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February 3, 2016

OSTP Seeks Nanotechnology Commercialization Success Stories

Lynn L. Bergeson Carla N. Hutton

On February 2, 2016, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) published in the Federal Register a request for information (RFI) seeking examples of commercialization success stories stemming from U.S. government-funded nanotechnology research and development (R&D) since the inception of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) in 2001.  OSTP states that the information gathered in response to this RFI may be used as examples to highlight the NNI’s impact or to inform future activities to promote the commercialization of federally funded nanotechnology R&D.  Depending on the nature of the feedback, OSTP may use responses to shape the agenda for a workshop to share best practices and showcase commercial nanotechnology-enabled products and services.  OSTP also posted a blog item regarding the RFI, which describes “pioneering nanotechnology research by two 2015 National Medal of Science and one National Medal of Technology and Innovation recipients [that] has found its way into multiple commercial products.”  OSTP invites responses from commercial entities, academic institutions, government laboratories, and individuals who have participated in federally funded R&D; collaborated with federal laboratories; used federally funded user facilities for nanoscale fabrication, characterization, and/or simulation; or have otherwise benefited from NNI agency resources.  Responses are due February 29, 2016.