About TNI

Our Mission ­ The Texas Nanotechnology Initiative is dedicated to establishing Texas as a world leader in the discovery, development, and commercialization of nanotechnology. We have organized a consortium of Texas-based universities, industry leaders, investors, and government officials in order to foster communication, collaboration, and the sharing of resources to accelerate the realization of our goal.

Why Nanotechnology? Why Now?

The history of civilization and industry revolves around man’s ability to understand and manipulate the physical world. As the ability to see and use a smaller and smaller scale of matter has progressed, the number of potential and practical uses of inert and organic material has multiplied. As an example, every product of the electronics industry is a result of the historically recent ability to manufacture at the micron (one millionth of a meter) scale. The techniques which allow reliable, economic production of products and materials at the nanometer (one billionth of a meter) are being developed right now. It is vital to Texas’ future wellbeing that, as a state, we gain and retain the intellectual and industrial resources necessary to maintain leadership and ownership of a broad base of the industry which will shape the 21st century. If we lag or delay, we will wind up working for the leaders, instead of with them.

Advocacy

TNI will continue to work with federal, state and local government officials and their staffs to provide up to date information on the nature and current status of the industry and to act as a conduit for commentary and feedback on the actions and proposed actions of governing and regulatory bodies.