August 6, 2024: The 13th edition of Bengaluru INDIA NANO, organized by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, Karnataka Science & Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), was inaugurated today by Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka and in the esteemed presence of Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. This year’s theme, ‘Nanotechnology for Sustainability: Climate, Energy, and Healthcare’, set the stage for a diverse array of participants, including researchers, scientists, academicians, industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and students.
A highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the felicitation of Bharat Ratna Prof. C.N.R. Rao, FRS, Honorary Chairman of VGNT and Linus Pauling Research Professor, and Honorary President of JNCASR, Bengaluru, in gratitude for his enduring contribution to advancing science and celebrating his 90th birthday year. Prof. Rao has been the driving force behind this event. The distinguished gathering also included Shri N.S. Boseraju, Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology and Minor Irrigation, Govt. of Karnataka; Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon Ltd; Chairperson, VGBt, Govt. of Karnataka; Shri Rizwan Arshad, Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Assembly- Shivajinagar Assembly Constituency, Karnataka; Prof. Navakanta Bhat, Chair, Vision Group on Nanotechnology, Govt. of Karnataka, Dean, Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences, Professor, CeNSE, IISc, Bengaluru; Prof. Anil Kumar P.S., Chair, Conference Executive Committee, Dean, Administration & Finance & Professor, Dept. of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to the Government, Dept. of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka, Shri Pavan Kumar Malapati, IAS, Director, Dept. of Science & Technology, Managing Director, Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), Bengaluru and Shri Jagdish Patankar, Executive Chairman of MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications and the Event Curator of Bengaluru India Nano.
Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka expressed in his inaugural address,
“I urge our scientists and engineers to innovate solutions in nanotechnology for critical areas such as food and energy security, water purification, healthcare, and waste management. Addressing the challenges posed by urbanization and environmental hazards requires robust international collaboration and a strong link between academia, industry, and research to advance this promising technology for the benefit of humanity.”Shri N.S. Boseraju, Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology and Minor Irrigation, Govt. of Karnataka in his special address said, “This prestigious nanotech event in the country serves as a platform for networking and exchange knowledge on the new frontiers of science and technology. The nanotechnology sector has a crucial role in making the world more sustainable. Beyond climate, energy, and healthcare, two other significant global challenges are food and water security. We hope to focus on these challenges in the next edition of Bengaluru India Nano. Our government, led by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah and DCM Shri D.K. Shivakumar, is making all-out efforts to develop Karnataka as a major player in the Nanotechnology sector. We will provide all the necessary support for the growth of this sunrise industry in the state.”
The 3-day conference program included a one-day pre-conference tutorial followed by two days of a multitrack conference. The pre-conference tutorials held on Day 1 offered in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in various aspects of nanotechnology, catering to both beginners and seasoned professionals. Topics covered included Nano Fabrication, Nano Characterization, and Nano Biology.
On Day 2, the opening plenary featured Prof. Pulickel Ajayan, Chair of the Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University, USA, who explored the transformative impact of nano-engineered materials on technology. Prof. Arindam Ghosh from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, who is also the recipient of Prof. C.N.R. Rao Bengaluru INDIA NANO Science Award, delivered a compelling and insightful plenary talk.
The “Nano for the Young” lecture, an initiative by Bharat Ratna Prof. C.N.R. Rao, FRS, aimed at inspiring nanotechnology students, was led by Prof. Ashok K Ganguli, Director & Professor of Chemical Science at IISER Berhampur, and Dr. B L V Prasad, Director of the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Research, India.
The Conference focused on key topics like ‘Nano in Climate’, presented by Dr. Rajeevan Madhavan Nair, Former Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Science and Vice Chancellor of Atria University; Prof. Vinayak Sinha, IISER Mohali and Dr. Christian George, Deputy Director at IRCELYON, France; ‘Nano in Healthcare’ presented by Prof. Dhirendra Katti, Director of IIT Goa; Dr. Jiban Jyoti Panda, Associate Professor, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali and Prof. Biman B. Mandal, IIT Guwahati; ‘Nano in Energy’ presented by Prof. Nitash Balsara, The Charles W. Tobias Professor in Electrochemistry, University of California, Berkeley, USA, Prof. R Kothandaraman, Professor, IIT Madras, India; Dr. K. Ramesha, Director of CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute; and Prof. Kanishka Biswas, JNCSAR, India.
The Global Innovation Alliance Partner Countries of Karnataka, including the USA, Netherlands, and Germany also conducted sessions at the Conference.
The Poster Showcase, a highlight of Bengaluru India Nano, was a vibrant walkway of discovery featuring innovative research from over 200 bright young researchers across academic and research institutions like various IITs, BITS Pilani, University of Mysore, SASTRA Deemed University, CSIR National Physical Laboratory, IISER, JNCASR, IISc- Bangalore, JAIN University, NIT Rourkela, REVA University, Bangalore University, Institute of Chemical Technology- Mumbai, TamilNadu Agriculture University- Coimbatore, Vellore Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology to name a few.
The Exhibition inaugurated today showcased the latest innovations, products, and technologies in nanotechnology. With over 50 leading companies, research institutions, and startups presenting their cutting-edge nanotech products and services, it was a brilliant display of scientific and industry advancements.
The glittering Awards Ceremony featured the presentation of prestigious honors, including the Bengaluru INDIA NANO Innovation Award, Karnataka DST Nanoscience Fellowships, and Exhibitor Awards.
Following an action-packed Day 2 filled with groundbreaking discussions and presentations, Day 3 of Bengaluru India Nano is set to deliver even more valuable insights. Attendees can look forward to engaging lectures on critical topics such as Nano in Climate, Healthcare, and Semiconductors as well as NanoSparX, an exciting program for Nano-Entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this dynamic event.