National Nanotechnology Day

Celebrate how the world’s smallest technologies shape our daily lives
October 9, 2026

The annual National Nanotechnology Day takes place on October 9, a date chosen to honor the nanometer scale (10-9 meters). This worldwide celebration highlights how nanotechnology enriches our daily lives today and the exciting opportunities it offers for the future. Schools, universities, and organizations across the country and around the world will join in to showcase and explore the impact of this transformative science.

2026 marks the 10th anniversary of National Nanotechnology Day! Join thousands around the world in celebrating this tiny but mighty science! Share how you are celebrating #NationalNanoDay with the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office at nnd@nano.nco.gov.

Need inspiration? Here are some ideas on how to celebrate #NationalNanoDay

At Home
  • Host a scavenger hunt centered around household items that are nanotechnology-enabled.
  • Create and share an image, video, illustration, or infographic about nanotechnology, including what it is, why it is important, and examples of applications.
  • Learn about nanotechnology through the years by exploring the NNI’s Nanotechnology Timeline. Do you think something else needs to be added? Send your ideas to nnd@nano.nco.gov or by tagging posts with #NationalNanoDay.
  • Size up Nano: Help explain what a nanometer is by sending explanations, pictures, and videos to nnd@nano.nco.gov or by tagging posts with #NationalNanoDay.

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In the Community
  • Organize outreach events featuring demonstrations about nanotechnology.
  • Sign up for remote sessions to see nature at the nanoscale using nanotechnology tools, such as a scanning electron microscope.
  • Run the 100 Billion Nanometer Dash: Run 100 meters and share pictures and videos on social media with #NationalNanoDay. Print a certificate of achievement and gold medal for everyone who participates.

At School
  • Organize lab tours and open houses.
  • Host a Science Café or discussion on nanotechnology. K-12 students and teachers can invite a local scientist from a college or university.
  • Print the latest nanotechnology brochure for your classroom. Discuss the many applications of nanotechnology to everyday life.
  • Watch the latest NNI video, Nanotechnology in Action, and share your thoughts with nnd@nano.nco.gov or by tagging posts with #NationalNanoDay
Information about previous National Nanotechnology Days