The First (of a Long Series) Nano Student Design Competition

The IEEE Nanotechnology Council (NTC) has marked its 25th anniversary by fostering educational initiatives for students and young professionals. Among these efforts, the Nano Student Design Competition (Nano SDC) was introduced during the 24th IEEE International Conference on Nanotechnology (IEEE NANO 2024) in Gijon, Spain. Nano SDC is a platform for student teams to design practical solutions to challenges in nanoscience and nanotechnology, guided by NTC Technical Committees. Participants showcase their prototypes, software, or methodologies at the conference, fostering innovation and collaboration. The inaugural competition included awarded projects ranging from flexible graphene-based infrared photodetectors to software for graphene fabrication, with winners gaining opportunities to publish their work in the IEEE Nanotechnology Magazine. Building on its success, Nano SDC is set to become a recurring highlight of IEEE NANO conferences, aiming to enhance student participation and create a sustainable, dynamic network within the nanotechnology community. The next edition will take place at IEEE NANO 2025 in Washington, D.C., continuing its mission to inspire and engage the next generation of nanotechnologists.