The role of Nanotech BC falls under three broad mandates:

* To advocate for growth of BC's nanotechnology research and development community and infrastructure.
* To communicate with industrial, academic, government and public stakeholders to increase awareness of nanotechnology.
* To represent BC's nanotechnology interests and pursue partnerships nationally and internationally.

At the outset the needs of the research community are a priority, but the emphasis will shift towards economically beneficial activities as applications are deployed. Nanotech BC will also assist provincial stakeholders by responding to national and international initiatives in a coordinated and strategic manner by opening the doors to industrial partners.

Nanotech BC will achieve its aims by:

* Facilitating linkages between BC and other regional, national and international organizations.
* Providing a forum for researcher networking and infrastructure development.
* Fostering entrepreneurial research activity by enhancing linkages with industry.
* Coordinating provincial interests around nano-related ethical, environmental, economic, legal and safety issues (NE3LS).
* Expanding understanding of nanoscience and nanotechnology on a province-wide basis.
* Providing intelligence to industry and academia, by way of watching briefs, industry sector studies, researcher profiles, workshops and conferences on a revenue-generating basis.