Pueblo -- The future of nanotechnology in Colorado will be the subject of a state-wide gathering next week on the campus of Colorado State University - Pueblo. CSU-Pueblowill host the third Colorado Nanotchnology Initiative conference July 28 and 29 in the Occhiato University Center.

Participants of the conference intend to formulate a report that summarizes Colorado's capabilities and provide recommendations for future strategy in developing nanotechnology in the state. The report will be presented at the Colorado Nanotechnology Summit at the University of Denver in November.

The Colorado Nanotechnology Initiative has sponsors two previous meetings. More than 80 scientists, educators, business and governmental representatives attended the May 20 session in Boulder, where representatives of 11 universities and two national laboratories presented sessions on the capabilities of nanotechnology and a vision for Colorado's future. Focus groups gathered June 30 meeting at Colorado State in Fort Collins to identify and establish priorities related to Colorado's future involvement in nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is the application of science and engineering to create and analyze materials at the atomic and molecular levels.

According to Kristy Proctor, dean of science and mathematics at CSU-Pueblo, this growing technology has tremendous implications for everything from organ transplants and other medical procedures to advancements in microchip and semi-conductor technology.

"An infrastructure or strategic plan for Colorado nanotechnology needs to be developed and implemented soon in order to move Colorado forward in its efforts to promote and capitalize on the impacts of this technology," she said.

Featured speakers at the conference include Glenn Rhoades, President and CEO of the Colorado Nanotchnology Initiative, Griffith Kundahl, vice president of the National Nanobusiness Alliance, Jim Spaccamonti, president of Pueblo Economic Development Corporation, Dr. Roop Mahajan, professor at the University of Colorado-Boulder, and CSU-Pueblo President Ronald Applbaum and Dr. Hector Carrasco, dean of education, engineering, and professional studies.

Representatives from the education and business sectors are welcome to attend to gain an understanding of the impact this technology could have in industry. For more information, contact Dr. Louis Hornyak, CNTI Science and Technology officer, lhornyak@du.edu, or 303-871-7879.

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.