Business Facilities - November 2007 - (Page 18)

The National Institute of Nanotechnology in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada A transmission electron microscope at the National Institute of Nanotechnology in Edmonton, AB Such assets only raise Edmonton’s place among the world’s leaders in the research and commercialization of nanotechnology, which in practical terms means controlling tiny pieces of matter—atoms and molecules—to produce revolutionary products and processes. According to Canada’s National Research Council, there are 19 commercial organizations now making up the Edmonton nanotechnology cluster. Examples of these are VisibleDust, which uses biochip technology to remove dust from the surface of delicate objects such as digital camera imaging sensors, and BigBangwidth, which uses lightpath technology to bring remote science facilities to individual desktops. 18 NOVEMBER 2007 Another Edmonton firm, Quantiam Technologies, is developing wearresistant materials that are able to withstand extreme environments. The company applies nano-based materials to produce surface coating for parts used in industrial equipment in the aerospace, automotive, mining, and chemical industries, among others. “Quantiam is a pioneer in the field of nanotechnology with its scientists working at the angstrom level of materials, which is an order of magnitude smaller than nano, before nanotechnology became a popular buzzword,” says Steve Petrone, president and founder of Quantiam. “As such, we were very pleased to see the critical elements of a potentially new and strong cluster coming together in the Edmonton area.” The company, which obtains some of its staff for R&D and pilot operations from the U of A, is forging strong ties with NINT to collaborate on new product developments, and also for the commercialization of technology developed at the institute. “Overall, our nanotechnology cluster is in its infancy,” Petrone says, “but the critical elements for growth and success are coming together. It needs a few additional elements, primarily a stronger venture capital community, some enhancements to our taxation systems, a stronger alignment by our educational systems … and then the rest is up to us—the entrepreneurial pioneers forging ahead in this new frontier.” NINT’s Brommeland notes that one of the main drivers for the growing cluster in Edmonton is the support of public sector groups that are making funds and technology avail- PHOTO CREDITS: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA.

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Business Facilities - November 2007 Contents First Words Snapshots Metro Spotlight: Indianapolis Region, Indiana Georgia's Pursuit of Industry Extreme Technology Sites A Tennessee Trifecta A Watershed Moment for Philly Metro Spotlight: Mexico-Texas Border Region High Tech and Aerospace Heat up in Arizona Meeting the Information Technology Challenge IEDC Announces 2007 Winners Corporate Moves: Alabama Northeast Arkansas Scores Major Investments Corporate Moves: Virginia Metro Spotlight: Martinsville-Henry County, VA Renewable Michigan Advertiser Index Ask the Expert

Business Facilities - November 2007

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