Jul 8 2008
Nanotechnology promises to transform key sectors of the global economy and both Indiana and the Midwest are poised to play a crucial role, according to Todd Vare, a partner with Barnes + Thornburg LLP and co-chair of the law firm’s nanotechnology practice.
Nanotechnology already appears in critical areas such as microelectronics and manufacturing. In less than a decade, the emerging sub-atomic technology will likely impact virtually every aspect of commercial operations, leading the National Science Foundation to assert that nano-related activity will reach the $1 trillion level as soon as 2015.
The rush to capture as much of this nano-related “gold” as possible has resulted in this industry achieving fever-pitch status across the world, with billions of dollars being spent by commercial companies, national governments and research universities to unlock the true sub-atomic potential.
To address these issues and heighten awareness of critical emerging opportunities, Barnes & Thornburg and The MEK Group are co-presenting a half-day seminar titled “Nanotechnology – Concept to Commercialization” on Wednesday, July 9. The seminar will link nano-related experts by live videoconference to facilities in Chicago, South Bend and Indianapolis.
“Between Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago and the world-class nano research operations at Purdue, Notre Dame and other universities in Indiana, there exists a considerable critical mass of intellectual prowess that will likely advance the commercialization of nanotechnology at a lightning pace,” said Michael Snyder, managing principal of The MEK Group, a regional technology marketing firm.
Snyder added that combined together, the nano research capacity of the Midwest can effectively compete with any entity on the coast or abroad.
Currently, Nano-based products exist in personal computers, cell phones, micro-electronics applications and micro-chips, high-stress parts, auto finishes and other commercial items, with more on the immediate horizon.
“The development of this new industry is moving so fast that key areas, particularly those involving intellectual property and protection issues, have yet to be fully defined,” Vare said. “Our goal is to help accelerate the development momentum of companies, faculty members and interested investors so that the Midwest achieves its true potential in this globally significant industry.”
The July 9th conference will address the following topics: “Understanding nanotechnology,” “Capturing the potential of nanotechnology,” “Addressing the challenges of nanotechnology: health & safety issues, regulatory, risk perception,” “Protecting nanotechnology innovation,” and “Obtaining capital investment in nanotechnology.”
Speakers will include experts in the field of nanotechnology and related disciplines ranging from health and safety, regulatory issues, capital investment, and intellectual property. Additionally, Dr. George Adams, associate director for programs, Network for Computational Nanotechnology at Purdue University, will be presenting at the conference.
To obtain more information – including the complete agenda – or to register for this event, contact Jodie Daugherty at [email protected] or 317-261-7922.