Nano Nexus 2007 Set for April 2-4, ‘07
As with the technologies contained in the iBridge Network, nanotechnology covers a range of disciplines from chemistry and physics to electrical and mechanical engineering. Nano, of course, is of and about these disciplines but all at the sub-atomic level. (Wikipedia can you tell you a lot more on nano for anyone looking for a refresher.)
We bring this up to mention a major nanotech-focused conference taking place April 2-4, 2007 at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The big event is Nano Nexus 2007, and sponsors include ORNL, east Tennessee’s Technology 2020, and the Kauffman Foundation. The iBridge Network will be there with an information booth, and we pledge to do plenty of blogging of the proceedings.
For quick background on this conference, its aim is bringing entrepreneurs, government, and universities under one roof to spur connections and networks on all things nano-related.
The event has three tracks: a graduate-student business competition (”Nano Idea to Product Competition”), a nanotechnology industry forum where researchers will share information and latest work, and a VC forum for nano-focused startups. To be sure, ORNL is doing a lot of work in this space (besides helping mind our nuclear stockpile), and has recently opened two major nano-related facilities, including its Spallation Neutron Source and its Center for Nanophase Materials Science.
On a final note, Nano Nexus 2007 organizers announced yesterday that 15 teams from 12 universities — including Duke, Georgia Tech, Texas, UVA, and Imperial College (UK) — have been selected to present their ideas as part of the conference’s “Nano Idea to Product Competition.” These university teams will be competing for a $25,000 grand prize.