Founded in 2001, the Virginia Nanotechnology Initiative (formerly Initiative for Nanotechnology in Virginia, INanoVA) is committed to promoting the collaborative nanotechnology research, development and commercialization across the Commonwealth of Virginia. It seeks to enhance Virginia's province in nanotechnology through workforce development, technology transfer and commercialization, and as the preferred location for nano-business to grow and locate.

Among its members, the VNI includes Virginia's leading universities, Federal Research Laboratories located in the Commonwealth, and the nanotechnology businesses, both large and small which provide a source of nanotechnology growth, employment and research. In this regard, the VNI plays an active role in liaison with the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology, to encourage technology transfer, from University and other research institutions, for commercialization and subsequent growth of the nanotechnology industry in the Virginia. There are successful showcases of this technology transfer emphasis in the Commonwealth, notably Luna Innovation, Inc., NanoSonic, Inc., and NanoMatrix, Inc..

CATEGORIES: Government