Institute of Nano Science and Technology

The Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) is an autonomous research institution registered under the Society Registration Act, 1960, functioning under the Department of Science and Technology (India) and the National Mission on Nano Science and Technology. It aims to promote research, products, and technology in nanoscience, focusing on areas such as agricultural nanotechnology, nanomedicine, energy and environmental science, quantum materials, nano electronics, microfluidics, and nanobiotechnology. INST is governed by a Board of Governors, currently chaired by Dipankar Das Sarma, with C. N. R. Rao as founding chairman. The institute began operations on 3 January 2013 under founding director Ashok K Ganguli, followed by Hirendra Nath Ghosh as acting director, and Amitava Patra as director since March 2020. Its campus is located in Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, adjacent to IISER Mohali, on land allotted by the Punjab Government. The institute houses the 'Faraday Lab,' equipped with advanced instruments like electron microscopes, spectrometers, and diffractometers. INST also runs outreach initiatives such as the 'School Adoption Program' and participates in government programs like Swachh Bharat and Make in India.