialization Conference, March 31-April 1 at the Koury Convention Center.
North Carolina, with more than 70 companies and 30 university-based research centers involved in nanotechnology, remains a global pioneer in this growing technology sector, N.C. Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco said today in announcing the conference. The two-day nanotechnology forum will bring together hundreds of top entrepreneurs, business leaders, researchers, investors and service providers from across the state and around the nation.
“North Carolina was recently recognized as one of the top states in the country for nanotechnology activity, including nanotech research and practical application,” Crisco said. “This forum, which focuses on moving nanoscience from the lab to the global market, will expand our state’s pioneering role and help turn these concepts into solid economic development opportunities and skilled, high-wage jobs.”
A 2009 survey by the Woodrow Wilson International Centers’ Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies recently ranked North Carolina as the No. 8 state in the nation for nanotechnology activity. In 2008, $240 billion worth of nanotech-enabled products were sold worldwide.
This conference, organized by Commerce’s Office of Science and Technology and the state’s Small Business and Technology Development Center, will spotlight ways for North Carolina to continue leading nanotech growth. For conference details, go to: http://www.ncscitech.com/ncncc/.
The two-day event will feature more than 45 speakers addressing nanotechnology commercialization issues and a variety of other topics, including nanotech applications in military and defense, nanotech environmental safety and nano-biotechology.
The local hosts for the conference include the Piedmont Triad Partnership, the Greensboro Partnership and the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, a partnership between UNC-Greensboro and N.C. A&T State University. The forum also includes a student research poster competition, educational workshops, networking opportunities and exhibit booths, as well as talks by key researchers and industry leaders who are driving nanotechnology success statewide.
Featured conference speakers include:
· State Treasurer Janet Cowell, who will outline the new N.C. Innovation Fund.
· Ian Ferguson, Chairman, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
· Joe Raguso, President and CEO of Intrinsiq Materials.
· James Ryan, Founding Dean of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering.
· Josh Wolfe, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Lux Capital Inc.
N.C. Commerce is the state’s lead economic development agency, developing and implementing strategies around job creation and investment, community and workforce development, and innovation. For more information, see: http://www.nccommerce.com.