and toolset to advance nanotechnology; Support responsible development of nanotechnology. Initiatives Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives Nanotechnology Signature Initiatives (NSIs) spotlight areas of nanotechnology where significant advances in nanoscale science and technology can be made with the focus and cooperation of participating agencies. NSIs accelerate research, development, and application of nanotechnology in these critical areas. As of December 2020, the current NSIs are: NSI: Water Sustainability through Nanotechnology – Nanoscale Solutions for a Global-Scale Challenge, NSI: Nanotechnology for Sensors and Sensors for Nanotechnology – Improving and Protecting Health, Safety, and the Environment, NSI: Sustainable Nanomanufacturing - Creating the Industries of the Future, NSI: Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond. NSIs are dynamic and are retired as they achieve their specified goals or develop an established community they no longer require the spotlight provided as a NSI. Retired NSIs are: NSI: Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond, NSI: Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Collection and Conversion - Contributing to Energy Solutions for the Future, NSI: Nanotechnology Knowledge Infrastructure - Enabling National Leadership in Sustainable Design. Nanotechnology-Inspired Grand Challenges A nanotechnology-inspired grand challenge (GC) is an ambitious goal that utilizes nanotechnology and nanoscience to solve national and global issues. The first and current GC was announced in October 2015 after receiving input and suggestions from the public. As of December 2020, the grand challenge is: A Nanotechnology-Inspired Grand Challenge for Future Computing: Create a new type of computer that can proactively interpret and learn from data, solve unfamiliar problems using what it has learned, and operate with the energy efficiency of the human brain. Participating Federal Agencies and Departments Departments and agencies with nanotechnology R&D budgets: Other participating departments and agencies: See also National Science and Technology Council President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Translational research References External links Nanotechnology institutions Government research