December 15, 2008: On the occasion of the Second Bangalore Nano event, the Government of Karnataka has declared Bangalore the “Nanocity of India”. The statement was made in the presence of Shri. M. Hamid Ansari, H.E. vice president of India; Shri. Rameshwar Thakur, H.E. governor of Karnataka; Dr. V.S. Acharya, honourable home minister, Government of Karnataka; Prof. C.N.R. Rao, chairman, science advisory council to the prime minister, Government of India; and Dr. Ajit Sapre, group president Reliance Industries Ltd.
On the occasion, the Government of Karnataka promised to take every possible measure to encourage the research and development of nanoscience and nanotechnology, create opportunities for the commercialization of nanoscience, and facilitate development of small, medium and large scale industry committed to nanotechnology.
In addition to budgetary support, the Karnataka Government has allotted 14 acres of government land for setting up India’s first ‘Nano-institute’ — Institute of Nano Science and Technology — in Bangalore. This centre would be set up under the guidance of JNCASR, with a Rs. 100 crore grant by the Government of India from the budgetary provision of Rs. 1000 crore (~US $250 million) for the nano science and technology initiative. Further, the Karnataka Government is also planning to develop a nano park and incubation center.
Shri. M. Hamid Ansari, H.E. vice president of India, said, “It is now globally accepted that nanotechnology is dramatically changing the face of industry and economy and will be a transformative force in the future of India and the world. The theme of the Second Bangalore Nano event, ‘Nanotechnology in India’s future,’ is timely and relevant. Bangalore Nano has also encouraged budding entrepreneurs with business ideas by bringing them face to face with industry professionals and venture capitalists on a common platform to facilitate networking and business interactions. We need more such platforms in the country for various industry and research sectors.”
Shri. Rameshwar Thakur, H.E. governor of Karnataka, said, “The nanotechnology industry, currently estimated to be around nine billion dollars globally, has the potential to become a trillion dollar sector in the next decade. If the sector has to take-off, it is necessary that the research companies pass their technology concepts for commercialization. It is in this context that the Research Industry Collaboration Hub (RICH) programme organized at the Second Bangalore Nano event would be a very fruitful platform for the industry.”
Prof. C.N.R. Rao, chairman, science advisory council to the Prime Minister, Government of India said, “In the area of nanotechnology, India is in tune with the world. We would be the leader provided we tap the best young talent, particularly from rural India. Nanotechnology, with its own challenges, promises an exciting future for Karnataka and India.”