(a) whether the Government proposes to create a special fund to nurture
young talent for scientific research work in nanotechnology in fields like
water, energy, agriculture, health care, etc.;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes private sector investment in research
in nanotechnology and commercialization of the technology both in foreign
and domestic markets; and
(d) if so, the details thereof ?
MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT (KAPIL SIBAL)
(a) & (b): No, Sir. However, there is already a Government scheme in
operation to encourage and nurture young talent for research in all areas
of science and engineering, including nanotechnology. More recently, the
Government is taking steps to create a Nano Science and Technology Mission
(Nano Mission) which will also mobilize and nurture young talent for
nanotechnology research including in priority fields like water, energy,
agriculture, health care, etc.
(c) & (d): Efforts are being made to encourage private sector to
participate and invest in research in nanotechnology and its
commercialization in both foreign and domestic markets. As an initial step
towards this, public-private partnerships in the form of joint
industry-institution linked projects are being supported.