Nanotechnology's time ascendant at the peak of the hype cycle is past. But that doesn't mean the hard work of basic science and translation into industry isn't getting done. Since 2001, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) said more than $25 billion has been invested by the U.S. government into nanotechnology. That massive investment is starting to pay off in developments that benefit various industries, including med tech and biotech.