Nanotechnologies

EPFL’s School of Engineering is at the cutting edge of nanotechnology research, spearheading innovations that span diverse fields such as electronics and medicine. Our multidisciplinary teams are devoted to creating and refining nanoscale materials and devices with unparalleled functionalities.

Learn more about nanotechnologies

Nanotechnology research at EPFL’s School of Engineering is dedicated to crafting groundbreaking materials and devices at the nanoscale, driving significant advancements in fields such as electronics and healthcare.

Our experts

Our specialists excel in the design, fabrication, and analysis of nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanoscale coatings. Their research is pivotal in advancing technologies like quantum computing, nanoscale sensors, and precision drug delivery.

Our laboratories

Our advanced laboratories provide the ideal environment for groundbreaking research in nanotechnologies. These facilities support high-precision fabrication, comprehensive structural analysis, and detailed material characterization, turning innovative ideas into practical solutions.

Our spinoffs

Discover the innovative ventures stemming from our ecosystem, focused on nanotechnology. These dynamic startups are developing revolutionary applications ranging from advanced electronics to novel medical treatments.

Centers

We work in close partnership with leading research facilities and institutes both within EPFL and globally to expand the frontiers of nanotechnology. These collaborations drive interdisciplinary research and fast-track the development of pioneering solutions to meet societal challenges.

Education

Explore exceptional opportunities for education, research, and practical experience in nanotechnologies at the School of Engineering. Become part of the next generation of innovators, contributing to a future where advanced nanotechnologies open new possibilities and enhance lives.

NEWS

Keep up with the latest discoveries and developments in nanotechnology from EPFL’s School of Engineering. Our researchers are at the forefront of innovations in quantum computing, nanoscale sensors, and targeted drug delivery. Visit our news section for insights into the cutting-edge research transforming the future of nanotechnology.

Meta-atoms at varying orientations on a chiral metasurface. 2025 EPFL Bionanophotonic Systems Lab CC BY SA 4.0

Light reveals secrets encoded in chiral metasurfaces

— By leveraging the concept of chirality, or the difference of a shape from its mirror image, EPFL scientists have engineered an optical metasurface that controls light to yield a simple and versatile technique for secure encryption, sensing, and computing.

A metasurface of gold nanowires drives quantum light emission and concentrates the resulting light waves to detect biomolecules. 2025 Ella Maru Studio/BIOS EPFL CC BY SA 4.0

EPFL scientists build first self-illuminating biosensor

— Engineers have harnessed quantum physics to detect the presence of biomolecules without the need for an external light source, overcoming a significant obstacle to the use of optical biosensors in healthcare and environmental monitoring settings.

The ERC Advanced Grant 2024 recipients from the School of Engineering: Camille-Sophie Brès, Francesco Stellacci, Elison Matioli and Kirsten Moselund. EPFL 2025 CC BY SA 4.0

EPFL research is back on the European stage

— Eight EPFL researchers have been selected by the European Research Council (ERC) as part of the 2024 call for proposals for the Advanced Grant competition, including four in the School of Engineering.

Adrian M. Ionescu © Alain Herzog

Adrian Ionescu elected to Academia Europaea

— Following a competitive recommendation and peer review process, School of Engineering professor Adrian M. Ionescu has been elected to the prestigious Pan-European Academy of Humanities Letters and Sciences.

Adrian ionescu, 6th from left, leads EPFL's NanoLab. © ERC

Adrian Ionescu named Ambassador for the ERC

— The European Research Council (ERC) and the Association of ERC Grantees (AERG) launched the new Ambassadors for the ERC network on 28 April 2025. School of Engineering professor Adrian Ionescu is one of 32 grantees selected and nominated as an Ambassador.

All news

VIDEOS

Watch our videos to gain insights from EPFL’s foremost researchers in nanotechnology. Learn about the latest breakthroughs in nanoscale materials, devices, and other transformative applications. Join us as we explore the science and technology driving nanotechnology innovation and see how our work is shaping the future.

Combining AI and Nanotechnology to Probe the Biomolecular World

A plasma-based nanodevice to generate powerful terahertz waves

Under the skin, a tiny laboratory

New imaging method gives live glimpse into how cells work

A microscope to observe cellular activity, one molecule at a time

Harnessing blood flow to navigate endovascular microrobots

New nanowire architectures boost computers’ processing power

Smart microrobots that can adapt to their surroundings

Can materials mimic the human body? | Elison Matioli | TEDxArendal