Malaysia to set up a US$ 66 million nanotechnology center

(Nanowerk News) The National Nanotechnology Directorate (NND), a unit under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), will set up a RM200 million NanoMalaysia Centre complex at Senai High Tech Park, Johor.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, said the project, under the 10th Malaysia Plan, would be the first of its kind in Malaysia to further drive the development of nanotechnology.
"The centre is expected to be completed within 12 months with administration and incubation centres," he told reporters after officiating the NanoMalaysia Summit and Expo 2011 here today.
It will act as a one-stop centre for nano science and technology activities and provide the missing link between laboratory and market.
The centre will be developed by Senai High Tech Park Sdn Bhd via private-public partnership concept. It will be managed by NND with the incorporation of NanoMalaysia Bhd as commercial vehicle.
The development of the centre is part of the NanoMalaysia Programme Roadmap to facilitate and provide commercialisation platforms, including technology incubator facilities.
Ongkili said the centre aimed to create the critical mass of entrepreneurs and to facilitate the creation of new nanotechnology-based firms.
"It will also provide the infrastructure and facilities with conducive environment for translational and downstream nano research activities, as well as a workplace for nanotechnologists and scientists," he said.
Under the 10-year NanoMalaysia Programme Master Plan for 2010-2020, it is expected to increase talents with high knowledge in nano science and technology and to commercialise three local products namely, aerogel, carbon nano tube and nanocatalyst in 2012/2013.
The programme also aimed to generate between RM100 million and RM150 million in business in 2012/2013 and RM300 million in 2015.
At the event, MOSTI also recognised five research and development centres of excellence out of 17 nationwide to further contribute towards achieving Malaysia's nano aspiration.
They are Centre of Innovative Nanostructures and Nanodevices at Universiti Teknologi Petronas; Ibnu Sina Institute for Fundamental Science Studies at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia; Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering at Universiti Malaysia Perlis; and, Mimos Nanoelectronics.
Source: Bernama