Article Posted on : - Dec 09, 2010

BANGALORE (PTI): The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) plans to set up a nano foundry with an investment of Rs 500 crore to Rs 600 crore, its Chief Controller (R & D) W Selvamurthy said Wednesday.

This project would be a cluster with the partnering of IITs and other academic institutions in the country, he said addressing a session at 'Bangalore Nano' conference.

Selvamurthy indicated that it's likely to come up here or in Hyderabad.

"The R&D facilities for nano technology can be used by industry and academic institutions for research purpose.

Moreover, DRDO will also fund nano research at the academic institutions," he said.

Selvamurthy said DRDO has invested Rs 200 crore exclusively for nano technology applications. These applications would enhance strength and capabilities of missiles.

"These outcomes are also highly useful to churn out products in healthcare, medicine, sensors, and energy harvesting," he said.

One of the DRDO labs is exclusively working on safety of nanotechnology for individuals and environment. Nanocomposite coatings developed by Ahmednagar lab would find uses in several anti-corrosive industrial applications.

Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical lab of DRDO here is developing several biosensors that ensure safety of the soldier in the warfare and those applications can revolutionise medical diagnostics.

"Very soon, CIPLA is going to take up the production of nano particle drugs that can be directly deposited into lungs, which was originally developed for the soldiers at high altitudes," Selvamurthy said.

Nano technology has several applications from agriculture to Defence. So far, academic institutions are working as islands of excellence and they need to work like a continent of excellence.

A research in one specialisation need not be limited to applications in that specialisation. That can contribute a lot in totally different sectors.

"For example the breakthroughs in various labs under DRDO are not only enhancing the capabilities of Indian Armed Forces, but also contributing to the businesses and public outside the purview of the defence," he said.