First Nanotechnology Panel Series --Small Talks --Launches

Though many are aware that in the future nanotechnology is expected to do everything from recreating the computer to recreating life itself, few realize that nanotechnology is already a thriving business, creating billions in revenues each year. Companies are already utilizing nanotechnology research to make plastics stronger, paints more durable, semiconductors faster and clothes more UV resistant.

The Small Talks panelists will dispel the myths about nanotechnology as a business and separate the science from the science fiction, pointing to where the opportunity lies over the next few months and the next few years. The first Small Talks panel includes some of the true business visionaries of the nanotechnology sector: Josh Wolfe, managing partner of Lux Capital; Jason Friedman, nanotechnology analyst for JP Morgan Ventures; Dr. Stephen Wilson, director of New York University's Center for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology; and Eric Sun, founder of Nanocs. Stephen Crosby, managing editor of Small Times Magazine, will serve as moderator.

"Despite many exciting developments in the nanotechnology space, few understand the necessity to educate the financial and business communities, commercialize products, cultivate public support and build opportunities for wealth," said F. Mark Modzelewski, founder of NanoBusiness Alliance. He added, "That's why we're very excited that so many industry leaders have rushed to support this kick-off event. And we couldn't be more pleased by our teaming with a networker of Courtney Pulitzer's renown and skill to create a dynamic environment for introducing nanotech to the New York technology, venture capital, and business communities."

"Nanotechnology, like the personal computer industry in the 1970's and biotech in the 1980's, is just starting to establish itself as an industry," said Courtney Pulitzer, founder of Courtney Pulitzer Productions. "This is a unique and exhilarating opportunity to join with the NanoBusiness Alliance to create a dialogue about this cutting-edge science and give a shot in the arm for many of the sagging spirits in the tech community."

Nanotechnology as a business is experiencing an explosion of interest and growth. Though just two years ago nanotechnology was little more than a blip on the venture capital balance sheet, over $1 billion in venture capital is expected to be invested in the field in the next two years. In fact, the National Science Foundation predicts that the market for nanotechnology products and services in the US will conservatively reach $1 trillion by 2015. Next year, the US government's National Nanotechnology Initiative has proposed over $500 million to nano research and development. In addition, key research and major government funding is coming out of the European Community, particularly Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Japan, South Korea and Canada are also undertaking major efforts in the nanotechnology field and vying for early dominance.

Josh Wolfe, managing partner of Lux Capital, notes, "For commercial developments in nanotechnology, the key question has not been if, but when. The nanotechnology industry currently stands at the precipice of a massive technological paradigm shift--now is the time to capitalize."

"The first Fullerene drugs are already nearing human clinical trials. The fantastic voyage has begun," said Dr. Stephen R. Wilson, Director, New York University Center for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology.

Jason Friedman, nanotechnology analyst at JP Morgan, adds, "While venture capital investors are just beginning to dip their toes in the water of what could be a far-ranging business sector, the possibilities for nanoscale businesses to affect industries as diverse as biomedical applications to technology infrastructure to consumer products are boundless."

"Because nanotechnology as a business is currently in its earliest stages, getting the word out in New York has the special advantage of triggering the interest in the world¹s largest financial community," noted Eric Sun, founder of Nanocs. "This panel will be perfect opportunity begin the process of closing the gap between business people and the technological opportunity poised by nanotechnology."

The Small Talks series will expand beyond the New York market in the months to come. Plans are already under way to hold events in Chicago, London, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington DC, San Diego, Seattle, Detroit, and Denver. Developments will be posted at www.pulitzer.com and www.nanobusiness.org (launching September 1, 2001) in the days and weeks to come.

Courtney Pulitzer Creations:

Courtney Pulitzer Creations enriches technology professionals by fostering useful and positive idea exchange between the movers, shakers and thinkers in today's emerging technology industries. The company is committed to connecting people from around the world to learn about each other, share information, ideas and develop relationships meant to strengthen the newly wired world, economy and business via The Cyber Scene newsletter, Cocktails with Courtney events and the Morning Circle and Stardust Circle business panels.

About the NanoBusiness Alliance:

The NanoBusiness Alliance will officially launch in September, 2001 with offices in New York, NY. and Washington, DC. The NanoBusiness Alliance's mission is to create a collective voice for the advancing nanotechnology industry and develop a range of initiatives to support the nanotechnology business community. Among the NanoBusiness Alliance¹s goals are the development of research and education programs, public policy and lobbying initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and industry support networks. www.nanobusiness.org (site launches September 1, 2001)

Contact: F. Mark Modzelewski , NanoBusiness Alliance
Voice: 845-247-0115
Email: fmmodzelewski@nanobusiness.org