Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: NorTech Transitions Nano-Network Initiative to PolymerOhio

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Abstract:
Move will expand nanotechnology emphasis throughout State of Ohio

NorTech Transitions Nano-Network Initiative to PolymerOhio

Ohio | Posted on September 15th, 2009

Today NorTech, the champion for high tech industry growth in Northeast Ohio, announced it will transition operations of its Nano-Network initiative to PolymerOhio, a statewide organization that accelerates commercialization activities across a wide range of applications in the polymer and advanced materials industries.

Since 2005, NorTech has been supporting, staffing and managing the Nano-Network. Over the past four years, the Nano-Network has been active in educating the public about nanotechnology and related issues; communicating Northeast Ohio's role in the nanotechnology industry at local, state, and national levels; sponsoring and supporting activities to expand nanotechnology
commercialization efforts in Northeast Ohio and abroad; and advocating for resources and funding to continue nanotechnology business and research in Northeast Ohio.

Major Nano-Network programs have included the Annual Nano Week, Nano-App Summit, Nano Medicine Summit, Nano Business Idea Competition, Nanovate, "Nano 101" seminars, Nano Manufacturer's Forum and the Northeast Ohio Nanotechnology Report.

The decision to transfer Nano-Network operations is a result of NorTech's strategic planning process that was completed in mid 2008. While nanotechnology will continue to be integral to NorTech's focus on industry building and technology commercialization, PolymerOhio is better positioned to now manage the organization and carry the nanotechnology message statewide in Ohio.

"The Nano-Network has made a great and important impact on Northeast Ohio to-date. We have certainly increased our region's national and international visibility and credibility in the nanotechnology arena; attracted external investment and talent as a result; and helped our business and academic communities cultivate collaborations and stimulate commercialization. I am
confident that with PolymerOhio's leadership, the Nano-Network will continue to be successful with the added benefit of now promoting and linking nanotechnology statewide," said Alexis Abramson, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Nano-Network and Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University.

PolymerOhio's connections in the polymer and advanced materials industries with potential collaborators/partners, researchers, suppliers, customers, and economic development resources will help to broaden the geographic scope of Nano-Network's activities to be statewide. Additionally, PolymerOhio supports various events throughout the state that further enhance connections across a
broad range of nanotechnology-related applications.

"I appreciate NorTech's leadership and efforts over the past four years to make Nano-Network one of the best-known privately funded, 'grass roots' nanotechnology organizations in the U.S. I look forward to building upon the group's success by mobilizing the resources and connections of Ohio's advanced materials industry to encourage adoption of nanotechnology throughout the state of Ohio," said Wayne Earley, President and CEO of PolymerOhio.

Ken Vaughan, Vice President of Programs for PolymerOhio, has been appointed as successor to Dr. Alexis Abramson and will serve as the new Executive Director of the Nano-Network, under PolymerOhio's management. For upcoming news about Nano-Network activities, please visit: www.polymerohio.org.

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About NorTech
The Nano-Network was formed in 2003 by scientists, entrepreneurs and
financiers to improve and expand nanotechnology research and commercialization
activities and capacities in Northeast Ohio, and throughout the nation. Since
2005, the Nano-Network has been managed by NorTech (www.nortech.org), a
regional economic development organization that champions growth in Northeast
Ohio's high tech economy. NorTech's relationship with the Nano-Network has
provided the group with structure, contacts and resources to further promote
nanotechnology in Ohio and the United States. www.nano-network.org

About Polymer Ohio

OH!Polymer is composed of two nonprofit groups: PolymerOhio, Inc. and the Ohio
Polymer Strategy Council. These groups share a common purpose to support and
grow Ohio's polymer and advanced materials businesses. Collectively, these
important organizations seek to enhance Ohio's position as a worldwide center
of excellence for polymers and advanced materials. Polymers are both a
strategic technology platform that is important to several key Ohio industries
and an important vertical industry with a complete supply chain of companies
that are located in nearly every county in the state.

PolymerOhio, Inc. is an Ohio Edison Technology Center funded by the Ohio
Department of Development and has been involved with nano technology
organizations for the past 5+ years. The Ohio Polymer Strategy Council is a
self-funded organization made up of the leaders of some of Ohio's major
polymer companies and universities with polymer programs. The organization
provides strategic direction and advice to state leaders and PolymerOhio.
www.polymerohio.org

For more information, please click here

Contacts:
Media Contacts:
Kelly South
Sr. Director, Communications
NorTech
216-241-8458

Alexis Abramson, Ph.D.
Senior Fellow, NorTech
216-274-0246

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