Maryland NanoCenter and Industry

While integration of nano science and engineering fosters synergies for their mutual advancement, it's their creation of technology for the marketplace that generates economic value. Maryland 's nano community includes faculty with interest and commitment to see the practical impact of technology development and the economic benefit of commercialization, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship.

Our close partnerships with industry enable impact on nanotechnology in commercial, defense, and public sectors.  This particularly apparent in the Clark School of Engineering, where engineering and technology development translate scientific discovery into economic value.  Emerging nanotechnologies can receive a major boost toward commercialization and manufacturing through nationally recognized entrepreneurship programs linking engineering with the Robert H. Smith School of Business, such as the Hinman CEOs Program or the Quest Program.  Perspectives of systems engineering, available through the Institute for Systems Research, round out a strong basis for appreciating what is needed for nanotechnology in the marketplace.  This broader environment represents outstanding preparation for the nanotechnology industries of the future.

Nano research can turn into commercial enterprise directly on campus.  The Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (MTECH) provides a strong portfolio of programs to assist commercialization and entrepreneurship, including technology incubator facilities, access to university capabilities, and funding programs targeted to Maryland industry. For example, scanning probe techniques developed on campus have been further developed into successful nanotechnology products by Neocera. The Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) works closely with Maryland NanoCenter and UMD faculty not only to generate and license intellectual property, but particularly to encourage strong ongoing partnerships with industry that lead to mutual benefit.