India can become leader in the emerging field of nanotechnology, but it will have to be done in the next two to three years, said Prof C N R Rao, chairman of Science Advisory Council to Prime Minister and Honorary President, JNCASR.

Speaking to reporters in connection with the Bangalore Nano event to be inaugurated on Thursday, he said: “We should develop the market in sensors as it is a knowledge-based industry where lots of money can be made.”
The global nano market commands $8-10 billion a year, of which India’s share today is small, he added.
With lots of players like Tatas and Reliance investing in nano manufacture and many institutions coming up, he was hopeful the future was bright.

The Indian Institute of Nano Science and Technology coming up in Bangalore has received a funding of Rs 100 crore from the Centre and the State government will over 15 acres of land for setting it up, said M N Vidyashankar, IT & BT Secretary.

He said the first edition of Bangalore Nano has elicited overwhelming participation. It would become an annual event, he added.

Bangalore Nano will be be held on Thursday and Friday at Grand Ashok Hotel.