The Aligarh Muslim University is slated to establish a nanotechnology research centre.

According to AMU spokesperson Rahat Abrar, the Indian government has allocated over Rs.24 million for the new facility.  

"At present, there are only 20 seats in the nanotechnology course which is being offered by AMU at the postgraduate level. With the setting up of the centre, the varsity would be able to enrol more students in the course," said Abrar.

Although the Indian nanotech sector is still at a relatively nascent stage, a number of important developments have taken place over the past year. As IT Examiner previously reported, India's International Centre for Material Science (ICMS) recently selected FEI Company and its Mumbai-based agent, Icon Analytical Equipment Private Limited, to develop a nanotechnology imaging facility.

In July, Karnataka state announced plans to promote Bangalore as a nanotechnology hub. The PR campaign is designed to replicate previous successes in IT and biotech, with novel initiatives to attract investors, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.

Katesh Katti, head of the Radiology Department at the University of Missouri-Columbia, confirmed the lucrative potential of a successful Indian nanotech sector.

"Nanotechnology revolution will be more effective than the information technology and bio-technology boom. Only a few nations in the world are striving for efficient use of nanotechnology and India is in a promising position among them," said Katti. X

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