Apr. 3, 2007 — The Australian Nano Business Forum (ANBF) has formally launched a Sydney-based New South Wales Chapter, with support from the NSW Department of State and Regional Development. Attendees at the launch announcement represented a spectrum of nanotechnology interests including manufacturing, research, media and government.

Ms. Tina Rankovic, CEO of the ANBF, gave the keynote address outlining the opportunities for Australian industry that nanotechnology presents, and describing the role of the ANBF. She highlighted the versatility of nanotechnology and the range of Australian industries that are potentially affected.

Mr. Lu Papi of Lu Papi and Associates, appointed Interim Chairman of the ANBF NSW Chapter, will be responsible for NSW industry events.

According to the ANBF, New South Wales is home for some of Australia’s most exciting nanotechnology companies, particularly in the ITC sector. Supercapacitor manufacturer cap-XX is housed in Sydney and was named a 2005 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum. Peregrine Semiconductors is Australia’s only manufacturer of sapphire-based integrated circuitry. And AZoNano is an information service for the nanotechnology industry, while Nanosonics is a company specializing in hygienic treatments for medical instruments.

The NSW Chapter of the ANBF owes much of its strength to the Nanotechnology Network set up by Mr. Kim Leevers of the University of Western Sydney.