National Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology (NERCN) was sponsored by National Development and Reform Commission of China in October 2003. It is an exclusive national-level engineering research center for nanotechnology and application in China, and run by Shanghai National Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology Co., Ltd., which was established by the following shareholders: Shanghai Jiaotong University, Fudan University, East China Normal University, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai Zizhu Venture Capital Co., Ltd., Shanghai Baosteel Group Corporation, Shanghai Science & Technology Investment Corporation, Shanghai Nanotechnology Promotion Center.

NERCN aims to hold together brilliant researchers in nanotechnology from Shanghai and even the whole China to do some research and development and popularizes S&T results focusing on present and potential market demands for nanotechnologies and products, in order to promote the development of nanotechnology industry, push the technology progress of traditional industries, develop Hi-tech industries and provide technology support for national economic, social development and national security.