About the NNI | National Nanotechnology Initiative

Welcome to the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) website. The NNI is a U.S. Government research and development (R&D) initiative involving 20 departments and independent agencies working together toward the shared vision of "a future in which the ability to understand and control matter at the nanoscale leads to a revolution in technology and industry that benefits society." The NNI brings together the expertise needed to advance this broad and complex field—creating a framework for shared goals, priorities, and strategies that helps each participating Federal agency leverage the resources of all participating agencies. With the support of the NNI, nanotechnology R&D is taking place in academic, government, and industry laboratories across the United States.

What is the NNI?
The NNI is a U.S. government research and development (R&D) initiative involving the nanotechnology-related activities of 20 Federal department and agency units.

The NSET Subcommittee
The NSET Subcommittee is the interagency body responsible for the coordination of the National Nanotechnology Initiative

Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives
Nanotechnology signature Initiatives (NSIs) are areas identified as ripe for significant advances through close and targeted program-level interagency collaboration.

Nanotechnology-Inspired Grand Challenges
LA nanotechnology-inspired grand challenge us an ambitious but achievable goal that harnesses nanoscience, nanotechnology, and innovation to solve important national or global problems and has the potential to capture the public's imagination.

NNI R&D User Facilities
Several Federal agencies operate nanotechnology research facilities that are available to outside users.

Interactive U.S. Nanotechnology Resource Map
This interactive map shows the currently funded NNI Centers and User Facilities, as well as the nation's higher education nanotechnology degrees - from community college through PhD programs.

Current Solicitations
This page lists current grant solicitations in the areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Environmental, Health, and Safety Issues
This page discusses potential environmental, health, and safety (EHS) implications of nanomaterials.

Ethical, Legal, and Societal Issues
This page discusses the ethical, legal, and societal implications of nanotechnology.

International Engagement
NNI agencies and representatives participate in many international activities, including bilateral and multilateral cooperative programs, tracking foreign progress in nanotechnology R&D, and the promotion of the trade and commercial interests of the United States.

National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO)
The NNCO provides staff support to the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee.

Acronyms
A list of nanotechnology and NNI related acronyms.