Nanotechnology Research, Development and Innovation in India

Nanotechnology Research, Development and Innovation in India

The Indian government has been actively promoting nanotechnology R&D through various initiatives, including infrastructure and human resource development schemes,bilateral/multilateral/regional initiatives with other countries, and encouraging the PPP model to foster nano- based product development. The main departments which have been involved in nanotechnology RDI in India are discussed below:

Department of Science and Technology (DST)

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is the focal agency in the Indian nanotechnology innovation system, which has launched several programs and schemes since the 1980s to foster R&D on both miniature-scale and nano-scale.

Major programs include the Intensification of Research in High Priority Areas (IRHPAS) launched by the DST during the sixth Five Year Plan (1980- 1985), the Committee on Emerging Technologies (1997), the National Programme on Smart Materials (NPSM) in 2000, the Nano Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI) in 2001, and the Nano Science and Technology Mission (NSTM) in 2007.

The DST has established units on nano science, centres for nanotechnology, and thematic units of excellence on computational material science.

The mission has also launched PG programmes in nanoscience and nanotechnology at various universities and colleges across India.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is conducting a research programme on Smart and Innovative Textiles (SMITA) to develop novel materials like nanofibres, nanofinishes, and phase change materials.

The what is DIT is also supporting the Nanotechnology Business Incubator (NBI) at NCL, nurturing start-up companies in computational modeling, therapeutic potential, and ocular and maxillofacial implants.

The Department of Information Technology (DIT) has launched bilateral joint research projects with over 25 countries and multilateral research projects with regional bodies.

Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST)

Major achievements are made by INST in the field of nanotechnology. The scientist discovered a melatonin-based “darkness hormone” nano-system for the Parkinson’s disease by removing undesired mitochondria and increase the level of antioxidants resulting in better functioning of the brain

Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is actively

involved in nano biotechnology R&D, promoting interdisciplinary research, innovations, and translational development in various areas such as therapeutics, early disease detection, tissue-specific drug delivery, medical devices, and chemical detection sensors.

• The government recognizes nano-bio industries as a new-generation biotech industry.

• The DBT initiated a program on nanobiotechnology in 2007 to promote basic R&D in food/agriculture, animal husbandry, environment management, healthcare, and other allied areas.

• Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeITy)

• The Department of Information Technology (DeITy) in India has established Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) in Pune, Hyderabad, and Trissur to focus on nanotechnology R&D activities, particularly in nanomaterials.

• These centres provide materials, fabricating facilities, prototyping facilities, technology transfer and consultancy services for interested entities and industries.

• The nanotechnology application in the ICT industry is a key emerging vertical market for the ITES industry.

• The government is keen to harness the potential of nanotechnology for revamping the electronics manufacturing sector.

• Key schemes include the Nanotechnology Development Programme (NDP) in 2004, a Special Incentive Package Scheme (SIPS) for Semiconductor Fabrication and Micro and Nanotechnology Manufacture Industry, and the National Policy on Electronics (NPE) to achieve a turnover of $400 billion by 2020.

• A Nanoelectronics Innovation Council and an Electronics Development Fund have been proposed to promote innovation, product development and commercialization of products in these sectors.

• Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP)

• DIPP has established a Nano-Manufacturing Technology Centre (NMTC) and Academy of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AEAMT) at the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) in Bangalore.

• Department of Industrial and Scientific Research

• The CSIR, an autonomous body of the DISR, offers funding for projects, grants and fellowships in basic and applied sciences, including nanoscience and nanotechnology.

With 39 laboratories across the country, the CSIR conducts research in biological, chemical, physical and engineering fields, including some nano-related research.

• Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS)

• It has discovered a novel nano soft gold–liquid crystal hybrid material which remain in steady state under the high variation of temperature and advancing toward one step closer to advance electro- optics technology.