nanotechnology article Bright Outlook for Queenland...

nanotechnology article Bright Outlook for Queenland Nanotechnology Alliance

In any language, global market penetration valued at between $US1-2.6 Trillion by 2015 is phenomenal. Add to that generation of 10 million jobs and it adds up to the nanotechnology revolution.

The good news is that for those who understand nano’s applicability recognise the economic projections are in the ball-park and know that nano will deliver. The not so good news it that it will require patience, education, funding and a lot of good old fashioned hard work to get there.

Commercialised nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter at the sub 100nm scale to harness size dependent properties (structural, electrical, thermal, magnetic and optical), was on display at a recent nano workshop in Brisbane.

One hundred Queensland nano players representing researcher, development, manufacturing and support, were greeted by a displays including nano-enhanced scratch resistant paint used by Mercedes Benz’s, Samsung’s anti-bacterial nano-silver household appliances through to G James Glass nano strengthened glass with added features of being anti-fog and self-cleaning.

Even clothing has been enhanced by nano. Silver nanoparticles embedded into socks is assisting feet health by fighting infection and odour. Not a big deal you may think, but companies with employees on long shifts in humid conditions, this is revolutionary and will pay dividends through less sick leave and potentially reduced workcover premiums.

Australian clothing icon KingGee has incorporated nano into their corporate wardrobe. Lily Lee, KingGee’s marketing manager told the workshop “innovation is what has helped KingGee stay ahead of competitions and as such we are the first to bring nanotechnology in Australian workwear. Using nano-tex in garments provides spill repellent qualities”. All this said while KingGee models paraded amongst Queensland’s scientists while spraying water-guns to prove the liquid and stain repellent qualities of the fabric.

Water-guns and scientists may not be the usual impression of Queensland’s technology community, however this group well understands that to be a part of the $US1Trillion plus market segment, then alignment, collaboration and commercialisation are essential ingredients.

In just 12 months the sector has aligned itself as the Queensland Nanotechnology Alliance (QNA). Spearheading the approach has been Dr Peter Kambouris of Future Materials working with The Centre for Business and Industry and the Department of State Development Trade and Innovation.

“Countries that demonstrate the highest level of innovation and capture the most value from nanotech progress will exert a significant level of influence on the global economic and political landscape”, says Dr Kambouris.

Strong words, yet QNA members are determined to promote nano and to encourage government policy development that allows commercialisation and manufacturer is the QNAs message.

“Through QNA we have created pipelines encompassing the full “eco-system” of nano players into Australia’s first business alliance tasked with the development of nanotech clusters, not solely in Queensland but linking Australia and internationally. This alliance allows resources and idea sharing and motivates government in policy including in areas of infrastructure, regulation and employment/education requirements”, Dr Kambouris said.

It’s not about picking winners; it’s about converting research into sustainable economic outcomes. Dr Kambouris is adamant that without research there will be no new niche manufacturing, and without manufacturing there will not be research.

The 27 foundation members of the QNA were acknowledged by Parliamentary Secretary Mr Neil Roberts MP, including QNA interim chairman Steven Healy, Alcan’s Director of R&D – Bauxite and Alumina. Alcan’s decision to move their R&D facility from the UK to the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies (QCAT) at Pullenvale in 2002 was lead by Mr Healy, to take advantage of Australia’s intellectual capability.

But it hasn’t and it’s not expected to be smooth sailing for nano players.

Mr Aatish Salvi, Vice President of the prestigious US NanoBusiness Alliance told workshop attendees “the trying period between a company’s formation and its achieving significant cashflow is referred to as the “valley of death.” It is particularly acute for nanotechnology. Lab research holds the potential to develop game-changing products but requires a significant investment in process knowledge and internal capabilities before any revenues can be generated. This investment is required to identify a particular product need, integrate the lab process with current manufacturing techniques, develop the lab process so that efficient large-scale production is possible, handle compliance with any regulatory statutes, and also fund the operational infrastructure of the company”.

Overcoming the “valley of death” is the most significant obstacle in Australia. Investment in basic research without adequate capital support for the startup companies it produces will not result in economic development. It will instead, create intellectual property which will be commercialised by competitor nations.

Dr Kambouris is adamant that the nano sector gains the promotion and recognition it requires. Through promotion of key players and technologies, new collaborations and relationships have been created. Queensland researches and developers are amongst the world’s best, and their efforts are focused on making a significant impact into solving many of the holy grails, such as clean energy, personalised medicine and quantum computing.