Berkeley Nanotechnology Club

Nanotechnology has a tremendous potential to change our lives in unimaginable ways. Spanning a range of applications from efficient energy and smart materials to molecular circuitry and better health care, nanotechnology has given us lots of hope in recent years.

There is no doubt that it will take several years before we realize the full potential of nanotechnology. And it is likely that the present buzz will be followed by a temporary disappointment, as people realize that it is a long way from the lab to the market. The only way to alleviate this problem is to foster discussion between different groups involved in the commercialization of technology: Researchers, V.C’s and Industrialists.

UC Berkeley, the No.1 public university in the world, with its great quality of education, active involvement of students and its proximity to Silicon Valley is a great place for such an initiative. The Berkeley Nanotechnology Club is created, and managed entirely by students from engineering, business, science and law. Apart from the weekly meetings and site visits to nano companies, we organize an annual conference, the Berkeley Nanotechnology Forum, drawing approximately 500 attendees. Our fall event, the Berkeley Nano Opportunity Challenge, is a great way for nano researchers to commercialize their technology by proposing a business plan along with business students. Past year's competition resulted in the successful creation of a nano start-up, Harmonic Devices Inc (http://www.harmonicdevices.com). Our ultimate aim is to strengthen Berkeley’s position as the leader in nanotechnology.

As a sponsor of the Berkeley Nanotechnology Club, you will:

- Build a strong relationship with bright technologists and entrepreneurs from two of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions (Berkeley and Stanford);

- Get a sneak preview of the cutting-edge innovations and business ideas that hold the potential for high social and commercial impact;

- Reinforce your network with distinguished scientists and other venture capitalists involved in nanotechnology and related areas;

- In addition, you will have the opportunity to be a judge for our Nanotechnology Opportunity Challenge competition or be a mentor to a participating team.

Sponsors will receive varying levels of acknowledgement through club news and during our annual events, such as signage, linked company logo on our website, company logo on event flyers and program brochures.

Project mission:

1. Encourage research and entrepreneurship in nanotechnology;
2. Provide information and exchange platform for the Berkeley community;
3. Organize events featuring innovations in nanoscience and engineering.

Potential impact:

More awareness of potential impacts on this amazing technology and successful businesses out of great technologies.

Required resources:

1. Total project needs: $35,000

News:

• http://nano.berkeley.edu/news/news.html
• http://foundry.lbl.gov/news/news.htm

Project page URL:

• http://nanoclub.berkeley.edu

Additional info:

We are currently seeking sponsors for various levels of club and/or event sponsorship.