Nano Research Receives Mega Funding

Nanotech research is exploding as universities scramble to uncover the mysteries of tiny technologies. These institutions don't have to work alone and depend solely on their departmental budgets, though. The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Semiconductor Research Corp. (SRC) have formed a new partnership to solicit, manage, and most importantly, fund university nanoelectronics research projects.

Specifically, the NSF and SRC want to foster new research and education in areas outlined by the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors, an industry projection of future scientific and technical challenges. To help drive researchers down this road, the NSF is putting up $4 million in awards through its 2004 Nanoscale Science and Engineering Competition. Researchers in the U.S. can submit proposals in the area of Silicon Nanoelectronics and Beyond to the NSF.

"These new investments by NSF will be coordinated with SRC's university research program for maximum value," said Larry W. Sumney, SRC president and CEO. "SRC's established technology transfer mechanisms will enable NSF to help consumers more quickly benefit from university research discoveries. By avoiding duplication and targeting priorities, this foundation will exceed the sum of what SRC and NSF could achieve on their own."

The Semiconductor Industry Association has endorsed the Silicon Nanoelectronics and Beyond research program, whose funding is likely to increase in the future. In 2004, SRC expects to spend $40 million on university research. It has managed over $600 million in research at universities over the last 22 years. Each year, NSF distributes 11,000 new funding awards to nearly 2000 universities. It also awards over $200 million in professional and service contracts each year.