The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has opened the International Research Innovation in Nanotechnology (RISING) Center at Rice University in Houston, Texas. This state-of-the-art center is a collaborative effort involving AFRL, Rice University, India's Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO), and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. The RISING Center is dedicated to advancing the development of nanomaterials—extremely small materials with massive potential applications in areas like aerospace, electronics, and defense.
Purpose & Goals
The RISING Center aims to increase the availability of rare nanomaterials and strengthen the scientific and manufacturing ties between the U.S. and India. This partnership leverages the unique properties of nano-manufacturing technologies to support advancements in various military and commercial technologies, including fuel-efficient aircraft, sensors, and electronics.
Key Projects & Technical Focus
The RISING Center will focus on five key nanomanufacturing areas:
1. Thin-film crystalline growth for scale-up processes
2. Device fabrication and tailored properties
3. 2D materials manufacturing via chemical vapor deposition (CVD)
4. Nanomaterials/polymer process protocols
5. Flexible electronics for munitions and energy-harvesting technologies
This research will help answer critical questions in the manufacturing of advanced materials and accelerate the development of innovative technologies.
Collaborative Innovation
By establishing the RISING Center at Rice University, AFRL ensures a physical space for the exchange of knowledge and expertise between U.S. and international researchers. The center serves as a hub for workforce development and rapid technology transfer, where AFRL scientists will collaborate directly with international experts.
This initiative aligns with the U.S. Air Force/Space Force Science and Technology 2030 Strategy, emphasizing global collaboration in critical emerging technologies. The RISING Center fosters international partnerships to tackle technology challenges, leveraging the strengths of both the U.S. and India.
