IBSA is a trilateral, developmental initiative between India, Brazil and South Africa to promote South-South Cooperation and exchange.

IBSA nanotechnology initiative was initiated as a collaborative program between the Department of Science and Technology of three participating countries, with an objective of developing trilateral collaborative projects of common relevance and interest.

The objective of the IBSA initiative is to formulate tri- and bi-lateral mega collaborative programmes in the area of nanotechnology, of mutual interests to the participating nations. The accepted priority areas of common national interest to all three countries under this initiative include, advanced materials, energy systems, sensors, catalysis, health (TB, malaria and HIV), water treatment, agriculture and environment.

Education and human resource development in this challenging and multi-dimensional area of nanotechnology, has also been identified as one of the major focus areas of the IBSA programme, towards nurturing young talents and motivating them to pursue a carreer in nanoscience and technology.