V Caprio Sen Wyden 6-22-11

Vincent Caprio & Senator Ron Wyden at the 2011 Nano Caucus on Wednesday, June 22nd

On June 22, 2011, the Congressional Nanotechnology Caucus convened its first meeting in 2011 and hosted its inaugural Nanotechnology Caucus Lecture: Nanotechnology 101. The Nanotechnology Caucus is a bipartisan group of Members dedicated to promoting nanotechnology. Opening remarks were provided by Vincent Caprio, Executive Director, NanoBusiness Commercialization Association. Attendees were then treated to extensive remarks by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), a tireless champion of nanotechnology.

Sally Tinkle, Ph.D., Acting Director, National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology Subcommittee, Committee on Technology National Science and Technology Council, provided an excellent overview of the National Nanotechnology Initiative, and focused on some of the many commercial successes of nanotechnology commercialization and the many ways these products are improving energy consumption, medical care and treatment, greener chemistry, and providing other benefits.

Jim Hussey, Chief Executive Officer, Nanoink, Inc., gave a spirited presentation on some of the commercial challenges facing the nano community and the need for universities, investors, and other nano stakeholders to stimulate investment in nanotechnology.

Travis Earles, Ph.D., Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Initiatives, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and former Assistant Director of Nanotechnology, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, shared his insights as a former policymaker and his transition to the private sector.

Finally, Frank A. Ignazzitto, Vice President, Government Business, QD Vision, Inc., explained how QD Vision’s commercialization of quantum dot technology will greatly conserve energy and enhance significantly the resolution of screens in consumer and related electronics, among other benefits.