A MOU was signed between Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Gujarat University to establish a Centre of Excellence in Green Nanotechnology with the support of Government of Gujarat. The launch program was presided by Dr. Parimal H. Trivedi, Vice-Chancellor, Gujarat University. Mr. Dev Ranjan Mukherjee, Head, CII Gujarat and Dr. Baldevbhai Patel, Registrar, Gujarat University signed the MOU.

"Government of Gujarat has been a visionary in terms of supporting new ideas and I thank the Government for considering to set up a Centre of Excellence in Green Nanotechnology in the University." said Dr. Parimal H. Trivedi, Vice-Chancellor, Gujarat University at the Launch of Green Nanotechnology Initiative on 19th June 2012 at Gujarat University. He added that Gujarat University has been pioneer in introducing more than 150 courses in upcoming areas like climate change, forensics, space, bio diversity and bio medical to name a few. Nanotechnology research has been conducted in the University but the proposed initiative is a great leap in a new area of research. He also said that the proposed partnership between Gujarat University and CII would be a unique initiative and I dream that the centre would become the heart of Indian Green Nanotechnology Development. 

Mr. Yatindra Sharma, Past Chairman, CII Gujarat State Council & MD, KHS Machinery Pvt., Ltd earlier welcomed all the participants. He mentioned that CII has been a pioneer organization in building new and visionary initiatives for the benefit of the member industry by working with both Government and academia. He appreciated the efforts of CII in bringing up Centers of Excellences in the area of Energy, Logistics, Leadership and Skill to name a few. He cited few examples of nanotechnology applications like flexible solar cells and stain resistant clothes to emphasize the importance of industrial applications. He said that Gujarat University would be natural partner in the Green Nanotechnology Initiative and offered full support on behalf of CII member industries for this initiative.

Dr. S Ahmad, Senior Advisor- Nanotechnology, CII made a presentation on Green Nanotechnology. He cited examples of using green approach to synthesize nano-materials for solving local problems. In this context development of natural dyes using super critical extraction was given as specific task to be taken up in the proposed centre. He also mentioned that this centre would be a common ground where industry and academia together with Government support to try out projects based on new concepts of nanotechnology using Green approach.

Dr. Shobhana K Menon, Director, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University offered vote of thanks. The proposed Centre of Excellence would be coordinated by Dr. Shobana Menon and Dr. S Ahmad. 

19th June 2012, Mumbai.