In 2002, the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) was established at North Dakota State University conducting large-scale, multidisciplinary research for government and industry.

The CNSE was Located in a state-of-the-art research facility in the NDSU Research & Technology Park, In 2012, the CSNE began laying off workers and in November 2015 dissolved and closed due to lack of funding. Between 2002-2010, CSNE received more than $140 million dollars in federal funding.