Nano Mission

Building upon the promotional activities carried out as part of the Nano Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI), the Government of India launched a Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission) in May 2007 as an "umbrella capacity-building programme".

• The Department of Science and Technology is the nodal agency for implementing the Nano Mission.
• Recognizing the success of Nano Mission, The Union Cabinet gave its approval for continuation of the Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission) in its Phase-II in the 12th Plan Period at a total cost of Rs. 650 crores.

Significance: As a result of the efforts led by the Nano Mission, India is amongst the top five nations in the world in terms of scientific publications in nano science and technology (moving from 4th to the 3rd position).

• The Nano Mission itself has resulted in about 5000 research papers and about 900 Ph.Ds and also some useful products like nano hydrogel based eye drops, etc.
• Two institutions and large number of sophisticated characterization and fabrication facilities have been set up in the country.
• It has organized national dialogues to promote R&D in development of standards for nanotechnology and for laying down a National Regulatory Framework Road-Map for Nanotechnology (NRFR-Nanotech).
• It has helped establish a good eco-system in the country to pursue front-ranking basic research and also to seed and nurture application-oriented R&D, focused on useful technologies and products.