Breadth is a key feature of the nanotechnology research, development and commercialization landscape. Academia, industry and government are all intensely interested in advancing nanotechnology as a focus for research, education, business growth, and economic development. Scientists and engineers from many disciplines conduct research at the nanoscale in university, government and industry laboratories. New industries, knowledge, technologies, and 21st century work/workers are all envisioned. Nanopreneurs are challenged to maneuver in diverse industries, and to navigate both business-to-business and business-to-consumer opportunities. Current and future commercial applications for nanotechnologies are seen in a wide range of products and industries:

  • Solar panels
  • Batteries
  • Electronics
  • Coatings and paints
  • Materials
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Clothing/apparel
  • Textiles
  • Consumer products

The U.S. government is a key stakeholder in facilitating the translation of nanotechnologies from research laboratories to products. It has made significant investments in nanotechnology research through the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Defense Department. Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Drug Administration have regulatory responsibilities as new products emerge. These agencies and others are brought together in the National Nanotechnology Initiative(NNI), which aims to advance the field and is working toward “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.” As part of this effort, the NNI provides information about collaborations and funding that may be useful to a nano-driven entrepreneur. In addition, many other countries have economic and scientific agencies with interests in cultivating nano-related research and industry.

Awareness of government, industry and scientific organizations and associations that participate in the nanotechnology commercialization landscape is another aspect of understanding the nanotechnology landscape. A starting point for UMass Amherst students and faculty is the list of industry associations in Plunkett’s Nanotechnology & MEMS Research Center, which is available through the UMass Amherst library database collection. which lists over 150 groups including government agencies, academic centers, industry associations, scientific policy organizations, and professional societies. Scholarly meetings, trade shows, and industry conferences provide opportunities to learn, share information, make connections, and advance commercialization efforts.

Nanotechnology efforts at UMass Amherst reflect the breadth seen nationally and internationally. Faculty, students, and staff in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Food Science, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Physics, Microbiology, and Polymer Science & Engineering engage in research at the nanoscale. Their efforts have produced a wide array of nano-related technologies that are now available for licensing and startup ventures.  In addition, there are a number of boundary spanning organizations that engage researchers from across the campus.*

Entrepreneurship resources at UMass Amherst at also widely distributed. We will highlight these in future blog posts. To get started immediately, go to*:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Did we miss your organization? Our omission was unintentional. Contact us so we can add your organization to this page.

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