Nanotechnology in North Dakota, USA: Market Report

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North Dakota, situated in the Midwestern region of the United States of America, had a population of 699,628 as of 2012. It covers a total area of 183,272 km².

In 2011, the state’s GDP was $40.3 billion, with agriculture and mining industries being the chief contributors.

North Dakota is being recognized for encouraging emerging businesses, expansions, and entrepreneurs. The growth of the state’s manufacturing technology-based businesses that are nurtured by government incentives is attracting new businesses.

Even though manufacturing has weakened in most US states since 2000, it has grown in North Dakota and presently accounts for 10% of its GDP. This has been partly assisted by the Dakota Manufacturing Extension Partnership that focuses on helping local manufacturers to become more competitive on the global stage. The Centers of Excellence program has also been established to help reinforce North Dakota’s manufacturing and technology-based businesses.

North Dakota is also dedicated to establishing a robust business climate, which in turn nurtures workforce development and higher-paying jobs, and promotes innovation and entrepreneurship.

Nanotechnology Research and Education

Some of the top academic institutes in North Dakota offering research programs and courses in nanotechnology and nanoscience are mentioned below.

North Dakota State University

This is a public university situated in Fargo. Given below are nanotech initiatives offered by the North Dakota State University:

• Materials and Nanotechnology Program—This is an interdisciplinary Graduate Program spanning many centers and colleges. Master’s and PhD degrees are offered.
• Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE)—This offers research and development with outstanding facilities, equipment, and staff with excellent expertise. The following are some of its research core competencies:
  • Corrosion Protection
  • Electronics Miniaturization
  • Hard Coatings
  • Bioactive Materials
  • Combinatorial Science
  • Wireless Sensors and RFID
  • Flexible Electronics and Materials

North Dakota State College of Science

The college offers two-year degrees, diplomas, and certificates in more than 80 academic options together with courses in nanoscience technology. The following is a nanotech initiative of the North Dakota State College of Science:

• Center for Nanoscience Training Technology—It offers workforce development and industry training opportunities for preliminary skill development, technical improvement, and professional growth of incumbent workers.

Recent Developments

In January 2012, a group of researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the North Dakota State University learned that the durability and flexibility of carbon nanotube films and coatings are closely linked to their electronic properties. Their research work could play a key role in developing flexible electronic devices such as wearable sensors and solar cells, and it can also be a breakthrough in the nanotechnology sector of North Dakota.

Recently, there have not been any other reports of nanotechnology developments in the state. So it seems reasonable to accept the fact that, while North Dakota plays an active role in promoting nanotechnology via education, the amount of research and other nano-related activity in this state is fairly small. This is in spite of its best efforts to draw high-tech businesses to the state.