This week on Let’s Kopi we feature yet another exclusive interview with a tech enthusiast, Marine Le Bouar, founder and CEO of Nanotechnology World. She shares her views, various initiatives and the community that she is shaping simply for her love and passion for the nanotechnology field in solving various environmental, social and economic constraints that we face today. Here is her response to some of our questions in how nano technology will define future of computing and if “Moorse Law” is really nearing its limits.
LK: Tell us a little bit about Nanotechnology World?
Marine: Nanotechnology World is a network of more than 80,000 individuals and organisations who are leading research, development, manufacturing and commercialisation of nanotechnology worldwide.
At the heart of the network is the Who's Who of nanotechnology space which includes members from academia, industry, government and investors. The platform connects individuals, companies and products. We already have more that 20,000 listings in the Who's Who and are planning in doubling that number within the next few months.
The Nanotechnology World Network is uniquely positioned in this niche industry as it has the power to reach major players, researchers and industrials with just a push of the button. For instance, several "Ecosystems Partners" with whom we work closely with, help create use cases and simplify adoption of nanotechnology in industries.
LK: Can you describe your role in your organisation?
Marine: My role in the organisation is central as I work alone! On a daily basis, it involves reporting the news, list the new job opportunities and events, work on several media partnership agreements, answer dozens of emails, manage the several social media platforms and help investors get in touch with companies looking for investments.
Currently, I am working towards creating a user generated content platform to ease and diversify the content, and enable our members to list their jobs, events and news. My main goal is to promote the importance of nanotechnology and the amazing possibilities it creates, but also to facilitate its adoption in the industry. I truly believe it has the power to change technology as we know it and that it will helps us solve some of the major issues we have as pollution, cancer, energy and etcetra.
LK: Tell us a little bit about how you got started in the nano tech world?
Marine: I have always been a technology enthusiast. From satellite phones, to extremely complex electrical simulators, or serial bus for high-speed communications and real-time data transfer, I spent my career developing markets for high tech products.
I vividly remember the day I read an article about a new material that heals itself. It was the first time I heard about nanotechnology and I was flabbergasted. At the time, nothing much was happening outside the laboratories, but I new I wanted to spend the rest of my career working in that field. I instantaneously felt it was the future of all technologies. I opened a group in LinkedIn, called Nanotechnology World, because I found the articles I was reading so interesting that I wanted to share them with other technology enthusiasts. That's how it all begun.
LK: Lately there has been many talks on how the 'Moore's Law' is reaching a limit, what are your views on this?
Marine: This question clearly divides the science community! I am an eternal optimistic. I don't think Moore's Law is dead. With Intel’s release of a 10 nanometer chip in 2017, that will be cheaper than its predecessor, at this point I consider Moore's Law alive and kicking!
LK: How do you think the computing world will change in the future? (as sizes of clouds grow, emergence of neural networks, new data types, IOT, AI etc)
Marine: It’s a mystery why Moore’s law (it's not really a law, it is a prediction) still holds true after a half century later and the computational growth it predicts will continue to profoundly change our world. We’ve just seen the beginning of what computers are going to do for us:
In-memory computing
Graphene-based microchips or Graphene — one molecule thick and more conductive than any other known material can be rolled up into tiny tubes or combined with other materials to move electrons faster, in less space, than even the smallest silicon transistor. This will extend Moore’s Law for microprocessors a few years longer.
Quantum computing
Quantum computing uses quantum bits, or Qubits, which can be a zero, a one, both at once, or some point in between, all at the same time, opposed to conventional computer can only assign a one or a zero to each bit. Theoretically, a quantum computer will be able to solve highly complex problems, like analyzing genetic data or testing aircraft systems, millions of times faster than currently possible.
Molecular electronics
Researchers at Sweden’s Lund University have used nanotechnology to build a “biocomputer” that can perform parallel calculations by moving multiple protein filaments simultaneously along nanoscopic artificial pathways. This biocomputer is faster than conventional electrical computers that operate sequentially, approximately 99 percent more energy-efficient, and cheaper than both conventional and quantum computers to produce and use. It’s also more likely to be commercialised sooner than quantum computing itself.
DNA data storage
A little bit of DNA stores a whole lot of information. A group of researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich speculate that about a teaspoon of DNA could hold all the data humans have generated to date, from the first cave drawings to yesterday’s Facebook status updates. It currently takes a lot of time and money, but gene editing may be the future of big data.
Neuromorphic computing
It's a computer that’s like the human brain—able to process and learn from data as quickly as the data is generated. So far, we’ve developed chips that train and execute neural networks for deep learning, and that’s a step in the right direction.
Passive Wi-fi
A new way to generate Wi-fi transmissions that use 10,000 times less power than the current battery-draining standard. While this isn’t technically an increase in computing power, it is an exponential increase in connectivity, which will enable other types of advances.
LK: How do you think nano technology will impact/ assist quantum computing breakthroughs?
Marine: Nanotechnology plays a major role in the development of quantum computing by creating new nano materials.
For example, researchers from the London Centre for Nanotechnology at UCL have shown that the electrons in CuPc can remain in ‘superposition’ – an intrinsically quantum effect where the electron exists in two states at once - for surprisingly long times, showing this simple dye molecule has potential as a medium for quantum technologies.
