The government-funded Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) is seeking projects focused on applied research in nanotechnology in its second call for proposals this year. A previous solicitation focused on themes introduced earlier, making nanotechnology a new direction for the ITF.
The aim will be to support midstream projects which go beyond pure research and develop technology that can be used by local industries, according to the proposal documents.
'It is envisaged that the development of nano-materials will increase the competitiveness of local manufacturers through improvement of product performance, durability and quality. It is also an initial step to achieve new technological applications in nanotechnology,' according to the solicitation sent out by ITF.
Professor Vincent Shen, one of the government technology advisers involved in the project, said an information session earlier this month drew great interest and he expected at least one co-ordinated proposal would be put forward by the October 15 deadline.
'We believe several institutions are, indeed, preparing to submit,' he said.
Special preference will be given to projects that have support from industrial partners, draw from international expertise and collaborate with local universities.