The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for continuation of the Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission) in its Phase-II in the 12th Plan Period at a total cost of Rs. 650 crores.

Nano Technology is a knowledge-intensive and "enabling technology" which is expected to influence a wide range of products and processes with far-reaching implications for the national economy and development.

The Mission`s programmes will target all scientists, institutions and industry in the country.  It will also strengthen activities in nano science and technology by promoting basic research, human resource development, research infrastructure development, international collaborations, orchestration of national dialogues and nano applications and technology development. The Nano Mission, in this new phase, will also make greater effort to promote application-oriented R&D so that some useful products, processes and technologies also emerge. It will be anchored in the Department of Science and Technology and steered by a Nano Mission Council chaired by an eminent scientist.