IIT Mumbai plans nano R&D centre

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai, will set up a world-class nano research and development centre to promote nanotechnology in the country.

"The IIT nano cente will have a fabrication facility in addition to scientific and structural characterisation facilities," R&D dean Professor Kartik Khilar said today.

IIT currently has 50 faculty members working on various areas of nanotechnology like nano electronics, nano materials, nano biotechnology , micro electromechanic system and nano electromechanic system, he said.

The details of the centre is being worked out and is expected to be ready in a couple of years, Khilar added.

"We have been doing a lot of R&D in the nano field, but when we want to transfer it to any industry, we need to translate the lab technology to the field scale. The planned centre will be of great use to technologists doing research," he said.

Of late, Indian industry is showing interest in nanotechnology and "it is our duty to help them by improving our technology transfer skill in nanotechnology," Khilar added.