OKLAHOMA CITY (PRWEB via PR Web Direct ) August 26, 2005 -- The State Chamber announced today the launch of the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative (ONI) website, www.oknano.com . The website is part of a statewide initiative to create awareness of the emerging nanotechnology industry and its potential impact on Oklahoma. The ONI is a project coordinated by The State Chamber of Oklahoma and funded by the Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST).

“The role Oklahoma will eventually play in this promising new industry depends largely on actions taken today,” said Jim Mason, executive director of the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative and vice president for technology initiatives with The State Chamber. “Planting the seeds of nanotechnology in Oklahoma is an important investment in our state's future.”

According to Mason, timing is critical in this endeavor because nanotechnology is still a relatively new industry with many states beginning to make their mark with varying initiatives. Through the ONI, Oklahoma has a unique opportunity to position the state as a leader in the emerging industry.

The ONI website will serve as a clearinghouse of information on nanotechnology to the academic, financial, industrial and business communities, and as a vehicle to promote Oklahoma and its resources.

Website features include information on the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative; the science and practical uses of nanotechnology; information on current Oklahoma nanotechnology companies; available federal grants; state and national nanotechnology industry news and samples of Oklahoma nanotech research. The website also contains information about upcoming events relating to nanotechnology; the ONI Advisory Board and links to key nanotechnology websites.

The ONI is currently coordinating efforts for the second Oklahoma Nanotechnology Conference that will be held on November 10th and 11th. At the conference, various national experts will speak on the emerging field of nanotechnology and existing Oklahoma nanotechnology companies will be highlighted such as Colossus Nano Batteries, NanoBioMagnetics and Southwest Nano Technologies.

About The ONI
The Oklahoma Nanotech Initiative (ONI) is a project coordinated by The State Chamber of Oklahoma and funded by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). The ONI was created to bring Oklahoma to the forefront of the emerging field of nanotechnology, moving towards establishing the state as a global leader in the technical, industrial and economic arenas.

For more information about nanotechnology or The Oklahoma Nanotech Initiative, please visit the website at www.oknano.com , or contact Jim Mason by e-mail at e-mail protected from spam bots or call (405) 235-3669.

Contact:
Jim Mason
e-mail protected from spam bots
405.235.3669 ext. 225