Located on the campus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the institute also offers education programs, training to researchers and services to industry and the scientific community.

The Institute promotes the commercial exploitation and dissemination of the results of its research, through collaboration with local and international companies.

l. The institute is also involved in spinoff companies and provides a range of facilities and services to support research and innovation carried out by its partners.

[5][6] The ICN2 is led by its director, Prof. Pablo Ordejón, Research is led by 18 group leaders.The ICN2's strategic research programs are reviewed and evaluated by an independent Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) made up of international scientists with experience in nanoscience and nanotechnology from the public and private sectors.

ICN2 participates in educational programs at school, such as NanoEduca,[9] and in the community with seminars and workshops that bring scientists together with business people and politicians.