Nano World Headquarters Positioned to Boost U.S. Economy

Nanotechnology Center Planned to Spur Energy Innovation and Job Creation

HOUSTON, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nano World Headquarters (NWHQ), located
in the Houston, Texas region, will serve as the leading global center for
scientific nanotechnology collaboration and as an accelerator for start-up
companies. The initiative -- situated in one of the fastest growing regions
in the U.S. and recognized as a world leader in science, technology and energy
innovation -- represents a national solution for economic recovery.

Nanotechnology's potential impact is considerable and includes the science
necessary for exploring cures for cancer, developing the technology to rebuild
a "smart" more efficient national power grid, and creating a plethora of clean
energy solutions such as creating batteries for electric cars. By shepherding
in renewable energy solutions and providing the foundation for a science and
technology revolution, NWHQ will create thousands of jobs and foster new
scientific-based businesses to flourish and compete on a global level.

Nanotechnology is one of the fastest growing areas of scientific exploration.
It holds a promise to solve some of the world's most intractable problems in
energy, aerospace, healthcare&">healthcare and information technology. Accordingly, the
sector's potential to help boost the U.S. and global economy is significant.
Nanotechnology is projected to impact the global economy by 3.1 trillion
dollars by 2015. Strikingly, the total volume of nano-related products sold
globally is expected to soar past that of oil & gas in the next 10 to 20
years. NWHQ will provide an important avenue for innovation and foster the
growth of new nano businesses to strengthen the nanotechnology landscape and
position the United States as a leader in this field.

The creation of NWHQ is moving forward at a pivotal moment as the new
administration is advocating a stimulus plan (The American Recovery and
Reinvestment Plan) to strengthen large-scale "shovel-ready" projects that will
create new jobs, embody energy efficiency approaches, and further scientific
innovations. NWHQ is an ideal candidate for funding through the stimulus
package due to its potential to strengthen the United States economy in the
immediate and long term.

The development of NWHQ is critical at this juncture since other nations --
including China, Russia and Saudi Arabia -- have already started to invest
heavily in the commercialization of nanotechnology. The NWHQ will propel the
United States in the direction of global leadership in nanotechnology
innovation and commercialization.

Specifically, NWHQ is a $580 million 35-acre project situated in the
WaterLights District, a certified LEED Gold mixed-use property plan, just one
mile south of Houston, Texas city limits in Pearland, Texas. The $700 million
WaterLights District is currently under construction. Historic Real Estate,
Inc. is the developer of the Nano World Headquarters and the WaterLights
District. HOK Architects is spearheading the planning and design. The
property is utilizing the most advanced clean energy approaches available,
including solar to hydro power. NWHQ holds the promise to significantly
strengthen the economy through scientific research in its state-of-the-art
shared equipment facility coupled with business development support for
commercializing innovation in energy, healthcare, aerospace, and information
technology. The project is expected to create 900 jobs immediately in 2009
and over 30,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs by 2015.

"Nanotechnology advancement requires the collaboration of various disciplines
-- including chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering -- as well as
financial and technical support systems to take nanotechnology solutions from
concept to development and commercialization," explains Valerie Moore, Nano
World Headquarters Executive Director. "We are pleased that all of these
elements come together at the Nano World Headquarters, promising unprecedented
progress in nanotechnology."

The Houston, Texas area was a natural choice for the Nano World Headquarters
since it is already the hub of significant nanotechnology exploration. First,
Houston's Rice University is at the forefront of modern nanotechnology with
two of the three co-winners of the 1996 Nobel Prize for Chemistry serving as
professors. One of the Nobel Prize winners, Dr. Richard Smalley, founded the
first Nanotechnology Center, which was re-named after his death in 2005,
"Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology." Dr.
Smalley was an instrumental figure during the initial planning of the NWHQ and
helped inspire its ultimate creation.

Additionally, Houston is also arguably the Energy Capital of the world, home
to the largest medical center, the Houston Medical Center, and the NASA
Johnson Space Center. With all of these factors at play, the NWHQ found a
home at WaterLights where it could grow, thrive and contribute to nearby
scientific institutions.

The Mayor of Pearland, Texas is a vocal proponent of the Nano World
Headquarters. "Nano World Headquarters represents an important step forward
in science and technology innovation," explained Mayor Tom Reid. "We are
proud to have this great institution in our city and believe it will go a long
way in strengthening our economic vibrancy and positioning the United States
as a world leader in nanotechnology advancement."

The organization is established as a 501(c)(6) and is actively seeking federal
funding from the federal stimulus package. Currently key partnerships are
already forged with academic institutions, medical research facilities, and
corporate interests. Also, during this formative stage, various funding
sources are coming together from private entities and public sources at the
local, state and federal levels.

Lastly, a world-renowned management team is now in place for NWHQ. Recently,
Valerie C. Moore, PhD was appointed the Executive Director. She is a
preeminent expert in the field of nanotechnology who was mentored by Dr.
Richard E. Smalley on doctoral research focusing on the application of
nanotechnology in materials, energy and medicine. Dr. Moore has applied her
expertise at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, NASA's
Johnson Space Center, The Texas Heart Institute, and the Smalley Institute for
Nanoscale Science and Technology.

For more information about NWHQ please contact Christina Daigneault at
212-710-9397 or 9396.

SOURCE Nano World Headquarters

Christina Daigneault, Orchard Strategies, +1-212-710-9397, or +1-212-710-9396,
for Nano World Headquarters