Nanotech Aim of New Mid-Atlantic Collaboration

While the U.S. wrests its way to remain the global leader in nanotechnology (see the May 30 issue of the Digest), some states and regions are wasting no time to secure their own world-class cluster in the field. Officials in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia agreed earlier this month to form the Chesapeake Nanotechnology Initiative (CNI), a collaborative effort to strengthen the region’s capabilities in nanotech research, development and commercialization.

Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich Jr., Virginia Gov. Mark Warner and District of Columbia Mayor Anthony Williams each pledged to sign a memorandum of agreement to launch CNI. A 12-member steering committee will direct CNI activities in 2006 and beyond, recommending ways to accelerate business development and scientific advancement in nanotechology.

Nanotech involves the development of devices at scales of less than 100 nanometers. Research on the nano-scale requires a cross-disciplinary approach, utilizing knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and engineering. Its breakthroughs have included metal rubber for artificial muscles; lighter, stronger vehicle bodies; self-repairing parts; microscopic sensors; super-hard cutting tools and improved fibers, films and coatings. Extensive advances are anticipated for the field of medicine.

Collaborating across scientific fields, let alone with researchers in labs at different institutions and corporations, presents sizable challenges to encourage nanotech-based innovation. The goal of CNI is to help address those communication challenges.

To build a nanotech business cluster for the Mid-Atlantic region, CNI will encourage closer working relationships among science, technology and business leaders from private industry, academia, and federal, state, and local governments. The initiative hopes to build off of the many existing academic, industrial and federal research strengths in the region.

CNI is sponsored by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology. For more information, visit http://www.chesapeakenanotech.org/.