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Nanotechnology in Boise

Many predict that the next economic revolution will be propelled by the commercialization of scientific and technological breakthroughs focusing on the properties and manipulation of individual molecules, or nanotechnology. Accordingly, the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting and nurturing nanotechnology research and commercialization  by  businesses and  universities  in Idaho and the Boise area.   Produced by Boise State University. Logo is only 4 atoms tall, which is approx. equal to 1/100,000 the width of a human hair.    NanoBoise.org was formed as a way to provide information about (1.) the subject of nanotechnology, (2.) what infrastructure is necessary to attract and sustain nanotechnology industries, (3.) and to highlight existing nanotechnology research and commercial practices that are occurring in Idaho and the Boise area.   Size definitely matters. The term nanotechnology is derived from "nanometer," which is a unit of measurement that is approximately 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair. The properties of materials are fundamentally different at the nanoscale. Accordingly, nanotechnology has major implications on materials sciences, information technology, aerospace, pharmaceuticals and medical science, environmental science, production technology and more. According to the National Science Foundation, commercialized nanoscale technologies will grow to a $1 trillion per year industry.

Capitalizing on nanotechnology requires certain basic infrastructure and a quality of life that is conducive to innovation. Carly Fiorina, Chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard delivered a recent speech in which she explained, Boise's "...high quality of life is like oxygen for innovation and ingenuity and imagination and creativity."    In 2003, Forbes agreed by ranking the Boise MSA the "2nd Best Place for Business & Careers." Indeed, Idaho and the Boise area have a quality of life that has fueled innovation on several fronts. Science and technology account for 30% of Idaho's economy (Idaho Department of Commerce). Idaho is #1 in the nation in patents issued per-capita (US Patent & Trademark Office, 2000). Idaho's notable science and technology industry is attributed largely to Micron Technology, Inc. (Boise, ID), AMI Semiconductors (Pocatello, ID), Hewlett-Packard (Boise, ID) and The Idaho National Engineering & Environmental Laboratory (Idaho Falls, ID).    Mircon Technology employees in CVD & Implant. Micron CTO, Mark Durcan spoke at Idaho Nanotechnology Forum-Boise. The company is engaged in nanoscale memory research.   Businesses and researchers in Idaho are already engaged in nanotechnology research and implementation. The Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, through NanoBoise.org is committed to promoting nanotechnology as an existing, high-value industry.

NanoBoise.org by Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce

250 S. 5th Street, Suite 800, Boise, ID 83702

(208) 472-5200 / info@boisechamber.org