Nanotech Continues To Emerge In Massachusetts

Although Massachusetts' universities may be at the fore of nanotechnology research and development (R&D), they must continue to win on research for the state to stay competitive for federal funds, suggests a recent report by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) and the Nano Science and Technology Institute (NSTI).

Massachusetts is experiencing a surge in nanoscale technologies, according to Nanotechnology In Massachusetts. As of February 2004, close to 100 companies in the state are using or developing the technologies, half of which are within the healthcare and electronics industries. Massachusetts' venture capital community also has invested in companies using or developing nanotech. In 2003, these firms attracted more than $120 million in funding, second only to California's $480 million.

For Massachusetts to remain competitive in nanotech R&D domestically and abroad, the report argues, the state's universities must continue producing the innovations that have made the state a leader. Nine Massachusetts universities are said to be involved in nanotech R&D, including Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Massachusetts campuses. Additionally, two of the nine National Nanotechnology Initiative “Centers and Networks of Excellence” are located in the state.

As nanotech R&D continues to surge across the U.S. and globally, the competition for federal research funds becomes increasingly fierce. Approximately $3.7 billion over the next four years has been authorized by the federal government for nanotech research, the report indicates. Spending on research and commercialization by Japan and the European Union is comparable to that of the U.S., according to NanoBusiness Alliance. The National Science Foundation predicts that the total market for nanotech products and services will reach $1 trillion by 2015.

The joint MTC and NSTI report includes industry summaries of the nine major areas in which nanotech has the greatest potential to make an impact. The areas include materials, instrumentation, electronics, healthcare, defense, sensors, energy, manufacturing and environment. Products currently using nantotechnology science include advanced computer chips, clothing, tennis balls, foods, ski wax, digital cameras, drugs and medical therapies.

MTC is the state's economic development agency for renewable energy and the innovation economy. NSTI, an interdisciplinary consultancy, assists industrial, academic and governmental organizations in realizing nanotechnology objectives. Nanotechnology In Massachusetts is available at: http://www.masstech.org/nano/index.htm