Nanotechnology expected to be the basis of $1 trillion worth of products in the United States alone and will create between 800,000 to 2 million new jobs
Mumbai, April 25, 2006: Tuesday evening was witness to a Talk on Nanotechnology - Smallest Applications with the Largest Potential by Dr. Pascal Boulanger (DSM / DRECAM) and Dr. Stephane Lenfant (IEMN) in Mumbai at the Royal Bombay Yacht Club . The talk was jointly presented by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) and the Indo-French Technical Association (IFTA), under the aegis of the recently launched “Image of France in India” campaign in February this year. At this specially organised talk, Dr Lenfant explained the concept of “molecular electronic” and its. generalities. He also described examples of applications and commercial products obtained with organic materials. Dr. Lenfant highlighted France’s achievements in the molecular electronic area: the SPM approach by Christian Joachim in CEMES (Toulouse), the break junctions and transistor with nanotubes by Jean-Philippe Bourgoin in CEA Saclay (Paris) and the self assembling approach realized in the IEMN laboratory (Lille).
Dr. Boulanger spoke in detail about "Nanoscience at CEA/DRECAM" - (Research Department on Condensed State, Atoms and Molecules), the biggest department dealing with nanosciences within the French Atomic Energy Commission, its research and activities. He also commented on the fundamental aspects of nanoelectronics, nanosurface science and nano characterization and nanoparticles.
Nanotechnology will have huge effects on many practical industries, including manufacturing, health care, energy, agriculture, communications, textiles, information technology, aerospace, environment, defense, transportations and electronics. By applying nanotechnology, products can be 5 times as strong, 10 times as efficient, and possibly a million times compact.
Within a decade, nanotechnology is expected to be the basis of
$1 trillion worth of products in the United States alone and will create anywhere from 800,000 to 2 million new jobs. It will require you to radically rethink what your core business is, who your competitors are, what skills your workforce needs, how to train your employees, and how to think strategically about it
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This talk is one of the many programmes lined-up under the “Image of France Campaign in India” and the objective is to showcase the sophisticated level of mechanical and nuclear engineering, electronics and avionics available from France. Other events will be held during the year in various parts of India to promote French technology in civil engineering, infrastructure, nuclear engineering for civilian use and also a student related programme on a competitive basis.
About the “Image of France in India” campaign
The “Image of France in India” campaign in India was launched in February 2006 by Ms Christine Lagarde, French Minister for Foreign Trade in February 2006 under the “Cap Export” programme. The initiative is handled by the IFCCI and the French Trade Missions in India, with the objective to showcase the technology of France. The Campaign is co-chaired by Mr. Arun Nanda, President of the IFCCI and Mr. Jean Leviol, Minister Counsellor Economic & Financial, Head of* the Economics, Trade & Finance Commission, French Embassy in India.
The current supporters of this programme from the corporate side include, BNP Paribas, Calyon Bank, Societe Generale, Godrej Industries Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, The Imperial (Hotel), Dassault Aviation, EADS, Dassault Systemes, Safran, Air France and Alstom. Others are in the process of team-up as well, as French and Indo-French industry join hands to pitch their might to promote French technology in India.
The three year long Image of France Campaign, India is expected to augment current bilateral trade from Euro 3.5 Billion to Euro 5 Billion and to 7 billion euros by 2010. The campaign will focus on promoting bi-lateral trade in key sectors such as technology, retail, power, defence, banking and finance, and biotechnology amongst other sectors.
About Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI)
The IFCCI was established on 3rd February 1977 in Mumbai. Its members are French, Indo-French and Indian companies from various sectors of activity. The main objective of IFCCI is to assist companies in doing business with France and Asia using France as a gateway to the EU market and other French stronghold markets. It aims to promote economic, business and commercial activities between India and France and to lobby for increased French presence in India.
About Indo-French Technical Association (IFTA)
IFTA was set up in 1966 and is today one of the largest Indo-French associations in terms of membership – a team of people with technical expertise and a strong connection to France. Many IFTA members have either studied in France or worked in that country. It is a nationwide organization with a Head Office in Mumbai and chapters in various other cities. IFTA has done a remarkable job in increasing the awareness of French know-how in India.
