Nanotechnology in the Triangle

Excerpt from WRAL Techwire

Nanotechnology may be tiny but its potential impact is large and growing in the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina, an emerging hub of nanotechnology innovation, particularly in the area of nanobiotechnology.

The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies ranks the region fourth in the nation for its nanotechnology cluster. Jim Roberts, director of business development for the Center of Innovation for Nanobiotechnology (COIN) in Durham, says nanobiotechnology is an area of enormous potential.

“We have 40 companies in the nanobio space in North Carolina, third only to Silicon Valley and Boston. Most of them are in the Research Triangle Region,” he says.

It is no accident.

“The state has made significant investment in the infrastructure to promote this type of knowledge,” Roberts says. “We have more than 35 centers for nanotechnology within the state’s university system. The N.C. Biotechnology Center plays a large role in providing financial support. We are well positioned for leadership in this important and growing sector.”

That investment is paying off in economic growth. “These are high-salaried jobs,” Roberts says. “If you consider that biotechnology is the second largest industry in the state behind agriculture and this is the most promising area for biotech growth, it makes sense to continue investing to ensure this sector grows.”

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