Demystifying nano-science, eminent scientist and Bharat Ratna C.N.R. Rao said using nano-technology, researchers create artificial photo-synthesis in a laboratory to replicate the natural phenomenon of plants and leaves for a variety of applications like hydrogen.

"As the U.S. is set to launch a national mission in nano-technology, we should explore collaborations to reap the benefits of joint research projects in advance materials," he said.

With financial support from the central and state governments, the state's vision group on nana-technology is setting up a centre for nano and soft matter science in the Nano Institute coming up on the city's outskirts at a cost of 50 crore.

Currently, the premier Indian Institute of Science, the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and Centre for Biological Science in Bangalore are actively involved in the development of nano-science and nano-technology.

"The national nano mission of the central government is helping us in promoting nano-science and nano-technology as a sunrise sector for the academia, industry and research institutions," Rao said.

Asserting that nano-technology was gaining recognition the world over as one of the most important technologies of the future, Karnataka Science and Technology Minister S.R. Patil said the nascent field would have a far-reaching impact on diverse fields such as agriculture, food, medicine, healthcare, environment, electronics, renewable energy, biotechnology, IT and material sciences.

"The Nano Institute will be developed into a hub under the guidance of Rao and a Nano Park will be built with an incubation centre to promote nano-technology based start-ups and industries in the state," he added.

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