Considering the importance & wide applications of nanotechnology a unique seat of learning this subject has been established - Amity Institute of Nanotechnology (AINT) under the agies of Ritnand Balved Education Foundation (RBEF). The institute has started M.Tech Course in Nanotechnology w.e.f. November, 2003. Being the first course of its kind in the country, it was a challenging job to have undertaken.

The programme comprises of conceptual knowledge of nanoscience and nanotechnology, including preparation of nanomaterials, their characterization and applications. Our eminent faculty takes care of teaching and training the students in the frontier areas of nanotechnology and they have drawn a noteworthy syllabus for the entire course. Amity Institute of Nanotechnology has close linkage with national scientific institutions in the country like NPL, SSPL, IIT, DU, BARC, TIFR, CSIO, DMSRDE etc. There has been regular interactions with the scientists from these organisations through visits and guest lectures by `eminent scientists'. Hands on training in National Laboratories for specific instruments such as SEM, TEM, AFM, STM etc. is regularly being conducted.

The institute has initiated research programmes in the following areas:

• Synthesizing of Carbon Nanomaterials
• Development of Nanophosphors
• Drug/Vaccine Delivery
• Water Purifications
• Development of Nano-oxides-Al2O3, TiO2 etc.

The institute is equipped with necessary latest equipment, clean room & internet facilities. Presently, we have a modest Library housing the latest publications in Nanotechnology.

The Institute has started a quarterly magzine entitled 'Amity Nanotechnology Update' highlighting the latest developments in the area of nanotechnology. The first step of teaching & training in Nanotechnology has been taken and now the aim is to race ahead.

NANOTECHNOLOGY is a fundamental, enabling technology, allowing us to do new things in almost every conceivable technological discipline. Nano means small (10^-9 m) but of high potency, and emerging with large applications piercing through all the discipline of knowledge, leading to industrial and technological growth.

It is conceived that this emerging developmental research will allow us to arrange atoms and molecules in most of the ways permitted by physical laws.

The potential of this technology to change our world is indeed truly staggering. It will affect every aspect of our lives, from medicine, to the power of our computers, the energy we require, the cars we drive, the building we live in, and even the clothes we wear. It will continuously generate new capabilities, new products, new markets. Its impact in society will be broad.

What is so special about controlling matter at a smaller scale? Well! At the nanoscale different laws of physics come into play, properties of traditional materials change; the behaviour of the surface starts to dominate over the behaviour of the bulk phase.

Areas of applications with immediate impact - drug delivery to treat tumour, cancer (without using radiotherapy & chemotherapy), solar energy, batteries, display technologies, opto-electronic devices, semiconductor devices in nanoelectronics, biosensors, CNT's etc., nanocomposites such as Al2O3 oxides, catalysis, luminous paints.

Considering the importance of research and development of this new frontier area, the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, has been encouraging tremendous thrust on Nanomaterials. The Indo-US joint forum on Science and Technology has identified this area of research for intense cooperation. Government of India's Nanomaterials Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI) potentially offered a venue for greater cooperation. NSTI is a scheme in which the Government of India has invested 100 crores for the next 5 years on nanotechnology research & development.

Indian industries have started understanding the commercial viability of nanotechnology based products and their impact on national economy.It will be targeted towards the main streams like electronics, healthcare markets, and other industrial products.