White House Holds Inaugural Nanotechnology Infrastructure Leaders Summit

Leaders from over 30 government agencies, user research facilities and manufacturing institutes have participated in the inaugural Nanotechnology Infrastructure Leaders Summit at the White House.

The summit was designed to encourage collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs and industry on the development of innovative products and materials that begin at the nanoscale, such as electronic devices, sensors, vaccines and medical devices. Partnerships will increase access to essential resources and accelerate product discoveries and commercialization, the White House said. 

Invited organizations were those conducting research and development work under the National Nanotechnology Initiative, including the Department of Energy’s laboratories and manufacturing innovation institutes comprising Manufacturing USA.

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office hosted the summit on Sept. 11. A two-day workshop focused on the U.S. nanotechnology infrastructure for the American semiconductor industry was conducted following the conference.

Future discussions on nanotechnology will involve new organizations and thought leaders to address common challenges, including bridging basic science and applied research and manufacturing.