Nanotec IT - Italian Centre for Nanotechnology- has been created by AIRI- Italian Association for Industrial Research- in 2003 to be a National focal point for nanotechnology of reference to industry, public research, governmental institutions. Its mission is to promote nanotechnology and its application in Italy and help to translate it into a competitive advantage for the Country.

To this end Nanotec IT contributes to:

  • Gather and disseminate information about nanotechnology with reference to R&D results and trends, applications, market data and forecasts, national policies/strategies
  • Address/stimulate the interest and the activity of private industrial enterprises, large and SMEs, toward these technologies
  • Solicit national actions capable of promoting and supporting the initiatives in this field
  • Foster contacts and cooperation between industry and public research
  • Favour technology transfer
  • Pursue a responsible development of nanotechnology

In 2006, with the endorsement of private enterprises and public research structures, AIRI/Nanotec IT has solicited the Italian Government the activation of a National Initiative for Nanotechnology (NIN) to support and make more effective the efforts in this area.

Nanotec IT’s action is not restricted to the national dimension. In fact, Nanotec IT:

  • Keeps contacts with other similar organisations, researchers, research structures and enterprises, dealing with nanotechnology in the world
  • Organizes exchange-visits with foreign countries
  • Participates in international initiatives, such as the Global Nanotechnology Network (GNN), promoting R&D cooperation, dissemination of information, the responsible development of nanotechnology
  • It’s actively involved in International and European R&D projects related to nanotechnology
  • The Nanotec IT publications (Census of Nanotechnology in Italy, Newsletter, electronic bulletin), its web site, the national and international events it regularly organises, have made of Nanotec IT the a source of information of reference for these emerging technologies.

The great part of big enterprises and public research, and numerous SMEs, active in Italy in nanotechnology, are already member of Nanotec IT (members), but new members are welcomed.

Nanotec IT has a Steering Committee formed by a number of representatives of the partners to address strategies and activities. Dr. Elvio Mantovani is the Managing Director of the Centre.