Nearly 20 years have passed since Binnig and Rohrer published the first STM paper. This is the traditional gestation period for maturation of science into technology. What are the prospects for the science of nanostructures leading to new technology? There is already significant technology based on empirically derived nanostructures (for instance, heterogeneous catalysts, photographic film). A broad base of new nano-analytical tools is in place; nano-fabrication techniques are improving; new products are appearing in the market; and Federal funding agencies are taking notice. The National Science and Technology Council has formed an Interagency Working Group on Nanometer Science, Engineering and Technology. The working group will issue a report (June 1999) summarizing the opportunities, suggesting a national initiative in nanotechnology, and recommending a substantially larger federal investment in the science necessary to accelerate technologies built on nanostructures. This talk will briefly review the SOA in nanoscience, focus on highlighting examples where AVS pertinent nanoscience is making the transition into technology (computer memory-terabit/in2, biological sensors-molecular recognition/signal transduction, and nanostructured coatings-surface engineering), and conclude with a glimpse at potential federal agency funding.