June 23, 2009

PORTLAND - Hundreds of leading experts in the evolving fields of nanoscience and microtechnology will attend the 2005 Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference on July 25-28 in Portland, Ore., to discuss some of the latest findings on everything from miniature energy systems to new environmental technologies, health care, homeland defense and industrial development.

Registration for the event is now open, and can be arranged on the web at http://www.pnl.gov/microproducts/conferences/2005/registration.stm or by calling (541) 737-9300. Key speakers range from Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski to officials from private industry, academia, government laboratories and other organizations.

The conference, titled "Gathering to Build a Micro/Nano Tech Economy," will be at the University Place Conference Center at Portland State University, and is designed for leaders in research, education, technology development, industry, government, business and venture capital.

"In addition to many scientific presentations about the newest discoveries in nanoscience and microtechnology, this year's event will continue to have a strong business focus," said Kevin Drost, professor of engineering at Oregon State University and co-director of the Microproducts Breakthrough Institute.

"We're clearly trying to move this fast-changing science beyond the research sector and into the business world, with new technologies, products and jobs," Drost said.

"The organized efforts of academic researchers, government labs and agencies, and a strong private sector will all be necessary if nanoscience and microtechnology are to become the economic growth engine of the future that we believe they can be."

Officials say the event will provide important opportunities to share findings, build collaborative networks, exhibit commercial technologies and help set product development agendas for the future. It may benefit scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, managers, students, government and agency leaders, technology transfer specialists, legislators, investors, and many others.

The conference is sponsored by the Microproducts Breakthrough Institute, an initiative organized by OSU and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. It is associated with the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, or ONAMI, in which many of the state's universities, high tech industries and other government agencies are collaborating to develop this new science.

More information on both ONAMI and this conference can be obtained on the web at http://www.onami.us.

The event will include several pre-conference short courses, on such topics as micro and nano basics for business; small business and innovation research proposals; university of the entrepreneur; resources available for business and industry; obtaining federal funding; and other topics.

The business and technical sessions on July 26 to 28 include:

  • Private equity capital opportunities and approaches in the micro-nano sector
  • Nanotechnology and its use in medicine
  • How to integrate micro-nano technology into products
  • Use of micro-nano technology in medical devices
  • Technology to measure what you make
  • Roles and requirements for micro-nano technology
  • Developing micro, chemical and thermal systems in the Northwest

    The business and technology working groups on July 7 will include:

  • Nanometrology and nanoelectronics
  • Green micro-nanotechnology
  • Health care
  • Defense and homeland security
  • Hydrogen, fuel cells and micropower
  • Innovation and entrepreneurism
  • Managing intellectual property

    Among the speakers are Gov. Kulongoski; Carl Kohrt, CEO of Battelle Memorial Institute; Len Peters, director of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; David Chen, chairman of the board of ONAMI; Paul Anastas, director of the Green Chemistry Institute for the American Chemical Society; Lee Cheatham of the Washington Technology Center; Josh Wolfe, co-founder of the NanoBusiness Alliance; and many others.

    • Source: 

    Kevin Drost, 541-737-2575

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