NNMC and AME Align for Avancing Nanotechnology Manufacturing

 The National Nanotechnology Manufacturing Center (NNMC) and the Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME) are pleased to announce the formation of a strategic alliance dedicated to advancing domestic nanomanufacturing. Through the alliance, NNMC and AME will work to make existing manufacturers aware of opportunities to participate in the commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled materials and devices. By leveraging the capabilities of AME members, novel products can be delivered to customers faster with less capital expenditure.

Since 2001, the federal government has invested over $8.3B in nanotechnology research and development with similar levels of funding in the private sector. As the development of many nanotechnology-based inventions is completed, the lack of access to scale-up and initial production facilities has become apparent. One consequence is delayed benefit to the marketplace and delayed return on investment for stakeholders. Engagement of a national nanomanufacturing infrastructure is the logical next step in the development of nanotechnology.

The commitment of AME members to lean manufacturing, best practices implementation and shared learning will allow them to lead the integration of new products into existing product lines and introduction of new processes as appropriate. NNMC provides access to a broad portfolio of projects suitable for scale-up and production.

The agreement highlights AME as the most recognized and most respected professional organization for knowledge in manufacturing excellence and NNMC as a valued resource for dual-use commercialization of nanotechnology-based innovations. The efforts of the organizations are seen as highly complementary as both will be important contributors to promoting excellence in nanomanufacturing.

One of the more important aspects of the alliance will be the jointly hosted nanomanufacturing workshops and in contributing to each others conferences. By drawing from the individual strengths of these organizations, credible and insightful progress can be achieved. Upcoming conferences include the AME Annual International Conference October 20-24, 2008 in Toronto and the NNMC Nanomanufacturing & Dual Use Commercialization Conference to be held November 3-5, 2008 in Savannah Georgia.

The "Nanomanufacturing & Dual Use Commercialization Conference" is targeted at industry and government advanced technology officers who are either experiencing or can contribute to solving the gaps and road blocks to nanocommercialization. Attendees will include inventors, Tech Transfer officers, materials and equipment suppliers and through manufacturing and on to the marketing organizations and potential end users.

For more information please contact the Center at 478-289-2346 and see our web site at www.NationalNano.info to register for the conference. Information on AME and registration for Toronto is found at www.ame.org.

Pennsylvania Nanomaterials Commercialization Center becomes a member of the Nano Valley Consortium

On August 27, the Pennsylvania Nanomaterials Commercialization Center, a non-profit organization located in Pittsburgh PA., became a member of the Nano Valley Consortium (NVC). The NVC is a member-based group of commercial, academic, government agencies and organizations that collaborate to identify, develop and implement joint nanotechnology commercialization projects that benefit military and commercial industries. The consortium involves organizations all across the U.S.

The NVC is a part of the National Nanotechnology Manufacturing Center (NNMC), a non-profit organization, located in Swainsboro, GA. The NNMC was created to promote rapid commercialization of nanotechnology for military and commercial needs through efficient manufacturing processes and resources, and it maintains pilot manufacturing facilities in Swainsboro.

The Pennsylvania Nanomaterials Commercialization Center is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Air Force Research Laboratories at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

The Center’s mission is to accelerate the commercialization of nanomaterials research for new and enhanced products critical to America's defense and commercial sectors. Founded in 2006, the Center is a worldwide leader in employing an industry-driven model to commercialize advanced materials research through partnerships between the government, universities small and large companies and universities.

Dr. Alan Brown, the Center’s executive director, commented that the partnership with NVC has the potential to create exciting new opportunities for Pennsylvania companies to develop new nano-based products in the defense and commercial markets.

For more information on the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center visit:  www.pananocenter.org.