Nanosecure: Advanced nanotechnological detection and detoxification of harmful airborne substances for improved public security

The objective is to harness breakthrough nanotechnologies in sensing and detoxification to protect European citizens against surprise attack in public buildings and transport. In indoor spaces people are highly vulnerable to attack from toxic agents introduced by terrorists. This IP aims for the breakthrough of maximum public security by providing systems that can be widely deployed for "early warning" and detoxification, which are unavailable today. Nanotechnology promises sensing and detoxification with far higher efficiency than current methods, but the potential is unfulfilled. This IP will integrate the technologies into combined protection systems that are intelligent, sensitive, flexible, compact and inexpensive, making them suitable for installation in major situations, e.g. airports, hospitals, communal buildings. Sensors for explosives and drugs are also included. A range of nanotechnologies is needed to tailor systems for strategic public environments technical and horizontal integration are essential. Emerging technologies are with RTDs and technological SMEs, who will benefit from exploitation. Associations and end-user authoriites will guide the outputs. Vertical integration allows dissemination and training by universities and associations. An IP-SME is therefore ideal. NANOSECURE technology can hugely improve public security and transform SMEs through greater product ranges. Public protection is the main techical objective, while SMEs can also exploit future "dual use" application in environmental health and safety. Increased competitiveness through innovative technology will support EU policy on SMEs, improving employment and skill levels. The IP will train key partnership staff, particularly SMEs. It will give them unrivalled technology, providing competitive advantage in large strategic world markets growing by at least 10% per year, and worth $3bn annually. The potential extends to many more European SMEs in the supply chain.