The realm of nanotechnology owes its foundation to several key figures. One of the most notable is Richard Feynman, who in 1959, delivered a visionary lecture titled "There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom," suggesting the possibility of manipulating individual atoms. Another pivotal figure is Eric Drexler, known for his work in the 1980s that led to the conceptualization of molecular nanotechnology. Drexler’s book, "Engines of Creation," laid groundwork for future research and development in this field.