Developing nano ambitions
Though European Union, Japan and the US account for most of nanotech research funding so far, several developing countries too nurture ambitions in the nano-world. Some of them are:
taiwan: Announced a six-year, US $667 million programme to promote nanotech applications in September 2002. Its nanotechnology industry is projected to be worth US $8.69 billion in 2008.
south korea: Has commitments to invest US $2 billion in nanotechnology between 2001 and 2010. It intends to commercialise nano-products from 2005 onwards.
china: Only modest funding so far, but no figures are available. Has made impressive strides in research on nanotubes.
india: Still at nascent phase. Set up a nanotechnology mission in 2003 with a modest investment of Rs 100 crore (nearly US $21 million). The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Indian Institutes of Technology and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai are some prominent institutes working in this area. A few pharmaceutical firms have also shown interest in nanotechnology.
south africa: Unveiled a