Also, the University of Maryland researchers have developed a method to quickly and inexpensively assemble diamond-based hybrid nanoparticles from the ground up in large quantities while avoiding many of the problems with current methods. These hybrid nanoparticles could speed the design of room-temperature qubits for quantum computers and create brighter dyes for biomedical imaging or highly sensitive magnetic and temperature sensors.
Another example: the nuclei of Graphene Quantum Dots for quantum computers are nano crystals made of semiconducting materials small enough to exhibit quantum properties. Graphene quantum dots are ideal for use in quantum computers because they do not have a spin 98% of the time, greatly decreasing a tendency to interact with the spin of neighbouring atom’s nuclei that dismantles their undefined superposition state.
While practical Quantum Computers have not yet been achieved, the creation of qubit control devices such as graphene quantum dots, ion traps, optical traps, and superconducting circuits allow computer scientists to continually improve the floating point operations per second (FLOPS) capability of Quantum Computers.
Scientists at EPFL have now identified a new class of materials whose electronic properties can prove ideal for the implementation of spintronics. In a classical picture spin exists in either of two directions: "up" or "down", which can be described respectively as the clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the electron around its axis. However, the full picture is even more fascinating; the spin is a quantum property of the electron and can thus be in a superposition of up and down. Similar to the picture of Schrödingers cat being alive and dead at the same time. This makes a controllable spin state also a promising aspect for quantum computers.
There are numerous examples showing that nanotechnology plays a central role in the development of quantum computing. It's such a vast and interesting subject. I really can't wait to see what the future holds, but I am confident, singularity is near.
LK: What advise you would give the technology community to stay relevant in the next five years?
Marine: Keep up to date with the latest breakthroughs. Invest in R & D. Join discussion groups and associations. Create a road map for your products that goes far in the future and do no hesitate to dream. It might seems like science fiction today, but could be totally feasible in the next few years.
Attending professional conferences and industry events puts you in the direct company of industry thought leaders. Regular lunch or coffee meetings with your mentors can provide you with more than just advice and support. Mentors can give you new insight and perspective into your shared industry.
LinkedIn groups are a highly under-utilised resource for accessing industry experts. Many people join groups but never read anything that’s shared. Members of industry groups often have discussions relating to up and coming trends. Following industry thought leaders on social media can provide you with quick tips, links to important articles, and new insights saving you precious time that you’d spend searching for the good stuff on your own. Look for your industry contributors on Twitter and LinkedIn. Join Associations and get involved!
I hope LK readers and followers found the insights shared here useful and enlightening. Please feel free to follow the Nanotechnology World group on LinkedIn, share your comments and views.
LK: Tell us a little bit about Nanotechnology World?
Marine: Nanotechnology World is a network of more than 80,000 individuals and organisations who are leading research, development, manufacturing and commercialisation of nanotechnology worldwide.
At the heart of the network is the Who's Who of nanotechnology space which includes members from academia, industry, government and investors. The platform connects individuals, companies and products. We already have more that 20,000 listings in the Who's Who and are planning in doubling that number within the next few months.
The Nanotechnology World Network is uniquely positioned in this niche industry as it has the power to reach major players, researchers and industrials with just a push of the button. For instance, several "Ecosystems Partners" with whom we work closely with, help create use cases and simplify adoption of nanotechnology in industries.
LK: Can you describe your role in your organisation?
Marine: My role in the organisation is central as I work alone! On a daily basis, it involves reporting the news, list the new job opportunities and events, work on several media partnership agreements, answer dozens of emails, manage the several social media platforms and help investors get in touch with companies looking for investments.
 |
| Marine Le Bouar, Founder of NWN |
Currently, I am working towards creating a user generated content platform to ease and diversify the content, and enable our members to list their jobs, events and news. My main goal is to promote the importance of nanotechnology and the amazing possibilities it creates, but also to facilitate its adoption in the industry. I truly believe it has the power to change technology as we know it and that it will helps us solve some of the major issues we have as pollution, cancer, energy and etcetra.
LK: Tell us a little bit about how you got started in the nano tech world?
Marine: I have always been a technology enthusiast. From satellite phones, to extremely complex electrical simulators, or serial bus for high-speed communications and real-time data transfer, I spent my career developing markets for high tech products.
I vividly remember the day I read an article about a new material that heals itself. It was the first time I heard about nanotechnology and I was flabbergasted. At the time, nothing much was happening outside the laboratories, but I new I wanted to spend the rest of my career working in that field. I instantaneously felt it was the future of all technologies. I opened a group in LinkedIn, called Nanotechnology World, because I found the articles I was reading so interesting that I wanted to share them with other technology enthusiasts. That's how it all begun.
LK: Lately there has been many talks on how the 'Moore's Law' is reaching a limit, what are your views on this?
Marine: This question clearly divides the science community! I am an eternal optimistic. I don't think Moore's Law is dead. With Intel’s release of a 10 nanometer chip in 2017, that will be cheaper than its predecessor, at this point I consider Moore's Law alive and kicking!
