What’s Nanotechnology? Texas Tech Just Got $12M for Further Research and Development

In a recent press release from Governor Greg Abbott, his office announced that Texas Tech University will be given a $12 million grant for a new facility dedicated to nanotechnology research and development.

Where is the Money Coming From?

For many, the first thought that crosses their mind is wondering where this massive dollar amount is coming from. The $12 million is a part of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), a grant program established in 2023 to ensure Texas remains at the forefront of semiconductor research and design.

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Abbott hopes that funding these industries will encourage other companies to do business with and help boost Texas' already massive economy.

What is Nanotechnology?

The new grant will go towards a new cleanroom where projects ranging from solid-state lasers, ultra-light high-power electronics, to other energy production initiatives can be conducted, according to Abbott's release.

There are a lot of big words and phrases thrown around that often go over the head of those not involved in the industry, so let's break down what this actually means.

First, nanotechnology refers to the control of matter at the nanoscale. You see, physical and chemical properties of materials that small are often much different from what we experience in our normal-sized lives.

Just so you know, one nanometer equals one billionth of a meter, AKA 0.000000001 meters.

If you want your mind blown, let's put this into perspective. One nanoparticle is about 4 nanometers in diameter. Multiply that by one million and you have the average length of an ant (4 millimeters). Multiply the length of an ant by one million and that's 4 kilometers: roughly the length of one lap on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

So yeah, saying nanotechnology deals with small particles is an understatement at best.