The ICN2 is a non-profit international research institute located close to Barcelona, Spain. Its research lines focus on the newly discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. The patrons of the ICN2 are the Government of Catalonia, the Spanish National Research Council and the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The Institute promotes collaboration among scientists from diverse backgrounds to develop basic and applied research, while always seeking out new ways to interact with local and global industry. It also trains researchers in nanotechnology, develops numerous activities to inspire and guide uptake of nanotechnology by industry, and promotes networking among scientists, engineers, technicians, business people, society and policy makers. Recent discoveries in nanoscience can be game-changing in areas as diverse as medicine, energy and microelectronics. The excellence of the research performed at the ICN2 has enormous potential to change our everyday lives. For this reason, the Institute is deeply involved in strategic initiatives like the Graphene Flagship, as one of the nine original promoters, and as co-founder of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST).