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Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster

Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster

The Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster, an Arizona not-for-profit, fully volunteer, 501C3 organization, formed in 2004 to share and promote technological advances in the fast-growing field of Nanotechnology. In the words of Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle "Nothing is stronger than the heart of a volunteer” and this statement represents the dedication and energy of our cluster to reach new heights. Our membership includes an active group of interested engineers (electrical, mechanical and chemical), scientists (medical and materials) and businesspeople from both industry and academia. Nanotechnology: the Science of the Small in general terms, involves research and development of in the manipulation and formation of new atomic structures, and transcends many disciplines. The mission of the Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster is to: bring together nanotechnology, semiconductor and microelectronics industry personnel and researchers from across Arizona. To educate the public and K-20 about nanotechnology and related issues. Help create a setting for a greater number of high-wage jobs. Create a “voice” for the Nanotechnology Industry at local, state, and national levels, and take a seat at the table, by providing a nanotechnology resource to small and large companies in Arizona.

We have two main chapters located in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. We hold about 20 events a year that are generally free and open to the general public. These events have included 4 years of Nanotechnology Symposiums, at the national and international level. We have held 3 years of middle and high school scholarship contests, awarding $15,000 worth of scholarship funds. Our membership is over 600. We have a very strong relationship with the Arizona Optics Industry Association (cluster development together). We also work extensively with Arizona Bioindustry to promote the biosciences in Arizona. We have had extensive international relations; with a signing of a memorandum of understanding with KICOX (Korea Industrial Complex Corp.), and visits to Gwangju (2010) and Daegu (2011), Korea and their delegation visits to Tucson (2010) and Phoenix (2012). We have lectured on nanotechnology at Bangkok University, Thailand (2010) and lectured on cluster development with Asia competitiveness forum Guragon, India (2010). In 2008 we were invited to Saitama, Japan to present at the Nanotech 2008 Conference (Tokyo), and additionally met with many Japanese companies for business development collaborations.

Success Story
Abraxis Bioscience (now Celgene) opens state of the art nanotechnology manufacturing plant in Phoenix in 2009 after a $70 M investment. This is a fully automated facility for the fabrication of a nanotechnology based chemotherapeutic drug. Abraxane a novel proprietary nanoparticle albumin bound technology for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics for tumors of the breast, lung and pancreas. Up to 200 highly skilled employees work at the plant, with a total investment by Abraxis of $100 million when in operation.

Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster
15560 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Bl.
Suite B4-405
Scottsdale, AZ
85260
United States
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Matt Kim
Chairman
http://www.aznano.org

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