Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

Alberta's strategy on nanotechnology is a bold one: the province is projecting to capture a $20 billion market share of the global nanotechnology market and has invested large amounts of money to spur economic growth in the sector. For instance, in May 2007 Premier Ed Stelmach announced a $130 million investment in nanotechnology over five years. Additionally, Federal and Provincial investments have resulted in the National Institute for Nanotechnology, a multi-million dollar National Research Facility located on the University of Alberta Campus. In anticipation of the growth in Nanotechnology, as of September 2010, NAIT has launched a two-year diploma program to train graduates in the operation and use of equipment commonly used in the nanotechnology sector. Further to this, industries from many different sectors are recognizing the benefits that can be gained by using nanotechnology, and many applied research projects and industry partnerships are envisaged at NAIT in the future. The proposal for a Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy from NSERC will find many uses. In relation to current ongoing projects, the equipment requested from NSERC will be used as a measurement and analysis tool for projects relating to particle detection, a gas detection system, and green chemistry projects. These projects will benefit Canada in a number of ways, such as finding better methods to control, evaluate and manage pollution and environmental impacts of technology and industry. In future, the tool will be a versatile and flexible analysis tool that could be used in nanotechnology related innovations: given the depth of scope of nanotechnology, these innovations could impact Canadian life in many realms such as medical applications, consumer products, electronics, sensors and diagnostics, and even sporting goods. Additionally, the tool will be accessible by Alberta's Nanotechnology industry as a part of NAIT's Technology Access Centre in Nanotechnology. Finally, the tool will be used in the training of students in the Nanotechnology Systems Diploma Program.