Alberta Innovates Connector Service

Nanotechnology – the design, characterization, production and application of very small structures to exploit their unique physical, chemical and biological properties. Size dependent properties of nanomaterials, usually in the 1- to 100-nanometer range, include electronic, photonic, magnetic, rheological, structural and mechanical effects. Nano-enabled products are those that gain value-added attributes from their utilization of nanomaterials, inclusion of nanodevices within the product, or have nanocoatings or treatments. Nano-enabled processes utilize nanotechnology to produce products more efficiently, often with sustainable development benefits. Nanoscience is the exploration and analysis of phenomena which arise as a function of nanoscale interactions at the molecular and atomic levels of materials. Alberta broadened its definition to include near-nanotechnologies and MEMS which collectively are materials-based technologies that create or use structures, devices, and systems to control or manipulate atoms and molecules on a molecular scale (1-1000 nm).Nanotechnology can impact Alberta's value-added economic base in the areas of energy and the environment, health and medical technologies, and agriculture and forestry with:

• improved operations and energy efficiencies for the oil sands industry, cleaner energy alternatives, reduced water use, lowered emissions, and less impact on land and water for the benefit of all Albertans;
• improved health care with a higher quality of life and at a lower cost; - not one or the other; and,
• improved economic sustainability of existing industries while developing new economic drivers leading to more jobs and a diversified economy

  For more information on Nanotechnology in Alberta please visit http://www.nanoalberta.ca/ 

Alberta Innovates Press Release As part of the new collaboration and alignment within Alberta’s research and innovation system, nanoAlberta has become part of Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures. This new system of innovation is setting the stage for a stronger next generation economy built on the foundation of work that originates in Alberta and benefits the globe. nanoAlberta nanoAlberta is the coordinating agency for nanotechnology research, development and commercialization activities in the province. National Institute for Nanotechnology The National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT) is an integrated, multi-disciplinary institution involving researchers in physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, informatics, pharmacy and medicine. Established in 2001, it is operated as a partnership between the National Research Council and the University of Alberta, and is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the university