Midwest Institute for Nanoelectronics Discovery (MIND) and Local Research Efforts

Q: What is the importance of the Midwest Institute for Nanoelectronics Discovery (MIND)?

A: The Midwest Institute for Nanoelectronics Discovery (MIND) is one of four primary research centers nationwide, and is comprised of the University of Notre Dame in association with Purdue, Penn State and Cornell Universities; Georgia Tech; and the Universities of Illinois, Michigan and Texas-Dallas.  It is funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology as well as a consortium of the world’s leading computer chip makers – including IBM, AMD, Intel, Micron, Freescale Semiconductor and Texas Instruments.

MIND is important not only because it is working to create breakthroughs in nanoelectronics, but because it will play a role in stimulating growth of start-up companies at two sites that comprise a unique state-certified technology park in South Bend. They are Innovation Park at Notre Dame on the city’s northeast side and Ignition Park just south of downtown, along the Sample Street Corridor, former home to the Studebaker auto company.

While Innovation Park facilitates commercialization for many forms of research, Ignition Park will concentrate on nanotechnology commercialization of MIND-inspired concepts, and on other high-potential technologies and ventures as they emerge.

To fund MIND, the state of Indiana has pledged $12 million, and the City of South Bend already has committed $1 million. Meanwhile, the consortium of universities comprising MIND has committed $2.4 million in matching funds, and IBM is offering $2 million. Officials expect more money will come from federal grants.