Nanoscale technologies have the potential to bring immense benefits to developing countries, in areas ranging from water and energy to health and environmental restoration. But the challenges are correspondingly large; required steps include:

• Identify nanotechnologies that can make a difference near-term
• Design and build products that will actually be useful
• Bring these to market at affordable price points
• Balance intellectual property interests
• Speed enterprises past the “Valley of Death”
• Solve support and maintenance issues
• Avoid solving problems that local economies are already handling well

It’s time to gather the major players to tackle these in an invitational workshop, held in the center of high-tech entrepreneurship: Silicon Valley. Researchers, product developers, IP specialists, funders, and those with experience tackling real-world problems in developing countries will come together to find ways to “fast track” nanotechnologies to make a positive difference.

Once candidate research advances, technologies, or products are identified, vigorous efforts will be made to connect innovators with funders having experience in nano-based products. Additionally, it is understood that developing country markets have special requirements and new companies will need targeted advice to succeed.

This meeting is being held in parallel with Foresight’s “Integration Conference” to enable us to take advantage of the technical expertise gathered there.

About the Foresight Institute: Advancing Beneficial Technologies
Foresight Institute is the leading public interest group in nanotechnology. It was established in 1986 with the mission of maximizing the benefits, and minimizing the downsides, of nanotechnology and other powerful emerging technologies. In addition to addressing issues relating to aiding the developing world, it promotes cutting-edge nanoscale R&D and recognizes excellence through its Prize program, including the Foresight Institute Feynman Prizes in Nanotechnology.