The Connecticut Nanotechnology Initiative, an independent collaboration between industries, universities, and government representatives, works to accomplish the following four main objectives:

• Provide a platform within Connecticut for education about nanotechnology and promotion of the field

• Create a forum for sharing information about nanotechnology research and applications

• Promote collaboration and communication between differing industries and research universities to capitalize on nanotech interdisciplinary applications

• Facilitate technology transfer and the commercialization of nanotech discoveries

The day was highlighted with a keynote address delivered by Lt. Governor M. Jodi Rell, who spoke about the State’s job to educate, to build awareness and to create a web of understanding about nanotechnology. "The nanotechnology industry will help Connecticut restructure its economy. Nanotechnology applications and implications are incredibly far-reaching, and what we begin today is critically important."

Lt. Governor M. Jodi Rell adds that nanotechnology is a win-win for Connecticut. "We have the best universities, best scientists, and renowned research facilities. We have the highest skilled workforce in the country. We have venture capitalists that like to invest in forward-looking, transforming opportunities. And, we’re home to industry leaders like General Electric, Pfizer, United Technologies, and more."

According to Wayne Martino, co-founder of the Connecticut Nanotechnology Initiative, "Nanotechnology will be an enabling technology that will have a significant impact on many industries including medicine, biotech, electronics, aeronautics, defense, transportation, environment and energy. While many nanotechnologies applications are in research and development at business and universities, Connecticut companies are already utilizing nanotechnology in their products."

In addition to keynote speakers, the event included an open forum about the future direction of nanotechnology in Connecticut as well as a showcase of how Connecticut-based companies are utilizing nanotechnology in their products.

John Burdick, executive vice president/corporate development, at InframatÒ Corporation (Farmington, Conn.) says that his company, along with the University of Connecticut, has developed a new nanocoating for jet engines that is expected to demonstrate an exceptional operating life 1.5X over the best technologies presently on the market.

Director of Product Marketing for Photronics, Inc. (Brookfield, Conn.), Andy Zanzal, says that his company is examining ways to leverage the advances in material sciences into further improving the technology services that Photronics, Inc. provides to the world’s leading semi-conductor companies. "These advances are expected to enable our customers to accelerate the way they incorporate nanotechnology advancements into the products and services that they sell globally," he says.

Connecticut is well-positioned to be a leader in the nanotechnology sector," said Susan Duncan, co-founder of the Connecticut Nanotechnology Initiative. "Our State is home to burgeoning biotech, pharmaceutical, fuel cell, aeronautics, and defense industries; world-class research; academic institutions; a well-educated workforce; funding sources and a culture of innovation."

Nanotechnology is often heralded as the Industrial Revolution of the 21^st Century. The National Science Foundation predicts that nanotechnology will be a $1 trillion dollar global market within 10-15 years.

The Connecticut Nanotechnology Initiative’s leading organizing partners include Strategy Advisors, Inc., Brenner, Saltzman & Wallman, LLP, Inframat Corp., Pfizer, Inc., Photronics, Inc., University of Connecticut and Yale University.