King Saud University (KSU) provides support programs to national industries that have projects to develop nanotechnology in their corporate activities, according to the dean of the King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology (KAIN). Dr. Salman A. Alrokayan, the dean of KAIN at KSU, addressing the ongoing HYPERLINK “http://www.kfupm.edu.sa/nanoconf” Arab Conference on the Developmental and Economic Impact of Nanotechnology being held at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), said the main objective of the nanotechnology program at the university is to extend assistance to local companies through its research and development assistance. “By means of the university's R&D assistance, we are encouraging nanotechnology industries to participate in establishing a knowledge-based national economy,” he said. The conference, being held from March 27 to April 7, is attended by local, regional and international experts on nanotechnology. Alrokayan said KAIN provides research and development assistance to local companies that are engaged in the application of nanotechnology in the fields of biotechnology, pharmacy, communication, chemistry, physics, engineering, environment and material science. The nanotechnology institute at KSU also provides training to personnel of local companies applying nanotechnology in the pursuit of their industrial R&D. He said the social impact of nanotech industries is also included in the training program. Alrokayan said KAIN also encourages the government and the private sectors to coordinate and work together in undertaking joint nanotechnology projects. He said the national emphasis is directed to local industries to invest in nanotechnology.
