Economic Impact

Many believe that nanotechnology will spur the next industrial revolution, and the economic potential is in full evidence at the IIN.

Research at the IIN has resulted in more than 2,000 new products and systems commercialized worldwide, as well as 28 new startup companies that have attracted over $1 billion in venture capital funding.

While popular culture often celebrates stories of lone inventors, real-world innovation is more often the result of active collaboration among partners, mentors, and investors. One of the strengths of the IIN is that it provides the supportive framework necessary for innovation, including partnerships with academia, industry, national laboratories, and business professionals; opportunities for seed research funding; and expert administrative support to develop large-scale grants.

This innovation ecosystem encourages and supports the translation of scientific discoveries into products that benefit society.

"That means jobs."

In October 2014, President Barack Obama visited the Northwestern campus and took a moment to acknowledge the IIN’s economic impact. Watch:

“If we want to make and sell the best products, we have to invest in the best ideas, just like you do at Northwestern. Your nanotechnology institute doesn’t just conduct groundbreaking research. That research has spun off 20 startups and more than 1,800 products, and that means jobs.”