This article is part of the second collection of introductory profiles of the "Misk Initiatives Incubator 2022" program, one of Misk Foundation's initiatives that is concerned with launching and supporting non-profit youth organizations, in addition to guiding them towards creating a sustainable societal impact. Today we will talk about Nanotech, a success story of an emerging non-profit organization specializing in nanotechnology, whose presence has enriched the awareness and culture of the youth scientific community. The organization has several advanced initiatives and programs in the field of scientific research and innovation, closely related to Nanoscience and its applications, to explore ways to invest and employ this technology at the local level, and to enhance the unmistakable imprint of Saudi youth on the path of development and prosperity of the Kingdom.
Vision & Mission
Nanotech launched as a non-profit organization in the local scene of scientific research and innovation to confirm the commitment of Saudi youth towards its society, and its constant endeavor to bring about the desired positive change in all fields. One of the most prominent goals of the organization is working to spread awareness of the importance of science and its practical applications, to establish a culture of learning, exploration and creativity in the minds of the rising generations. It also aims to provide specialized consultations in the field of practical research and innovation, supported by a series of programs and training courses.
Through the efforts of its expert members and specialists, Nanotech seeks to explore new and innovative career and professional paths in this field, and works to localize them in the Kingdom to meet the needs of its markets in these disciplines and to move forward at an accelerated pace towards achieving full participation within the emerging digital revolution.
Programs & Initiatives
The organization was successful in launching a set of specialized initiatives and programs in the field of nanotechnology. The programs aim to raise the level of competencies in this field, as well as arming graduates and professionals with advanced skills and tools in preparation for their entry into the labor market.
Nanotech has also launched several awareness and educational programs for male and female students, with curricula approved by major international and national universities. The purpose is to inform the youth of nanotechnology’s nature, advantages, and applications, and how to use it to serve the national technology sector. Also, the organization did not lose sight of targeting professionals and specialists in the field of nanotechnology with practical and applied programs that are directly related to the community of businessmen and entrepreneurs. By working on laying a solid foundation for nanotechnology they are hoping to create a strong support system and national authority.
Nanotech also offers several technical services, which include a developed website, an interactive educational application, and the resources related to augmented reality and virtual reality technology in the study of nanomaterials and their applications. These features aim to consolidate relations between entrepreneurs and the society of professionals and inventors, and provide specialized consultations in all areas of nanotechnology, including how to choose the most appropriate and accurate specialization, and determining the options available in masters and doctoral research.
The Impact
The organization was able to achieve a qualitative and professional leap throughout those that have participated in its programs and projects, which equalled to more than 374 beneficiaries from the Scientific Club, more than 200 beneficiaries from the series of Educational Scientific Seminars, and more than 200 specialists from students, graduates, researchers and academics.
Nanotech is still at the beginning of the road towards realizing its dream. Still, it stresses the need to achieve its goals - in developing research skills and critical thinking, promoting investment and employment of nanotechnology applications, and securing a knowledge incubator for exchange in this field among members of the Saudi youth community.
The Audience
The efforts and programs of Nanotech target young people between the ages of 15 to 34 years. Their aim is to enhance their technical capabilities and knowledge in scientific research and innovation in the field of nanotechnology, as well as to support the goals and visions of the Kingdom. It also works to equip graduates and professionals with tools and programs capable of facilitating the stages of growth and development of their careers.
Challenges
One of the most critical challenges that Nanotech currently faces is the lack of awareness of the importance of nanotechnology applications in various sectors, and the lack of harnessing national talent and experts in this field, which has led as a result to the reluctance of companies and investors to adopt innovations related to nanotechnology, the decline in knowledge and academic awareness of this technology among graduates of scientific disciplines, and the incompatibility of the outputs of specialists in nanosciences with the local labor market.
To enhance the organization's footprint and presence among the youth scientific community, it resorts to communicating with its members through several digital channels, including social media platforms, interactive applications, and other virtual world means. To establish its presence on the ground, Nanotech organizes workshops, training programs, and conferences to communicate directly with its audience.
Nanotech aspires to provide society with high-level talent that can meet the needs of the local labor market and ensure a specialized and experienced workforce in emerging and modern technologies.
Q&A
1. How would you describe the team in a sentence?
Ambitious and dedicated to giving, we strive to explore new horizons and investments in nanotechnology.
2. If your team had a motto or saying, what would it be?
Passion drives us towards creativity in a field we aspire to excel in.
3. What motivates you to serve the community?
Absolute belief in the importance of nanotechnology and harnessing it to serve society and support the economy in all its sectors, to improve the quality of life for our generation and future generations.
4. What are you proud of in the organization?
Our team is characterized by teamwork, the spirit of altruism, and the diversity of our disciplines of researchers and scientists in nanotechnology.
5. What impact do you want to achieve for the organization's beneficiaries?
To embody the aspirations and visions of researchers and specialists in nanotechnology and its applications on the ground, and to enhance its sustainable societal impact.
6. What does success look like for the organization?
The road to success is long but rewarding. We strive to achieve all the goals above, and multiply the number of interested and specialized participants in the programs and projects we organize and design.
7. What is the project that your team dreams of achieving?
We are working hard to integrate within the strategic plan of the national vision, in a way that benefits the beneficiaries of this system.
8. What defines your team?
Our support for students, graduates, and specialists in nanotechnology in all its applications, and the participation of a distinguished group of researchers and scientists in developing the content of our programs and activities, in addition to our relations with a series of research centers and universities.
9. What advice would you give to Saudi youth?
Determination and perseverance is the way to achieve dreams and aspirations, and enhancing an individual's involvement in common issues would accelerate the impact of positive change in all fields.
10. What are the most unique characteristics of Saudi youth?
Saudi youth are distinguished by seriousness, diligence, great ambition, persistence and perseverance in achieving their goal, regardless of the size of the obstacles and challenges that may stand in their way. Success and attainment of excellence are characteristics of Saudi society.
To contact the organization:
Social media accounts
https://twitter.com/saudinanoinit
To register and learn more about Misk Initiatives Incubator
https://hub.misk.org.sa/ar/programs/community/misk-initiatives-incubator/
