The U.S. National Science Foundation has invested in fundamental nanoscale research for decades, paving the way for today’s understanding and use of nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology is ubiquitous throughout modern society, from carbon fiber tennis rackets and water purification systems to faster computer chips and nano-based solar panels.
Advances in nanotechnology continue to unlock new technologies — like quantum computing and mRNA vaccines — revolutionizing industries as diverse as medicine, clean energy, manufacturing and agriculture.
On this page
What is nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is the understanding, manipulation and control of matter at the nanoscale — at size ranges of about 1 to 100 nanometers — to produce new structures, materials and devices. It utilizes the unique physical, chemical, mechanical and optical properties of materials that naturally occur at extremely small scales.
Nanoscale research is situated at the interface between physics, chemistry, materials science, microelectronics, biochemistry, engineering and biotechnology.
What we support
Nano-scale research
We support fundamental and applied research across all disciplines of nanoscale science, engineering and technology.
Nano-scale technologies
We support the development of novel nanomaterials, nanodevices and nanotechnology-enabled systems.
Research infrastructure
We promote access to cutting-edge research infrastructure, instrumentation and expertise needed to advance nanotechnology research and commercialization.
Education and workforce development
We support the next generation of innovators across all areas of nanoscale science and engineering.
Responsible and sustainable development of nanotechnology
We support ethical and responsible research and technology development.
National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI)
NSF participates in the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), a whole-of-government approach to advance the discovery, development, and deployment of nanoscale science, engineering and technology that benefit society.
The NNI coordinates the U.S. federal nanotechnology research and development ecosystem by providing access to share-use research infrastructure and establishing shared goals, priorities, and strategies that complement multiple agency-specific missions and activities.
Learn more about NNI:
- Nano.gov: Official website of the National Nanotechnology Initiative.
- National Nanotechnology Initiative at 20 Years: Enabling New Horizons (2023): Overview of nanoscale research investments and governance of the NNI, its outcomes and lessons learned.
- NNI Retrospective Video: Creating a national initiative (2022, Runtime: 25:08): A brief retrospective video on the creation and implementation of the NNI over the last 20 years.
- 2021 National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan (PDF, 1.859 MB): Outlines the goals and objectives to guide NNI participating agencies and the nanotechnology community over the next five years.
- "21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act": The act authorized the creation of the NNI to coordinate use-inspired, solutions-oriented research and innovation in nanoscience and technology.
- NNI 20th anniversary symposium: Enabling the Nanotechnology Revolution (March 2024): Celebrating the NNI’s broad impact over the last 20 years and envisioning its future across the emerging technology landscape.