NANOFUTURES ASBL

Their core work

NANOfutures is a Brussels-based European Technology Integration and Innovation Platform (ETIP) that coordinates the nanotechnology and advanced materials community across Europe. They connect industry, research, and policymakers to align nanotechnology roadmaps, facilitate public dialogue on nano-safety and governance, and support the path from lab research to pilot production. Their work focuses on building shared infrastructure strategies (like the Materials Common House concept) and ensuring responsible, transparent development of nanotechnologies through citizen engagement and mutual learning initiatives.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

NANOfutures' early H2020 involvement (2015-2016) centered on structural coordination — building a shared materials platform (MATCH) and developing strategies for combined R&D funding (EU-GREAT). From 2017 onward, their focus shifted toward societal engagement, responsible innovation, and practical infrastructure: NANO2ALL brought in keywords like transparency, trust, and inclusion, while ACEnano and EPPN moved toward concrete characterisation standards and pilot production networks. The trajectory shows a clear shift from policy-level coordination toward public trust-building and bridging research to manufacturing.

Moving from abstract governance toward practical manufacturing readiness and public acceptance of nanotechnologies — increasingly relevant as nano-enabled products enter consumer markets.

How they like to work

NANOfutures exclusively participates as a partner, never as coordinator, which is consistent with their role as a platform organization that supports and connects rather than leads technical research. With 77 unique partners across just 5 projects (averaging 15+ partners per consortium), they operate in large, multi-country consortia typical of Coordination and Support Actions. Their Brussels base and association structure make them a natural network hub — they bring community access and policy connections rather than technical execution capacity.

Extensive European network spanning 77 unique consortium partners across 19 countries, reflecting their role as a pan-European nanotechnology platform. Their Brussels location and association status give them direct access to both EU institutions and national nano-communities.

What sets them apart

NANOfutures occupies a rare niche as a dedicated European nanotechnology integration platform — not a research lab, not a company, but the connective tissue between them. For consortium builders, they bring an established pan-European network of nano and materials actors, credibility with policymakers, and experience in public engagement that satisfies EU requirements for responsible research and innovation (RRI). If your project needs a nanotechnology community voice at the table or a partner experienced in societal acceptance work, they are a strong fit.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ACEnano
  Their largest funded project (EUR 114,980) and their only RIA — a technical characterisation project rather than pure coordination, signaling a move toward more hands-on engagement.
• NANO2ALL
  A flagship responsible innovation project running nearly 4 years, focused on building public trust in nanotechnology through citizen dialogue — directly aligned with EU RRI priorities.
• EPPN
  Positioned NANOfutures in the pilot production ecosystem, connecting nano research to manufacturing scale-up facilities across Europe.