Nanotechnology is field of science that has lead to much technological advancement in the 21st century. It is emerging field which has wide scope for research activities. Nanotechnology has found applications in various industries across the world, with large impact in the field of science and technology. Nanotechnology deals with the creation and evaluation of minute objects, which measures between 1 to 100 nanometers.

Different contributing streams include chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, etc. It is often referred to as molecular engineering.

Huge impact in the lives of common man

Today nanotechnology has gained more importance in the lives of a common man. It can be applied in every thing that we use in our daily life to make things simple, user friendly and intelligent. For instance, it can be used in toothpaste, different communication devices we use such as cell phones, computers, medicines, etc.

Field is in the infancy stage in India

The field of nanotechnology is quite popular in most of the developed countries. How ever in India, the field is in the infant stage, which is mainly concentrated in different areas such as electronics, drugs, defense applications, and other industrial products.

It is an interdisciplinary field that finds application in different fields and now in India it is used in the treatment of hazardous materials. Other applications include nano filters, used in the process of water treatment, cosmetics, detergents, and medicines.

The progress in the India and encouraging factors

The progress of nanotechnology in India is tremendous, with a faster rate than expected. In India there are many contributing factors that help in the progress of the field. The government is taking initiative toenhance the research and development activities in the field of nanotechnology. The Department of Science and Technology has started with a huge investment of about Rs. 1000 crores under the nano mission promoted by the government. This aims at supporting the research and development activities to come up with specific applications. The department of science and technology has introduced centers of excellence for Nanoscience and Technology to support researchers and scientists to test their materials for at a reduced price.

The Department of Biotechnology, Defense Research and Development Organization, Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences and many such agencies and organizations are pumping in funds to support Nanoscience based research. A group of scientists from different research laboratories across India are putting in their efforts and are contributing to the development of different research projects in various research institutions. The other organizations that are taking part in nano research projects are Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Science and Engineering Research Council.

Challenges faced in India

The field of nanotechnology how ever faces many challenges in India. One of the important factors that prevent different agencies from funding various research activities is the longer time taken by the products based on nanotechnology to enter into the market. In the present fast and dynamic world technological advancements takes place very frequently. Such frequent technological advancements makes research equipments and tools out dated. More over the latest equipments are becoming expensive which makes it further difficult for researchers and research agencies to carry out research projects within the stipulated time.

In India there is absence of proper policy that controls the transfer of technology from the laboratories to the industry. The government and various bodies under the government pay less attention to the impact of nano materials on the environment. In addition to this toxicological study is also paid less attention.

Career in Nanotechnology

For a candidate to pursue a career in Nanoscience, he or she should be a graduate in science or engineering. As said earlier nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field and has links with many fields of science. The changes happening in Nanoscience will impact almost all the sectors, which opens up huge opportunities for candidates with degree in Nanoscience. Before going into the area of nanotechnology, the candidate should make sure that he or she is a master of the core field which he or she belongs to. In the present day scientists and researchers are associated with developing commercial products through the application of nanotechnology. So it will be useful for candidates to pursue doctoral degree in the area of interest.

The opportunities in the future

Today nanotechnology is mainly concerned with research and so the opportunities for research activities for any one in this field is very high. Since nanotechnology has tremendous potential for applications in the day to day issues, the research in the field will continue as long as human beings exist in the planet. There is huge gap between demand and supply in different industries as far as materials are concerned. It is expected that nano materials will bridge the gap between demand and supply.  Industries can collaborate with various government research institutions to incorporate nano technology in their products.

In the future, nanotechnology will have a tremendous impact on every Indian. But the impact may or may not be noticed by every one. Even today we use products that are based on nanotechnology, and most of them are not aware of it. For instance the hard disk that we use in our computer is a result of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is going to make our lives easier and smarter in the days to come.

Major areas in the field of nanotechnology

The two major areas in the field of nanotechnology are Nanoscale technology and Molecular manufacturing. Nanoscale technology deals with minute structures and will help in manufacturing stronger materials, better medicines, high performance computers, and many more. Molecular manufacturing deals with the development of mechanical and chemical manufacturing systems that combine molecules together.

There is no doubt that the nanotechnology field will prosper in India, and that it will provide huge opportunities to those who aspire to pursue a career in nanotechnology. Those who wish to pursue a career in the field should have a scientific bend and should be interested in observing critical and minute aspects of different elements and molecules.