GREENSBORO, N.C. -
Leaders with North Carolina A&T and UNCG broke ground Monday on a new partnership and a new building: the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, A&T Chancellor Harold Martin said the universities can maintain their regional competitive research and development and better prepare their graduates by combining their resources and strengths.
Inside of the 100,000-square-foot building, students will partner with businesses to study how to make small things do big things.
Nanotechnology deals with modifying the molecules of specific substances, a process already being applied of just about every facet of life.
Researchers have already developed wool and silk material that cleans itself, because the altered particles "eat" the stains. Self-cleaning household products are also being developed.
Certain sunscreens use nanotechnology to absorb more light, and medical researchers have even developed a synthetic substitute for bones.
"We will become a magnet for companies looking for a talented workforce, and our presence will encourage students to move into this area," said UNCG Chancellor Linda Brady.
It's estimated over the next 20 years, the research park will bring $250 million into the Piedmont.
By the year 2014, researchers estimate more than $2 trillion worth of goods will incorporate nanotechnology -- about 15 percent of everything that's made.
"Nanoscience represents our future, and we're delighted to partner with A&T in the enterprise," said Brady.
The schools hope to begin nanoscience classes in the fall and move into the building in the fall of 2011.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, A&T Chancellor Harold Martin said the universities can maintain their regional competitive research and development and better prepare their graduates by combining their resources and strengths.
Inside of the 100,000-square-foot building, students will partner with businesses to study how to make small things do big things.
Nanotechnology deals with modifying the molecules of specific substances, a process already being applied of just about every facet of life.
Researchers have already developed wool and silk material that cleans itself, because the altered particles "eat" the stains. Self-cleaning household products are also being developed.
Certain sunscreens use nanotechnology to absorb more light, and medical researchers have even developed a synthetic substitute for bones.
"We will become a magnet for companies looking for a talented workforce, and our presence will encourage students to move into this area," said UNCG Chancellor Linda Brady.
It's estimated over the next 20 years, the research park will bring $250 million into the Piedmont.
By the year 2014, researchers estimate more than $2 trillion worth of goods will incorporate nanotechnology -- about 15 percent of everything that's made.
"Nanoscience represents our future, and we're delighted to partner with A&T in the enterprise," said Brady.
The schools hope to begin nanoscience classes in the fall and move into the building in the fall of 2011.
