Nanomanufacturing, Industry Liaison, & Innovation (NILI)


NILI is the Nanomanufacturing, Industry Liaison, & Innovation Working Group of the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee, the interagency body responsible for coordinating the NNI, the Federal program that oversees nanotechnology R&D.

Purpose and Goals

The overall purpose of the Nanomanufacturing, Industry Liaison, & Innovation (NILI) Working Group is to advance and accelerate the creation of new products and manufacturing processes derived from discovery at the nanoscale. This includes stimulating nanotechnology innovation in and by Federal Government agencies, for their use and in transferring technology among industry, academe, and State and local organizations. The NILI Working Group serves to coordinate nanomanufacturing R&D and translation activities among the participating agencies, which also involves liaison and close coordination with the private sector, where nanomanufacturing innovations will be implemented. It also facilitates interagency cooperation, and cooperation with industry, in the development of standards and nomenclature. 

The NILI Working Group has the following goals:

  • Facilitate nanotechnology innovation, nanomanufacturing advancement, and technology transfer in and by Federal agencies, in order to optimize the utility of these activities to mission agencies, to industry, and to society. 
  • Exchange information and stimulate interactions relating to nanoscience, nanotechnology, and nanomanufacturing among Federal agencies, academe, industry, professional societies, and State and local organizations.
  • Create innovative methods for transferring technology to industry.

The NILI Working Group will:

  • Enhance communication of information related to nanotechnology innovation and nanomanufacturing amongst the NSET Subcommittee, NNI participating agencies, and the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO).  This may include information about research and workforce education, manufacturing issues, market-driven needs, standards and nomenclature, and utilization of the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs.
  • Facilitate the identification, prioritization, and implementation of activities to improve technology exchanges among Federal, State, and local organizations and university and industry stakeholders in nanotechnology.  Assist in the development of resources, information, methodologies, and strategies that support rapid transfer of nanotechnology innovation to industry.
  • Facilitate the development of a coordinated program of nanomanufacturing R&D across the Federal agencies and the private sector, in order to speed the widespread application of nanotechnology innovations into new and improved products and services for commercial and public benefit.
  • Facilitate industry-led partnerships between the NNI and industry sectors.  Participation in liaison groups initiated by any interested industrial sector.  Each partnership would typically meet periodically and prepare statements outlining goals and planned activities.

Membership

Membership is open to all Federal agencies and their component organizations.  Each participating agency may have a representative on the Working Group, and if desired may name alternates.

 


Learn About Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology: Big Things from a Tiny World brochure coverNano and Energy brochure cover

The NNI has two brochures for the public that introduce concepts in nanotechnolgy.  Big Things from a Tiny World (left) is a general overview; Powerful Things from a Tiny World (right) delves into nanotechnology and energy. Click on the images to see more.