By Vic Peña, CEO nanoTITAN, Inc.
Nanotechnology, the ability to control or manipulate on the atomic scale, for the purpose of creating beneficial tools for mankind, has become a powerful economic and technological force in the Potomac Region, and promises to achieve the NVTC Nanotechnology Committee's Vision, "The Nanoplex on the Potomac".
Establishing the Nanotechnology Committee
Recognizing this growing force, in March 2003, the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) established the Nanotechnology Committee to serve the Council's growing membership of nanotechnology based companies, and to give recognition to the emergence of nanotechnology in the Federal and Academia Sectors in the proximity of the region. This region offers a critical mass of resources to attract the continued growth of nanotechnology: The Federal Government, Academia, and an Entrepreneurial Friendly Environment.
Strengths of the Region
The Potomac Region is geographically and literally at the doorstep to the Federal Government and its nanotechnology invested agencies. Virtually all of the Agencies of the Federal Government are involved and have committed budgetary resources to the research and development of nanotechnology applications. Notably among these is the Department of Defense, and its laboratories in the area, Army Research Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory, and the Defense Advanced Projects Agency (DARPA). NASA, The National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice, all have active research and development in nanotechnology.
So what does all this mean to the Potomac Region?
It means that nanotechnology businesses coming into the region have a decided advantage: Proximity to the Federal Marketplace, and the ability to meet with and interact with potential Federal Clients and Customers. Simply stated, nanotech businesses locating in this area, can take advantage of their location to tailor and customize research, development, and prototyping in response to rapidly changing discoveries in the science.
But there are other significant strengths for nanotech businesses to locate in the Potomac Region. Perhaps the most important of these, is the professional and highly educated workforce in the area. Forbes Magazine recently ranked this area's workforce among the most highly educated in the United States. This fact, along with other people factors such as schools and universities, superb health care facilities, cultural and metropolitan attractions, are strong magnets to draw the interdisciplinary science and technology talents that are demanded in the nanotechnology arena.
Also of significant value to nanotech businesses coming into the area, is the availability of some of the country's premier universities. Immediately in Northern Virginia, are George Mason University, and the extension campuses of the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University, and the various campuses of the Northern Virginia Community College. In Washington D. C., Howard University and Georgetown University are involved in nanotechnology research and offer advanced science and engineering programs in this exciting field of study. The University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University are also available an offer study programs in this science and engineering field.
Emerging Nanotechnology Business and Commerce
The Potomac Region is attracting a presence of nanotechnology businesses. At once there are pillars of Federal Contracting, such as, BAE, Lockheed Martin, MITRE, Northrop Grumman, and SAIC. But there are a host of small, entrepreneurial businesses, which are making their presence in the area's nanotechnology community felt. These include, Biomimetics Products, ISTN, Luna Innovations, Materials Modifications, CNRI, Nano Interface, NanoSonic, nanoTITAN, and Nanoverse.
Of course no business enterprise is a standalone endeavor. Businesses rely on support organizations and institutions to become established, and to operate profitably, legally and ethically. The Potomac Region is rich in these resources as well. This region is noted for being the home of some of the leading Accounting, Consulting, Financial, Legal, and Real Estate services providers in the country. Additionally, it can be said that this area is the gateway to the world economy, with its proximity to the Diplomatic Legations from abroad, and specifically to their trade missions.
The Future
The future of nanotechnology business in the Potomac Region is indeed bright. This Region is rich in resources, business acumen and scientific curiosity. By working as a team, Academia, Government, and Industry, the Potomac Region can achieve the Vision of the NVTC's Nanotechnology Committee: "The Nanoplex on the Potomac".
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