(1) By the end of the third fiscal year of the project, at least one prototype (sample material, database, or simulation software, etc) that can be used for trial purposes must be produced and it will be furnished to outside observers after closing a contract.

(2) Each participant of the project may request the consent of other participants for the use of said participants’ patents or expertise if it is required for carrying out the project.

(1) The NMTDD operates a domestic mailing list called the Nano-Tech Mailing List, to provide information exchange on nanotechnology to persons interested in nanotechnology, both within and outside the Nanotechnology Program. As of June 2003, this mailing list has approximately 760 members. Every effort will be made to provide comprehensive disclosure on the NEDO website

(2) Forums, workshops, exhibitions and similar kinds of events will be held every year. Research activities are also conducted for aiming at developing practical applications and commercialization of nanotechnology.

(3) An international network of professionals will be formed to promote R&D and commercialization of nanotechnology through the free and open exchange of views and information among people.

(1) Considerable authority will be conferred on project leaders and clear numerical targets will be set, to ensure responsible and effective research management.

(2) Effective liaison among projects will be maintained through “Systematization of Nanotechnology Materials Program Results Project”.

During the current fiscal year, five projects will be subject to an interim evaluation: Nanotechnology Metal Project; Nanotechnology Glass Project; Nanotechnology Particle Project; Nanostructure Coating Project; and Synthetic Nano-Function Materials Project. Moreover, most of the projects under Nanomaterials and Processing Sub-Program are subject to the third fiscal year, when the submission of prototypes will be required. This year is thus designated as an evaluation year, when progress in each project is verified and reviewed and future management policies and directions are determined.

Full and comprehensive sharing and publication of information is of crucial importance, as the commercialization of nanotechnology research results requires timely and rapid response. Currently moves are afoot in industry in Japan to establish a nanotechnology business promotion council, which NEDO believes will provide much-needed support. This fiscal year, the evaluation year, NEDO will be involved in “nano tech 2004”, as “nano tech 2003 + Future”. “nano tech 2004”, scheduled for March 2004 at Tokyo Big Site, is the world biggest international exhibition and conference on nanotechnology providing the resources necessary to launch new and exciting nanotechnology industries. NEDO is also keenly active in promoting exchanges of views through overseas expositions, including Nanofair 2003 in St. Gallen (Switzerland) slated for September 2003.

Four projects under Nanomaterials and Processing Sub-Program and two under Nano Manufacturing and Metrology Sub-Program are led by researchers from National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). In many other projects, AIST is a key participant, playing important roles in each of these efforts. I would like to close by thanking all of the researchers in advance for their valuable work in furthering each of the projects that make up the Nanotechnology Program.