Nanoscience is a fast-developing research field with an immense range of potential applications. Europe, as well as all major research powers, is investing heavily in this research field. For the European Commission as well as for the most important member states, such as Spain, every opportunity to bring European research in this field forward should be considered strategic. With this perspective the Madrid Regional Administration, with the help of the EU Structural and Social Funds, as well as the European Investment Bank promoted the creation of IMDEA Nanociencia as an international, state of the art, scientific research institute dedicated to bringing light into the unknown world of the nanoscale through disruptive research programmes that are oriented towards solving fundamental societal and technological problems. Since its establishment as a non-profit foundation in 2007 IMDEA Nanociencia has attracted outstanding scientific talent from all continents forming high performance research group that compete at the highest level and operates a purposes built 10.000 m2 facility with more that 60 labs.