Nanotechnology is emerging rapidly as an enabler to virtually all S&T market segments, but its impact ranges so broadly that it is hard to link and capitalize on arising opportunities.

The more the Midwest region can link segments that have traditionally been somewhat insular, the stronger our position will be in R&D and the subsequent future tech-based economy. There is a critical need for a mechanism to bring together the R&D community, and others, to educate, increase awareness of the collective strength within the region, and advance commercialization leveraging nanotechnology.

MN Nano is proposing it dissolve, and in its place create a resource in the upper Midwest to link not just Minnesota business/academic R&D assets, but also include assets from Wisconsin, Iowa, North & South Dakota and portions of Canada to our immediate north. What is envisioned for our region is a considerable focus on interactive web-based, virtual services (think regional, nano-focused “Technical Facebook”), as well as professional, scientifically-knowledgeable staff dedicated to providing personalized service via events and tailored matchmaking.

"NanoVox" ("vox" is Latin for "voice," "dialogue" or "conversation"), the name for this proposed initiative, will have two primary foci: private-sector R&D information and capabilities exchange/matchmaking, and academic/business R&D information and capabilities exchange/matchmaking. Both "sides" of the initiative would include specific opportunities for supplier and service provider interaction, too.

Your input today is very important as we seek to gauge the market response to this concept. The survey is short -- 'should take no longer than 10-15 minutes to complete. Thank you for your assistance!