About the IIN

In 2000, Northwestern made the bold, strategic decision to establish the International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN), the first institute of its kind in the country. Today, the IIN represents and unites more than $1 billion in nanotechnology research, educational programs, and supporting infrastructure.

Led by Chad Mirkin, world-renowned nanoscience expert and the George B. Rathmann Professor of Chemistry, the IIN has a deep talent pool that includes 19 members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, or the National Academy of Medicine. One of Northwestern’s largest collaborative efforts, IIN brings together more than 240 chemists, engineers, biologists, physicians, and business experts, from across the University to focus on society’s most perplexing problems. But the IIN’s influence extends far beyond the Northwestern campus. It has developed collaborative partnerships with academic institutions in 30 countries, as well as with more than a dozen U.S. federal agencies and over 100 corporations.

The IIN has also had an economic impact. Since its inception, more than 2,000 products and systems have been commercialized worldwide. Twenty-three start-up companies have been launched based upon IIN research, attracting over $1 billion in venture capital funding.

The IIN embodies an extraordinary combination of scientific capabilities, outreach programs, and partnerships that provide a unique and fertile ground for making substantial contributions to the field and ensure that the U.S. remains a world leader in nanotechnology.