Exploring the Future Through Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology will transform the world in a similar manner to the semiconductor and personal computing revolutions of the latter part of the twentieth century. It is not a matter of “if,” but “when.”
Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at minuscule dimensions. Within the scope of nanoscience, for instance, it involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter. At this scale, nanoparticles exhibit unusual physical, chemical, and biological properties, distinct from those of bulk materials with similar compositions. There will be endless possibilities in the area of nanomedicine.
Even though the technology holds enormous potential, the path to getting there demands a circumspect leadership approach — one that ensures we are taking all the right steps to create an adequate interdisciplinary foundation across the public, private, and academic environments.
In 2015, we launched this exploratory and purposeful initiative, Explore Nano, to help offer resources and education on this promising new technology. Explore Nano formed an official partnership with the World Innovation Expo, Nanotech, based in Washington, D.C. This leading nanotechnology event is backed by over 24 federal agencies (including the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, and Department of the Air Force) and many leading corporations such as Boeing, Baxter, Corning, and Shell.
We have also initiated exploratory discussions with leading research universities. I look forward to sharing updates. Stay tuned.
Jay Maharjan
March 2, 2017
Update:
Nanotechnology will transform the world much as the semiconductor and personal computing revolutions did in the twentieth century. It’s not a matter of if — but when.
At its core, nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at the atomic and molecular scale. Within this realm, scientists can image, measure, model, and manipulate materials to unlock extraordinary new properties — physical, chemical, and biological — far beyond those of their bulk counterparts. The implications are profound, especially in nano-medicine, where breakthrough research could accelerate cures and expand access to transformative technologies.
While the potential is boundless, realizing it requires interdisciplinary leadership that bridges the public, private, and academic sectors. The question is not only how fast we advance — but how responsibly we build the systems to sustain innovation for the long term.
Founded in 2015, Explore Nano began as an initiative to expand education, awareness, and collaboration in this emerging field. We proudly partnered with the World Innovation Expo – Nanotech in Washington, D.C., the nation’s leading nanotechnology event supported by more than 24 federal agencies, including the Departments of Energy, Defense, and Health, as well as global corporations such as Boeing, Baxter, Corning, and Shell.
Moreover, after returning to the University of Southern California, the initiative partnered with USC’s Research Department to further strengthen its engagement at the Nanotech event in Washington, D.C. — connecting academic innovation with national and global conversations around emerging technologies.
Following this collaboration, I pursued advanced research at USC, earning my third master’s degree in Public Policy from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy and a Doctorate from the USC Rossier School of Education. My doctoral research focused on institutional investments in innovation through Sovereign Wealth Funds, exploring how public-purpose capital can strategically support breakthroughs in fields like nanotechnology.
Today, I continue to give back as an educator serving underserved communities, grounding future innovation in the values of equity, education, and opportunity. Explore Nano remains committed to fostering cross-sector collaboration and advancing responsible breakthroughs in nanoscience — because the next great transformation in human health and capability will begin at the nano-scale.
Dr. Jay Maharjan
March 24, 2025
