| Posted: April 16, 2008 |
NanoBusiness Alliance testifies before House Science Committee in support of National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008 |
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(Nanowerk News) The NanoBusiness Alliance today announced that its Executive Director, Sean Murdock, testified before the House Science Committee earlier today in support of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Amendments Act of 2008. The advances in nanotechnology over the past five years, many of which were made possible by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, now require updating the Act to reflect a changed competitive environment.
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The new draft legislation seeks to maintain America’s leadership position by improving the Initiative’s capabilities in several key areas, including translational research and commercialization; nanotechnology education; and environmental, health, and safety research, all of which were addressed by Mr. Murdock during his testimony today.
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It is the position of the NanoBusiness Alliance that nanotechnology is one of the most important frontiers of science and technology, and that nanotechnology has the potential to dramatically improve our quality of life, our health, our environment, and our economy. However, America now faces intense global competition as nanotechnology’s economic potential has led countries across Europe and Asia to make large strategic investments in nanotechnology research and development. The stated goal of many of these countries is to dominate one or more sectors of the nanotechnology economy.
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“For the United States to continue to lead the world in fundamental nanotechnology research and commercialization, and to reap the benefits of quality-of-life improvements, economic growth and business success in the 21st century, the NanoBusiness Alliance strongly supports the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008 as drafted,” commented Mr. Murdock. “I would like to thank the Committee for the invitation to testify today, and for its leadership in working to ensure that America maintains its nanotechnology preeminence in the midst of intense global competition.”
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The NNI Amendments Act of 2008 will also be a topic of discussion during many presentations at the NanoBusiness Alliance’s upcoming NanoBusiness 2008 conference, being held at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in New York City from May 4 – 6. Now in its seventh year, the conference will focus on the business side of nanotech innovations across multiple sectors, including cleantech, advanced materials, next generation electronics, medical diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. The event is expected to attract hundreds of business leaders, investors, venture capitalists, scientists, engineers, and government officials. Complete information can be found at http://www.nanobusiness2008.com.
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About The NanoBusiness Alliance
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The NanoBusiness Alliance is the industry association for the emerging nanotechnology industry. Through its extensive network of leading startups, Fortune 500 companies, research institutions, non-governmental organizations and public-private partnerships, the Alliance shapes nanotechnology policy and helps accelerate the commercialization of nanotechnology innovations. The NanoBusiness Alliance has offices in Chicago, New York, Connecticut and Washington, DC. For more information, visit http://www.nanobusiness.org.
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