The state is looking to add more women and minorities to its nanotech industry, and Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday a $15 million fund to support specialized education and training programs in the field.

The programs are designed to increase opportunities for women and minorities.

Education and training will start as early as elementary school and up to those training for masters or doctoral degrees.

The privately funded initiative is part of the Global 450 Wafer Consortium.

G450C was created by Cuomo in 2011 to help the state make the leap into the next generation of nanotechnology.