HIQ-NANO SRL

Their core work

HiQ-Nano is an Italian SME specializing in the design, characterization, and safe application of nanomaterials and colloidal particles. They work at the intersection of nanosafety and functional nanoparticle engineering — helping ensure nanomaterials meet regulatory standards while developing particle-based sensors and functionalized colloids for biomedical and industrial use. Their expertise spans from safe-by-design methodologies for nanomaterial regulation to advanced colloid science, making them a bridge between nano-innovation and real-world compliance.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

HiQ-Nano started with a strong focus on nanomaterial regulation and safety standardization (NanoREG II, 2015-2019), working on grouping methodologies and industry-facing tools for compliance. From 2020 onward, they pivoted toward more applied and data-driven work — combining nano-informatics infrastructure (SbD4Nano) with advanced colloid science for biomedical applications (SuperCol). The shift suggests a move from purely regulatory support toward building functional nanomaterials with safety considerations embedded from the design stage.

HiQ-Nano is moving from regulatory compliance support toward designing functional nanomaterials with built-in safety, positioning themselves for the growing demand for responsible nano-innovation in biomedical and industrial sectors.

How they like to work

HiQ-Nano operates exclusively as a participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project. With 66 unique partners across 19 countries from just 3 projects, they clearly thrive in large, multi-national consortia where they contribute specialist nano-expertise. This pattern suggests they are a reliable technical contributor that larger coordinators seek out for their specific nanosafety and characterization capabilities.

Despite only 3 projects, HiQ-Nano has built connections with 66 partners across 19 countries — a remarkably broad network reflecting participation in large EU-wide consortia. Their reach spans most of Europe with no obvious geographic concentration beyond their Italian base.

What sets them apart

HiQ-Nano sits at a rare intersection: they understand both the regulatory side of nanomaterials (safety standards, grouping, compliance) and the hands-on science of designing functional nanoparticles. For consortium builders, this dual capability means one partner can contribute to both the safety/regulatory work packages and the materials development work packages. As a Lecce-based SME, they also bring Southern Italian innovation ecosystem connections that complement the typical Northern European research networks.

Highlights from their portfolio

• NanoREG II
  Major EU nanosafety initiative that developed regulatory grouping frameworks for nanomaterials — foundational work for how nano-products reach market.
• SuperCol
  Largest single grant (EUR 261,500) and a pivot into biomedical colloidal design via an MSCA training network, signaling new strategic direction.