Minnesota Nano Center
The Minnesota Nano Center, or MNC, is a state-of-the-art facility for interdisciplinary research in nanoscience and applied nanotechnology.
The Center offers a comprehensive set of tools to help researchers develop new micro- and nanoscale devices, such as integrated circuits, advanced sensors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and microfluidic systems. The MNC is also equipped to support nanotechnology research that spans many science and engineering fields, allowing advances in areas as diverse as cell biology, high performance materials, and biomedical device engineering.
Have a Project?
The tools and labs of the Nano Center are open for use by all trained and qualified users. We also do custom projects in the areas of microdevices, nanoparticles, and biomedical applications of nanotechnology.
Contact us and find out how we can help you realize your research goals or turn your ideas into new products.
Nano Center Updates
Join us for Nano Day October 9th, 2026 2pm-5pm
Join us to celebrate the research, people, and innovation advancing nanotechnology and nanoscience across disciplines at the University of Minnesota and throughout Minnesota and the region. The afternoon with include a live demonstration, tours of the Minnesota Nano Center and other UMN facilities and labs, research posters, and plenty of opportunities to connect with students, researchers, industry partners, and members of the broader nanotechnology community.
2:00–2:30 p.m. — Welcome + Networking
2:30–3:00 p.m. — Live Demonstration from Physics Force
3:00–4:00 p.m. — Minnesota Nano Center Tours
4:00–5:00 p.m. — Poster Session + Networking
Present a Poster: Showcase your research, program, or capabilities through a poster. An existing poster or other display is welcome, there’s no need to create something new specifically for Nano Day. RSVP to Attend by September 22nd.
Coffee Hour with MNC Every 1st Tuesday of the Month!
The Nano Center hosts a coffee hour for current and potential users on the first Tuesday of each month. These informal drop-in sessions offer MNC users the chance to meet with the staff of the Nano Center and discuss their projects or get pointers on using our nanofabrication tools. The Coffee Hour is held 10 - 11 AM in room PAN 130. See you there!
Take the Nano Center Video Tour!
Acknowledgment of NSF and NNCI
Published papers must acknowledge all sources of financial support. Since MNC receives funds from the National Science Foundation through the NNCI network, MNC users must acknowledge that support on all publications and presentations. Our funding is jeopardized unless everyone complies, so please add the following to your acknowledgement sections:
“Portions of this work were conducted in the Minnesota Nano Center, which is supported by the National Science Foundation through the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) under Award Number ECCS-2025124."
In circumstances where there is insufficient space for this entire acknowledgement, please be sure to mention "Award Number ECCS-2025124" at a minimum.