LK: How do you think the computing world will change in the future? (as sizes of clouds grow, emergence of neural networks, new data types, IOT, AI etc)
Marine: It’s a mystery why Moore’s law (it's not really a law, it is a prediction) still holds true after a half century later and the computational growth it predicts will continue to profoundly change our world. We’ve just seen the beginning of what computers are going to do for us:
In-memory computing
Graphene-based microchips or Graphene — one molecule thick and more conductive than any other known material can be rolled up into tiny tubes or combined with other materials to move electrons faster, in less space, than even the smallest silicon transistor. This will extend Moore’s Law for microprocessors a few years longer.
Quantum computing
Quantum computing uses quantum bits, or Qubits, which can be a zero, a one, both at once, or some point in between, all at the same time, opposed to conventional computer can only assign a one or a zero to each bit. Theoretically, a quantum computer will be able to solve highly complex problems, like analyzing genetic data or testing aircraft systems, millions of times faster than currently possible.
Molecular electronics
Researchers at Sweden’s Lund University have used nanotechnology to build a “biocomputer” that can perform parallel calculations by moving multiple protein filaments simultaneously along nanoscopic artificial pathways. This biocomputer is faster than conventional electrical computers that operate sequentially, approximately 99 percent more energy-efficient, and cheaper than both conventional and quantum computers to produce and use. It’s also more likely to be commercialised sooner than quantum computing itself.
DNA data storage
A little bit of DNA stores a whole lot of information. A group of researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich speculate that about a teaspoon of DNA could hold all the data humans have generated to date, from the first cave drawings to yesterday’s Facebook status updates. It currently takes a lot of time and money, but gene editing may be the future of big data.
Neuromorphic computing
It's a computer that’s like the human brain—able to process and learn from data as quickly as the data is generated. So far, we’ve developed chips that train and execute neural networks for deep learning, and that’s a step in the right direction.
Passive Wi-fi
A new way to generate Wi-fi transmissions that use 10,000 times less power than the current battery-draining standard. While this isn’t technically an increase in computing power, it is an exponential increase in connectivity, which will enable other types of advances.
LK: How do you think nano technology will impact/ assist quantum computing breakthroughs?
Marine: Nanotechnology plays a major role in the development of quantum computing by creating new nano materials.
For example, researchers from the London Centre for Nanotechnology at UCL have shown that the electrons in CuPc can remain in ‘superposition’ – an intrinsically quantum effect where the electron exists in two states at once - for surprisingly long times, showing this simple dye molecule has potential as a medium for quantum technologies.
Also, the University of Maryland researchers have developed a method to quickly and inexpensively assemble diamond-based hybrid nanoparticles from the ground up in large quantities while avoiding many of the problems with current methods. These hybrid nanoparticles could speed the design of room-temperature qubits for quantum computers and create brighter dyes for biomedical imaging or highly sensitive magnetic and temperature sensors.
Another example: the nuclei of Graphene Quantum Dots for quantum computers are nano crystals made of semiconducting materials small enough to exhibit quantum properties. Graphene quantum dots are ideal for use in quantum computers because they do not have a spin 98% of the time, greatly decreasing a tendency to interact with the spin of neighbouring atom’s nuclei that dismantles their undefined superposition state.
While practical Quantum Computers have not yet been achieved, the creation of qubit control devices such as graphene quantum dots, ion traps, optical traps, and superconducting circuits allow computer scientists to continually improve the floating point operations per second (FLOPS) capability of Quantum Computers.
Scientists at EPFL have now identified a new class of materials whose electronic properties can prove ideal for the implementation of spintronics. In a classical picture spin exists in either of two directions: "up" or "down", which can be described respectively as the clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the electron around its axis. However, the full picture is even more fascinating; the spin is a quantum property of the electron and can thus be in a superposition of up and down. Similar to the picture of Schrödingers cat being alive and dead at the same time. This makes a controllable spin state also a promising aspect for quantum computers.
There are numerous examples showing that nanotechnology plays a central role in the development of quantum computing. It's such a vast and interesting subject. I really can't wait to see what the future holds, but I am confident, singularity is near.
LK: What advise you would give the technology community to stay relevant in the next five years?
Marine: Keep up to date with the latest breakthroughs. Invest in R & D. Join discussion groups and associations. Create a road map for your products that goes far in the future and do no hesitate to dream. It might seems like science fiction today, but could be totally feasible in the next few years.
Attending professional conferences and industry events puts you in the direct company of industry thought leaders. Regular lunch or coffee meetings with your mentors can provide you with more than just advice and support. Mentors can give you new insight and perspective into your shared industry.
LinkedIn groups are a highly under-utilised resource for accessing industry experts. Many people join groups but never read anything that’s shared. Members of industry groups often have discussions relating to up and coming trends. Following industry thought leaders on social media can provide you with quick tips, links to important articles, and new insights saving you precious time that you’d spend searching for the good stuff on your own. Look for your industry contributors on Twitter and LinkedIn. Join Associations and get involved!
I hope LK readers and followers found the insights shared here useful and enlightening. Please feel free to follow the Nanotechnology World group on LinkedIn, share your comments and views.
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