Centre to set up 'Nano Centre' in Bangalore

Bangalore, Nov 3: In its effort to bring the benefits of nanotechnology in daily life, the Centre will set up a 'Nano Centre' here to take up advanced research in nano sciences.

Talking to newspersons here today, Union Secretary for Science and Technology T Ramasamy said the 'Nano Centre' would initially conduct research on the use of nanotechnology in drinking water supply and agriculture.

''Delivery of water, for agriculture, using nanotechnology can bring a revolutionary change. If applied in supply of drinking water it could help mitigate problems faced by a vast majority of population,'' he said.

The Karnataka government had allotted 15 acres of land for setting up the centre.

The premier research institute Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) would begin the work on the Rs 100 crore project shortly in association with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), he said.

While one centre was set up here, the other two centres would come up at Kolkata and Mohali.

The centres would be set up under the Rs 1000-crore 'Nano Mission' launched by the Centre.

Mr Ramasamy said the mission was to create a 'scientific force' in the country, which could take up nano research, and make investors embrace the nanotechnology to manufacture products for the society.

''We want nanotechnology to be useful and affordable for the common man. We want to bring the investor close to the inventor,'' he added.

UNI