The U.S. federal government is requesting $518.9 million funding for nanotech in its FY 2002 budget, up 23% over FY 2001.

The funding is intended for eight federal departments and agencies, but most of it is earmarked for Department of Defense and university/DOD laboratory collaborative research programs in nano-electronics, optoelectronics, magnetics, nanostructured materials “by design,” and bio-nanosensor devices.

Other proposed research areas include spin electronics, nanocomponents, bioengineering, quantum computing, nanorobotics, unmanned missions, and environmental monitoring.