The Center for National Nanotechnology Innovation & Commercialization ("NNICC"), headquartered at CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex, is a world-class center designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled sensors, electronic devices, structures and systems.

Established through a research partnership between the U.S. Army Research Laboratory ("ARL") and CNSE, NNICC combines the capabilities and resources of ARL through its Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate, and CNSE to develop and demonstrate nanotechnology-driven products and applications that will provide the Army with technological and manufacturing advantages to support combat operations and enhance protection of its troops.

U.S. Army Research Laboratory's Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate (SEDD) Director Dr. John M. Pellegrino and CNSE Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros sign a research partnership agreement between ARL and CNSE as National Institute of Standards & Technology Senior Scientific Advisor to the Director of the Technology Innovation Program (TIP) Dr. Michael Schen and U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) Administrator Paul Brubaker look on. The research agreement was signed at the second annual Convergence of International Research and Commercialization in Albany, or CIRCA '08, presented by the UAlbany NanoCollege and AeA.

Through NNICC, scientists from ARL and CNSE conduct joint research targeting development of a variety of next-generation devices, structures and systems enabled by nanotechnology: "sensor-on-a-chip" systems for anti-terrorism and "soldier-in-the-field" remote sensing; lighter but stronger nanomaterial coatings that offer protection against chemical, thermal and environmental conditions; and, sensor networks and power electronic devices that provide multi-functionality while operating at low power.

NNICC is specifically working to create sensors that track a soldier's vital signs and trail where the soldier is in the field, as well as gather real-time information on the location of enemy forces. NNICC also looks to integrate nanotechnology into microrobots used to search buildings and wirelessly report information.