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The small, small world of nanotechnology

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Nanotechnology is the science of developing or manipulating materials at a scale of one-billionth of a metre—about three or four atoms wide. In 2003, there were 89 Canadian firms involved in nanotechnology research and development (R&D) in seven different industries, including scientific R&D services (65% of these firms), chemical manufacturing (11%), and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing (7%).

Although still few in number, more and more companies are getting involved in developing nanotechnology. They are exploring applications in medicine, energy, the environment, computing and telecommunications. Canadian researchers foresee supercomputers the size of a single cell, digital cameras that work in darkness, and even clothing that generates electricity from sunlight. Nanotechnology products are already available in the marketplace—for example, silver-infused bandages that fight infection and materials 100 times stronger than steel at 1/16th the weight.

Chart: Firms involved in nanotech research and development, by industry, 2003According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, more than 30 countries had established R&D programs in nanotechnology, with the United States and Japan providing the most in R&D funding in 2000. Canada contributes to international research by providing a significant number of research articles annually on the subject.

The major federal government initiative in nanotechnology is the National Institute of Nanotechnology in Edmonton, which operates as a collaborative venture with the National Research Council and the Alberta government. The province of Quebec has also invested substantially in nanotechnologies, and in 2004 had around 2,000 students enrolled in graduate study in the field.