Congressman Zach Wamp announced today the formation of the East Tennessee Nano Initiative at a special briefing at Technology 2020 in Oak Ridge.

The East Tennessee Nano Initiative is being formed to help the region capitalize on its tremendous nanoscience research tools, which include the Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor, the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, and the Center for Computational Sciences at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the new nanofabrication facilities at the University of Tennessee, and the precision machining capabilities at the Y-12 National Security Complex.

"Our region's nanoscience resources and scientific talent are helping advance America's stature in the global nanoscience marketplace," said Congressman Wamp. "This new initiative will help make sure our region benefits economically from this industrial revolution. Not only does this partnership use scientific resources to generate new research dollars and new intellectual property, it would provide more opportunities to bring new companies and high-paying jobs for the citizens of East Tennessee."

The Founding Partners of the East Tennessee Nano Initiative are the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Tennessee, the Y-12 National Security Complex, Technology 2020, and the Innovation Valley.

The goals of the initiative include:
1. Marketing the region’s research capabilities to a national and international audience of government agencies, businesses, and entrepreneurs;
2. Helping attract more nanoscience grants and research dollars to local institutions and companies;
3. Creating new intellectual property and patents which can stimulate the formation of new companies in the region;
4. Serve as a focal point to recruit new nanotechnology companies to the region; and
5. Helping local industries adopt new nanotechnology applications to improve their competitive position.

“We’ve built a very strong team that is committed to help our region benefit from the nanotechnology revolution,” said Technology 2020 President and CEO Tom Rogers. “In the months and years ahead, we’ll work collaboratively to build the Innovation Valley into one of the world’s leading nanotechnology hot spots. We welcome the participation of any company, entrepreneur, or researcher to join us in this endeavor, and we hope to eventually expand this initiative statewide, throughout the Tennessee Valley Corridor and even throughout the southeast when and where it makes good business sense.”

Beginning on June 2, meetings of the East Tennessee Nano Alliance will be held on the first Thursday of each month at Technology 2020 for all companies, entrepreneurs, and researchers interested in learning more about nanotechnology and how they can participate in the East Tennessee Nano Initiative.