By Jeff Karoub
Small Times Staff Writer
Oct. 2, 2001 – Leaders from government, industry and academia have joined what’s being billed as the first trade group to promote the promise and potential of nanotechnology.
But don’t expect “sexy visions of robots running wild in your bloodstream,” said F. Mark Modzelewski, the co-founder and executive director of the NanoBusiness Alliance, whose formation was announced Tuesday.
The alliance’s mission is to create a collective voice for the emerging industry and develop initiatives to support the nanotechnology business community.
“The goal is to bring all of the players together,” said Modzelewski, a technology consultant and former special assistant in the Clinton administration.
“What we’ll try to do is open up the doors to the road to nanotechnology.”
Specifically, the alliance will develop research and education programs, public policy and lobbying initiatives, public awareness campaigns and industry support networks from its New York headquarters and from a soon-to-open office in Washington, D.C.
Modzelewski said he is aware of the long-term prospects of the field, but he wants to focus on current and near-term applications for business.
“What we’re seeing now is so much of the … science fiction aspect,” he said. “Almost no one realizes that nanotech is here.
“The U.S. Navy has it on boats. It’s in sunscreen, elements in composite flooring, and several things that are about to go in clinical trials.”
One of its first events will be the launch Wednesday of a series of seminars called Small Talks. The first will be held at 6 p.m. at TechSpace in New York City. Future events are planned in several cities, including Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit, London, Houston, San Diego and Denver.
The series is designed to focus on the emerging business of nanotechnology and links researchers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, policy makers, journalists and the public.
Other alliance organizers include Nathan Tinker, executive vice president of research; and Josh Wolfe of Lux Capital, who will serve as a member of the Alliance Advisory Board. Steve Jurvetson of the venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson will serve as chairman of the advisory board.
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CONTACT THE AUTHOR:
Jeff Karoub [email protected] or call 734-528-6291.