Nanotechnology soon to take giant steps
The Nanotechnology Centre has completed a national nanotechnology strategic plan called Nanotechnology Essential Package to further advance the development of nanotechnology in Thailand.
Wiwut Tanthapanichakoon, director of the National Nanotechnology Centre, said Nanotechnology Essential Package comes with five strategic plans including one to encourage more cooperation in research and development among researchers, institutes and industries; establish nanotechnology research and development; purchase equipment and analysis tools to develop nanotechnology; create awareness and transfer technology to local researchers; as well as training staff for the industry. The cooperation in research and development is to create five projects related to nanotechnology. These include development of a clean energy fuel cell, development of a cost-effective solar cell, smart and functional fabric, thin film for prolonging the shelf life of agricultural products, and development of a drug delivery system for medical and cosmetic projects. Meanwhile, in the next step, the R&D nanotechnology lab will invite the private sector to spend at least 30 per cent of total investment to support the new development for public and commercial use. The centre also plans to train 80 staff to support future development in the country in the next three years. The centre aims to develop nanotechnology support in local and regional areas so that Thailand can become a leader in nanotechnology development in Asean. He said the centre would send the strategic plan to the National Nanotechnology Committee before it goes to the Cabinet for approval. "Thailand's nanotechnology development and technology is in its early stages. We expect that this new technology is a worldwide trend and will play an important role for the nation," said Wiwut. He said the centre has set a Bt3 billion budget to establish an R&D nanotechnology lab in the next three years to develop nanotechnology in the country. This year the centre set a budget of Bt850 million to support nanotechnology development and create awareness. It expects it will spend Bt1 billion in 2007 and and B1.16 billion in 2008 for future development.
jirapan@nationgroup.com
Jirapan Boonnoon The Nation
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