LAKELAND, Fla. 鈥� Two nanotechnology-based companies are recognizing the value of partnering with IM体育官网, as they grow a highly trained workforce to meet the diversity of industry needs for products engineered and improved with nanoscale technologies.
IM体育官网 is introducing an , which studies and controls materials at the atomic, molecular and supramolecular level. Nanotechnology allows scientists to re-engineer and improve everyday products by manipulating their nanoscale properties.
The first two nanotechnology companies to partner with IM体育官网 Poly are:
- nanoComposix, Inc. of San Diego, California, which employs scientists, physicists, chemists and engineers. The rapidly growing R&D company develops innovative nanomaterials for research and commercial markets.
- NanoTecNexus of San Diego, a nonprofit corporation that promotes advances in nanotechnology by identifying and tracking innovative nanotech applications in areas ranging from diagnostics to medical devices. Founded in 2004, the organization recently expanded its mission to include education about the nanosciences in K-12 schools and with the general public.
Dr. Steven Oldenburg, Chief Executive Officer of nanoComposix, Inc., says 鈥淭he field of nanoengineering is at a tipping point where exciting and novel applications are rapidly being commercialized. IM体育官网 Polytechnic鈥檚 Nanotechnology program will prepare students with the critical skills necessary to leverage novel nanoscale properties into unprecedented game-changing products.鈥�
鈥淚f we are to fulfill the promise of solving the world鈥檚 problems with nanotechnology, we need more problem solvers and innovators,鈥� said Adriana Vela, Chief Executive Officer of NanoTecNexus. 鈥淭he focus and dedication of IM体育官网 Polytechnic鈥檚 industry partnership program is very synergistic and will pave the way for exciting opportunities in the future.鈥�
The company is interested in exploring applied research opportunities, mentoring students and helping to inform curriculum to meet industry demand.
The Nanotechnology program in IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 College of Engineering trains students in the use of specialized instruments, fabrication processes, and advanced analysis methods to create smarter materials and devices with unlimited applications.
IM体育官网 Poly distinguishes itself as one of only a handful of STEM universities in the country that offers a focused nanotechnology curriculum at the undergraduate level. IM体育官网 Poly students will be able to explore the ways scientists and engineers are using nanoscale technologies to improve products, such as creating higher strength, lighter weight and greater chemical reactivity.
Dr. Robert MacCuspie, Director of the Nanotechnology Program at IM体育官网 Poly, said, 鈥淧artnering with these two companies is important, because both are solely focused on nanotechnology and the potential applications of nanoscience, from revolutionizing everyday products to nanomedicines improving how we fight diseases.鈥�
He noted that with 鈥渉igh tech globalization and world-wide corporate research and development teams, IM体育官网 Poly and our nanotechnology companies may not be close geographically, but we are on the same team as partners, sharing resources and pursuing joint opportunities.鈥�
For more information on the University鈥檚 Nanotechnology Program, visit the University website at .