Stakeholder Spotlight – NANONET

Tell us a little about your organisation. How do the areas of nanotechnology and sustainability impact your work?

Fundacja Wspierania Nanonauk i Nanotechnologii NANONET (ang. Foundation for Support Nanoscience and Nanotechnology) was established in 2006 and based in Katowice (Poland). Its main task is to promote modern entrepreneurship based on nanotechnology solutions and disseminate research results in this rapidly growing discipline of science. The Foundation is part of the Polish Committee for Standardization for Nanotechnology and Innovation. The Nanonet is also a coordinator of the Silesian NanoCluster, with more than 75 members, mainly companies and research institutions. One of the main goals of the Cluster is to develop lasting collaboration between the scientific and business sectors, enabling the implementation of joint research and development projects and the effective transfer and commercialisation of their results in the business context.

What is the newest/most innovative development in nanotechnology that you and/or your organisation is excited about now?

We are always happy to hear about any innovative solution (product, process) in nanotechnology and the way it affects the business. Sustainable development in nanofabrication is one of the most important factors that has a significant impact on the development of nanotechnology. What we are excited about is how sustainable nanomaterials might counter environmental change and support achieving European Green Deal policy goals.

What, in your opinion, is the most important thing (tool, process, support, etc.) that is needed right now to help grow and strengthen the nanotechnology community?

Nanotechnology is still an emerging area of research, and it requires support in scaling it up into products and business opportunities. The variety of nanotechnology application (i.e. medicine, energy, environment, safety) needs many different competences and cooperation on many levels of science and business. The most important thing that is needed right now is a platform for the exchange of knowledge between science and business, which will enable the implementation of new products based on nanotech solutions.

What, in your opinion, are important factors or influences that will affect the direction of the nanotechnology community in the future?

The sustainable development of nanotechnology and its potential application in tackling the environmental change processes will definitely affect the direction of nanotechnology and its community in the future. As a community, we have to convince society that nano-based products are safe and may play a significant role in making efforts to create a more sustainable environment.

Interviewee person: The NANONET Team

For more information, please visit: Fundacja NANONET – Fundacja Wspierania Nanonauk i Nanotechnologii NANONET