The Nano-IMAGINE program is designed to catalyze growth of Virginia’s nanotech sector by 1) providing hands-on workforce training 2) supporting the launch and growth of high-tech nanotechnology startups and 3) accelerating growth of nanotechnology companies. The program leverages Mason’s recently constructed 1,946 square foot Nanofabrication Facility, consisting of a class 1000 cleanroom and class 100,000 characterization lab. Using GO Virginia funding, tools essential to meet the workforce readiness training and industry acceleration goals will be purchased and installed.
AIM 1
Attract and train a diverse workforce supply chain needed for a high-demand, growing nanotechnology market in Virginia including 1) a multi-week Nano-Cleanroom certificate class for two-year degree students who want to pursue a nano-process technician career or continue into a four-year program to become a nano engineer/scientist; 2) Twenty-six Mason graduate and undergraduate technical classes with hands-on learning in the Nanofabrication Facility; and 3) nano-STEM educational outreach program for high school students.
AIM 2
Promote the creation, growth, and attraction of companies that leverage sophisticated clean room environments and tools for the development of next-generation nanoscale technologies by 1) creating an entrepreneur credential class to inspire, train, and prepare entrepreneurs to launch life science and nanotech based start-up companies, and 2) offering access to the NFF to startup companies.