Inside Nanobiotechnology

Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Inc.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center recognizes that coordinating statewide research assets and resources  and developing a solid industry infrastructure can propel innovation and facilitate commercialization.

The Center of Innovation for Nanobiotechnology (COIN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating  commercialization of nanobiotechnologies in North Carolina. COIN is strengthening the nanobiotechnology industry in North Carolina by:

• connecting promising nanobiotechnology innovators with industry partners, resources and collaborators,
• building a community of innovators and industry players focused on commercialization and
• driving successful new product development and commercialization by reducing barriers.

COIN Originates with Nanotech Pioneers in Piedmont Triad

COIN started with the cooperation and collaboration of three Piedmont Triad universities and the Piedmont Triad Partnership, a non-profit 12-county regional economic development corporation.

The Piedmont Triad was a logical birthplace for COIN. It is the home of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, a two-campus collaboration between North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). The Triad is also  home to  The Center of Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials at Wake Forest University.

In 2007, the NC Biotechnology Center awarded a $100,000 Phase I COI planning grant to these partners to allow for the development of a business plan for the future Center of Innovation for Nanobiotechnology. Following the submission of the business plan for review, the Center approved a $2.5 million Phase II COI grant that allowed the creation and launch of COIN.

Since its inception, the COIN consortium has expanded to include Duke University, North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and UNC-Charlotte. COIN operates across the state and supports nanobiotech advances around the world.

Nanotechnology and North Carolina: At a Glance

There are over 50 emerging nanotech companies and 35 emerging nanobiotech companies in North Carolina. Other nanotechnology-related facts about the state are:

• North Carolina ranks 8th among U.S. states for nanotech.
• Raleigh ranks 4th among U.S. metro areas for nanotech.
• North Carolina is strong in three high-growth, nanotech sectors: bio-tech/medicine & health, materials, and tools & instruments.
• North Carolina has 35 nanotech university research centers and two nanoscience PhD programs.
• Forsyth Tech Community College is among the first community colleges in the country to offer nanotech associate’s degrees.