About the NNN 

The National Nanomanufacturing Network (NNN) is an open network for collaboration and information exchange among the nanomanufacturing research, development and education community.

The NNN is an alliance of academic, government and industry partners that cooperate to advance nanomanufacturing strength in the U.S. The NNN conducts strategic workshops and other activities to build communities of practice in nanomanufacturing. The NNN hosts InterNano, the open source information clearinghouse, to provide vital information to nanomanufacturing community.

The NNN is funded by the National Science Foundation.

Partners 

In addition to the NSF, which supports the activities of the NNN, several federal agencies are now placing an emphasis on nanomanufacturing and cooperate in the NNN on nanomanufacturing related issues. (check back for frequent updates)

• NIST
• DOE
• DoD
• NIOSH
• NIH

Background

Over the last several years, the federal government, through the National Nanotechnology Initiative, has made strategic research funding investments to spark innovations in nanotechnology. This has resulted in a growing portfolio of laboratory discoveries that promise new applications with tremendous societal benefit. To realize this potential, however, these proof-of-concept scientific advancements must make their way into factories. To do so is no easy feat. Nonetheless, the projected economic and societal gains, deriving from the advanced nanomaterials properties, are a strong driver to invest the necessary time, money and human effort.

Historically, most product manufacturing technologies advance in an evolutionary fashion where small modifications are relatively easy to implement. In contrast, nanomanufacturing technologies are frequently disruptive, quantum leaps that take considerably more effort to adopt. For a potential nanomanufacturing process to fit in the product manufacturing value chain it must be developed to become compatible with complementary manufacturing steps. Moreover, the product performance must be assured, an adequate return on investment is required, the supporting manufacturing equipment and trained technical worker must be available, and safety to workers and consumers is essential. Meeting these requirements requires cooperation among stakeholders in academia, industry and government.