Three years of support for nanotechnology as an Israeli national project produced 52 leading scientists who immigrated to Israel, 77 million dollars invested in equipment, 41 million dollars invested in infrastructure, 106 success stories were documented and 389 joint projects for academia and industry were achieved
The Israeli National Nanotechnology Association, the Israel National Nano Technology Initiative, the INNI, gathered in honor of the nanotechnology week, "NanoIsrael Conference and Exhibition 2010", which will be held next week in Tel Aviv.
Based on INNI's data for the past three years since nanotechnology was declared a national priority project in Israel, the region has achieved impressive achievements. 52 world-renowned scientists immigrated to Israel and were accepted as faculty at the various universities.
The financial facts are impressive: 77 million dollars were invested over the last three years in basic equipment in addition to 41 million dollars invested in new infrastructure and facilities. During this time, 389 joint transactions were made between the Israeli Academy and industry - both local and international, 106 "success stories" were documented, either as start-up companies or as approved patents, not to mention 422 patents submitted for approval and registration.
In 2007, the Israeli nano field was defined as a project that received government priority, and its mission was to establish the research and the infrastructural structure in six universities. The selected universities were the ones where the research dealing with the establishment of the industry based on nanotechnology will be carried out. The program was based on three supporting entities: government support (one third), university sources (one third), and donors (one third). Six nano centers were established at the various universities - the center at the Technion was already established in 2005.
According to the INNI, 249 young scientists coming from the field (including postdoctoral researchers), 675 doctoral students and 662 masters students have participated in the program since that day. During those three years, 3248 scientific articles and 536 other articles were published that originated in collaboration between several universities. "This is a great example of efficient use of public funds and mutual cooperation between the government, academia and industry, which returns a considerable investment," said Mr. Dan Wilensky, a member of the National Nano Israel Committee. "I believe we are on our way to turning Israel into a major nanotechnology power."
