The Centre for Nanomaterials was established to concentrate on the development of technologies for production of nanopowders and also explore their utilization for applications which cater to either a large Indian market or a market unique to India. The Centre has made substantial progress not only in establishing a vast array of synthesis, processing and characterization facilities, but also in application development in the areas of nanosilver for drinking water disinfection, nano-ZnO for electrical varistors, nano alumina-based cutting tool materials and nanotungsten carbide as non-noble catalyst in PEM fuel cell electrodes. New projects related to functional textile finishes, utilization of aerogels for thermal insulation applications, synthesis of inorganic fullerenes and establishment of pulse electrodeposition to make nanostructured coatings and catalysts have also been recently taken up.