Bangalore, Dec 8 (IANS) The Bangalore Nano 2010 got underway Wednesday in this tech hub to showcase the latest trends in nanotechnology, touted to be the third technological revolution in the world.

Organised by the Karnataka science and technology department, the third edition of the two-day conference-cum-trade show has attracted about 450 delegates, 50 speakers and 35 exhibitors from across the country and abroad.

"Nanotechnology is set to pave the way for a revolution in materials, information and communication technology (ICT), medicine, genetics, electronics, energy, environment and agriculture," principal secretary for science and technology Ashok Kumar C. Manoli said at the inaugural event.

As a science of the miniature, nanotechnology enables chemical materials to be manipulated on an atomic or molecular scale, which is one billionth of a meter.

The global market for nanotechnology-based manufactured goods is projected to be valued at $1.6 trillion by 2013.

Having been in the forefront of promoting the knowledge sector, comprising ICT and biotechnology, the tech-savvy state government is spearheading the nano revolution in the country.

Noted scientist C.N.R. Rao, chairman of the scientific advisory council to the prime minister, inaugurated the event in place of state chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, who could not preside in view of the election code in force for the upcoming local body polls later this month.

Among the dignitaries participating in the event are Yashio Bando, chief operating officer at the International Centre for Materials Nanoarchitectonics and fellow of the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), and Ajay Sood, fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences and World Academy of Sciences.